As Aveline continued to adjust the blueprints and snack on the treats, the afternoon slipped away unnoticed.The sky outside had grown dark, and the office lights were now aglow, snapping her back to reality.She realized she had been there much longer than intended.Logging out of her account, she shut down the laptop and stood up, glancing over at Lucas.He was still engrossed in his work, his fingers holding a pen as he reviewed each page with a cold, focused expression.Occasionally, he made notes in the margins.Not wanting to disturb him, Aveline stretched her arms after sitting for so long, then quietly walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window to admire the night view outside.The Tudor Group’s location was undoubtedly the best, perched high enough to overlook most of the city.Below, a sea of twinkling lights gathered like a river of stars-a breathtaking view.And now, snowflakes were drifting down, creating a dreamlike scene.Aveline’s eyes softened, her mood feeling surprisingly light and relaxed.Lucas looked up and saw her slender but graceful silhouette.His gaze grew even darker, more intense.Her figure was perfectly proportioned, with a small frame, balanced bone structure, and a straight back. Her waist curved in naturally before flowing into her hips, and her long legs extended beneath her small leather shoes. She looked beautiful and poised. Unable to resist, Lucas set his pen down and walked over, wrapping his arms around her.Aveline’s body stiffened.He crossed his hands in front of her, pulling her close against his chest, his chin resting on her shoulder. His voice was low and soft. “Aveline, I just wanted to hold you.”He spoke his thoughts directly,letting her know his feelings. It was better than hiding behind half-truths and making things worse. He no longer wanted to think about the past every memory made him wish he could punch himself. Aveline’s tense body slowly began to relax. Her tone was calm as she replied Lucas, this isn’t good for either of us. The more you want, the more unwilling and resentful you might feel in the end.” She was speaking to herself as much as to him.She was so close to achieving the resolution she’d been holding onto all this time, yet here she was, finding herself drawn back by the slightest hint of warmth. What had all her previous resolve been for, then? What about all the pain she had endured? Hearing her words, Lucas’ breath caught slightly, and then he suddenly asked, “Aveline, you’re wavering too, aren’t you?”Aveline’s lashes trembled just a bit.Lucas continued, “Deep down, you still have feelings for me, don’t you? It’s just that I was such an idiot before, made you lose all hope in me, so you decided to give up on us.” Aveline closed her eyes briefly and replied, “There’s no point in saying these things now.”Lucas let out a bitter laugh. “I guess I was a fool, wasn’t I? Everything was going so well-why did I ever bring up divorce?”What was the point of digging up the past now?Not wanting to continue down this path, Aveline said, “I’m tired. I’d like to go home and rest.”Lucas nodded. “I’ll drive you.”She was about to decline, but he had already turned, picked up her coat, and handed it to her, then put on his own coat. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ (F)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.He left her with no room to refuse.Aveline took the coat, considered for a moment, then decided not to argue further.She could only hope these next few days would pass quietly, and that they could finalize their divorce without any more complications.