After the CEO Divorced Me, He Wants Me Back

Aveline said, "It's absolutely true. I should've recorded it. Then you wouldn't doubt me."

"No, no, I'm not doubting you," Gernard replied quickly.

"I just didn't expect it. Brother actually said something like that? He's always been distant from women. Growing up, there were girls who liked him, but he never paid them any attention. During school, he focused on studying, and after that, on work. Honestly, I thought he might never learn how to date. And now... he's finally thawed!"

He sounded amazed, but soon his brows furrowed. "This Jolie-she's Selena's younger sister, isn't she?"

Aveline nodded. "That's right."

Gernard's frown deepened. "I think I've seen her before. She does resemble Selena a bit. Baby sister, you know Gavin had feelings for Selena before, but he came into the picture too late. She was already married. Do you think... is it possible he sees Jolie as a stand-in for Selena?"

Aveline's expression immediately grew tense. If that were true, it would indeed be unsettling.

What woman could tolerate being treated as someone else's replacement? Especially when that someone was her own sister?

After a pause, Aveline said firmly, "I don't think so. Brother isn't the type to do something like that."

Gernard clicked his tongue thoughtfully. "You never know. Unrequited love can make people act in strange ways."

Aveline fell silent, her thoughts drifting. Suddenly, she was reminded of Lucas.

Hadn't he done his fair share of outrageous things for love?

Just as she was about to respond, the video feed froze, and Gernard's image on the screen went completely still.

"Gernard?" Aveline waved her phone and adjusted her position, but the call remained stuck.

It seemed the connection had dropped.

She sighed and ended the call. Turning, she walked back to her room and opened the door.

Inside, Lucas was sitting by the twin stroller, his strikingly handsome face softened by an expression of quiet tenderness as he gazed at the two babies, Pax and Joy. The gentleness in his eyes was something Aveline had never seen before. She blinked, her heart warming at the sight.

What a beautiful, peaceful moment.

Aveline walked over to Lucas, cupped his face, and kissed him twice.

Lucas wrapped an arm around her waist, his warm gaze fixed on her. "What's gotten into you? Why are you being so forward today?"

"Just felt like kissing you," Aveline replied with a playful smile.

"Feel free," Lucas said, his eyes filled with affection. "Anywhere you want."

...

When Jolie woke again, the sky outside was dim. The hospital room was silent, and a glance around revealed that she was alone.

Her back throbbed with searing pain,

making her brow furrow as tears threatened to spill. She exhaled shakily, a wave of sadness washing over her.

This was the first time she had ever been hit in her life. From childhood, she'd always been cherished and protected.

Was this the punishment she'd face every time she defied her family's wishes?

What did she truly mean to them?

As her thoughts spiraled, the door to the room opened, and Daisy walked in. Seeing her awake, Daisy immediately broke into a smile.

"Jolie, you're finally awake. Does

your back still hurt? Are you hungry?

Thirsty?" she asked, her voice filled withContentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

genuine concern.

Her worry wasn't feigned; every bit of it was real.

Jolie looked at her pale-faced and said, "It hurts."

Daisy's eyes turned red as she reached out to gently touch Jolie's face. "If you knew it would hurt, why didn't you just listen to your father? He was angry-you could have just given in." en