Chapter 524
"If you beg me, I might agree to keep up the act," the man's clear voice rang out behind her.
Aveline paused, her tone cold. "I'd rather die."
He wanted her to beg him? In his dreams!
Lucas chuckled softly. "So full of pride. Think about everything you've been through: a man like Darren constantly trying to kill you, Sophia scheming against you at every turn. Who else might come after you? How much longer can you endure? Dying sounds easy, but do you really have the courage to go through with it?"
His words struck her heart like a hammer, breaking down her resolve
Her steps slowed, and she clenched her bag tightly.Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.
She was unwilling to give up.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have contacted Lucas today.
Did she really dare to die? How could she, with so many things left undone?
Aveline closed her eyes, knowing that stepping back meant endless entanglement with him. He could easily walk away, but what about her? In the end, wouldn't she still be left battered and bruised? Fighting alone or relying on him seemed to lead to the same outcome.
Lucas watched her hesitation, his gaze unwavering. "Aveline, this is a one-time offer. If you walk out that door today, I promise you'll never see me again."
He meant every word.
Aveline bit her lip hard, closing her eyes once more. When she opened them, they were clear and determined.
She turned to face him. "Lucas, do you think you can control me like this? If before, I considered keeping up the agreement because it had its benefits, now I realize I don't need it. Standing by your side isn't any different from being hurt by those people."
Lucas raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued by her defiance.
"Perhaps," he said, "but at least with me, you know what to expect. With them, who knows how much worse it could get?"
Aveline's eyes flashed with determination. "I'd rather face the unknown than stay in a place where I'm constantly reminded of how powerless I am."
Lucas' expression softened just a fraction. "Fine. But remember, the door is always open for you to come back, if you change your mind."
Aveline turned once more and walked out, not looking back.
Her gaze was icy as she spoke, "You're just as vile as they are. I will only hate you."
With that, she turned and walked away.
:
Lucas watched her leave, not moving from his spot. The pain in his body intensified, causing his brow to furrow. Why did it hurt so much? He closed his eyes, and the next moment, he collapsed.
As Aveline exited the Tudor residence, she felt a weight lifted from her chest. She took out her phone and called Selena.
"Hello, what's up?" Selena's voice was somewhat cold when she answered.
Aveline sniffled and asked, "How about I cook dinner, and you come over? I'll make your favorite chicken wings."
There was a long silence on the other end of the line.
Aveline's grip on her phone tightened. "And I'll also make some grilled fish?"
Selena's stiff voice finally responded, "I want crispy pork too."
"Okay." Aveline smiled. "I'll be waiting for you at home
"Alright," Selena replied.
After hanging up, Aveline walked away with a lighter step.
Behind her, a servant hurried out, catching up with her, looking anxious. "Mrs. Tudor, please go back and check on Mr. Tudor!"
Aveline's expression remained indifferent. "What's wrong with him?"
"He's fainted and has a fever!" the servant exclaimed, panicked.
Aveline's eyelashes fluttered slightly. "Then you should call the ambulance, not ask me to go back. I'm not a doctor."
With that, she walked past the servant just as a taxi pulled up.
She got in and left.
The servant stood there, momentarily unsure, before steeling himself and heading back inside.