Divorced

Russell’s expression remained calm as he asked, “What’s going on?” All rights © NôvelDrama.Org.

Rina’s sobs became more pronounced. “My parents are trying to force me to meet with the Fletcher family to discuss an arranged marriage. I don’t want it–I don’t like Aaron, and I don’t want to marry him. Russ, please come get me!”

Russell maintained his casual demeanor. “And how exactly am I supposed to get you out of there?”

Rina cried even harder. “Russ, please, by any means necessary. Just get me out of here. I don’t want to marry Aaron–I don’t like him!”

Russell lowered his gaze, hiding the flicker of emotion in his eyes. After a brief pause, he finally responded, “Alright, send me your location.”

“Okay!”

The call ended.

Russell looked up at Aveline. “I have to go. Something came up.”

Aveline nodded. “Alright.”

Russell stood up and moved closer to her as if he wanted to say something more. But Aveline instinctively leaned back, putting a bit of distance between them.

“What is it?” she asked, confused by his behavior.

Her subtle, instinctive retreat deepened the shadow in Russell’s eyes, though he managed a small smile. He reached out and gently patted her head. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure you get that divorce.”

A faint, unfamiliar feeling stirred in Aveline’s heart.

She nodded. “Okay.”

Russell then left the room, and Aveline let out a quiet breath of relief.

For a moment, she had thought Russell was going to do something, but thankfully, he hadn’t.

When Selena returned, only Aveline and the nurse were in the room.

She looked around, puzzled. “Where’s Russ?”

“He had to leave. Something came up,” Aveline replied.

“Oh,” Selena said with a hint of disappointment. “I bought dinner for three, and now we’re one short.”

Aveline chuckled and glanced at the nurse. “Let’s invite Mrs. Zhang to join us.”

“That works,” Selena agreed, nodding as she called the nurse over to eat with them.

As evening settled in and the sun sank beneath the horizon, the final glimmers of vibrant orange faded from the sky. Aveline stood by the window, carefully testing the strength in her leg, beads of sweat gathering on her forehead.

Just as she was about to lose her balance, a strong arm suddenly wrapped around her waist, effortlessly lifting her and placing her back on the bed.

Lucas‘ voice was cold and firm. “Your body isn’t ready for this level of activity. You need to take it slow and ease into it.“.

Aveline frowned. “I don’t need your help.”

Lucas stared at her, his gaze intense. “You’re planning to file for -divorce?”

Aveline instinctively looked at him. “How did you know?”

His expression darkened. “So, it’s true.”

Aveline didn’t hesitate. “That’s right. I’m filing for divorce. I don’t want to

continue this relationship, and I’m done with this endless cycle of

conflict. It’s pointless.”

She braced herself, expecting Lucas to react harshly. But to her. surprise, he remained silent.

When she finally looked at him, he simply said, “Alright.”

Aveline’s eyes widened in shock. Did he just agree?

“But we need to wait a bit,” Lucas added, his gaze steady and serious.” You know what’s happening with the Tudor family. If news gets out that I’m being sued for divorce right now, it’ll put me at a serious disadvantage. Aveline, can you hold off for a little while?”

“No way!”

Selena’s voice rang out as she rushed over, pushing Lucas aside and positioning herself protectively in front of Aveline. She glared at him coldly.

“Why should we think about your needs? Did you ever consider what’s best for Ave? You’ve had it easy for too long–do you have any shame at all?”