Maple Garden.Aveline stepped into the elevator when her phone pinged-it was a message from Selena inviting her to dinner that evening. She felt drained all day and didn’t have the energy to go out, but she also didn’t feel like cooking for herself once she got home. She quickly replied, asking where they would eat.Selena’s call came almost immediately.”How about some barbecue? I think I’ve been working out too much lately. I’ve dropped a few pounds and need to make up for it,” Selena said.Aveline raised an eyebrow. “What kind of workouts have you been doing?”Selena laughed and replied with a wink, “The bedroom kind.”Aveline sighed. “… Forget I asked.”She said, “Where are we eating? Send me the location.””Got it.”After hanging up, Aveline pressed the elevator’s ground floor button.Beside her, Lucas also received a call.Seeing her press the button for the first floor, he glanced over and asked, “Got something going on?”Aveline replied with a nod, not offering further explanation.She didn’t feel it was necessary to tell him where she was going. Lucas’ eyes lingered on her, a faintly amused smile playing on his lips.Feeling a bit uneasy under his gaze, Aveline asked, “Why are you looking at me like that?”Lucas grinned, “Just admiring your beauty… makes me want to kiss you.”Aveline fought the urge to roll her eyes and silently put more distance between them.Lucas let out a low chuckle but didn’t press further. S~ᴇaʀᴄh the ꜰindηovel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.The elevator was empty, and they reached the ground floor quickly. One after the other, they exited. Aveline, not in the mood to drive, headed straight for the subway station. Lucas, meanwhile, went to get his car, soon driving past her and gradually disappearing from view.Her expression remained calm, but a mix of unspoken emotions stirred quietly within her.The barbecue restaurant was warm and inviting; the aroma of grilled meat filled the air as soon as Aveline stepped inside.”Over here!”Selena’s voice called out, andAveline followed the sound, spottingher waving from a table. As she walked over, she took offSelena eyed her curiously. “What’s wrong? Tough day?”Surf.Aveline’s face looked a bit pale, her eyes showing signs of fatigue.She nodded. “Busy all day.”Selena gave her a knowing look. “I thought you’d be too worried about Lucas to eat or sleep properly.”Aveline’s tone remained calm. “You’re overthinking.””Really?” Selena persisted, “Ave, have you not noticed that your attitude toward Lucas has softened quite a bit lately?”Aveline paused and replied, “Wetalked. He agreed to the divorce. We’re getting along for now, and I’ve thought it over… there’s no major grudge between us.” Selena’s smile grew even more knowing.Aveline sighed. “If you can’t smile properly, I’d suggest you stop trying.”Selena let out a playful huff. “I bet you’ve already wavered in your heart, even if you do get divorced.”Aveline didn’t take the bait, focusing on her phone to scan the menu and order.At that moment, there was a commotion at the entrance.From her seat, Aveline had a clear view of the doorway. She looked up instinctively and saw a group of men entering-Lucas, Aaron, and Lance. Aveline’s finger paused for a moment on the screen, but she quickly composed herself and continued ordering.”Would you like to sit over here?”Moments later, the server’s voice reached them. To her surprise, the server was leading them to the table right next to theirs!