Divorced

“But you once said you loved me.”

Lucas‘ gaze was unwavering as if he wouldn’t rest until he got an answer.

Aveline sighed helplessly and asked, “Do you have any other requests?”

She was referring to his ideas for the design.

Lucas remained silent.

Seeing that he had nothing more to add, Aveline said, “If there’s nothing else, I’ll start taking measurements.”

She needed to verify the dimensions against the plans to ensure everything was accurate before she could begin drafting the blueprints.

Pulling out her measuring tools, she got to work. The plot of land was enormous, and she spent the entire afternoon measuring just half of it. She’d have to return the next morning to finish the job.

Wiping the sweat from her forehead, she recorded the data and prepared to leave.

The Porsche was still parked at the entrance. Lucas was sitting inside, having spent the entire afternoon there while she worked. Aveline couldn’t help but think he must be incredibly bored.

Since he hadn’t left yet, she approached the car and asked, “Lucas, could you give me a ride?”

Lucas had taken off his sunglasses, holding a cigarette between his fingers. He glanced at her, his expression unreadable.

After a long afternoon of work, Aveline was covered in dust, but her eyes were still bright.

He replied, “Two hundred dollars for the ride.”

“Oh, never mind then,” Aveline said, turning away. There was a bus stop nearby, and she could easily take the bus home.

Lucas didn’t stop her. He simply watched her through the rearview mirror, his gaze growing even more inscrutable.

When Aveline returned home, she was utterly exhausted.

Selena, noticing how tired she looked, said, “I’ll order takeout. After you eat, you should get some rest.” “Alright, Aveline agreed. “I’ll take a shower first.”

“Go ahead.”

After her shower, Aveline came out drying her hair with a towel. The sky had already darkened.

Just then, her phone rang. Glancing at the screen, she saw it was the same number Desmond had used earlier.

She pressed her lips together and answered, “Hello?”

+25 BONUS

On the other end of the line, Lucas‘ voice came through. “I’ve got some new ideas. Come over.”

Aveline replied, “Just tell me over the phone.”

Lucas insisted, “It’ll be more effective if we talk in person. Come over now.”

And with that, he hung up.

Aveline rolled her eyes, suddenly understanding how Selena must have felt before. No doubt about it- Lucas and Aaron were best buddies, both of them equally infuriating.

When she stepped out of the bedroom, Selena called her over. “Come on, dinner’s ready.”

Aveline sighed. “You go ahead. I need to step out for a bit.”

Selena looked puzzled. “Where are you going?”

Aveline replied wearily, “Downstairs.” Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

Selena shook her head in exasperation. “What does that nuisance want with you now? He just won’t let up, will he?”

Aveline sighed. “I wish I knew.”

When she reached downstairs, she rang the doorbell. It wasn’t long before the door opened to reveal Lucas, wearing a bathrobe, looking more relaxed and casual than usual.

Aveline got straight to the point. “What’s the idea? Let’s hear it.”

She even had her notebook and pen ready to jot down any notes.

Lucas turned and started walking inside. “Come in and I’ll tell you.”

Aveline hesitated, preferring to stay at the door. “Just say it–I can hear you from here.”

But Lucas walked out to the balcony and began speaking in a low voice, making it impossible for her to hear a single word.

Aveline sighed in frustration. There was no avoiding it. She stepped inside, her expression flat. “What exactly are your ideas?”

Seeing her comply, Lucas couldn’t help but smile slightly. He pointed to the computer. “I found some reference images. Take a look.”