Divorced

5

“How about a tie?” Selena suggested, her eyes sparkling as she glanced at the row of ties hanging on the wall.

Aveline hesitated. “Do you think that’s appropriate?”

“Why not?” Selena said with a smile. “You re both single, and it’s just a tie- it’s nothing too concerning.”

Aveline still felt a bit uncertain. She looked around the store, noting it was a high–end brand where even a shirt started at a hefty price. Finally, she walked over to the dress shirts, carefully selecting a white one before holding it up. “How about this?”

Selena glanced at it and nodded, “That works too, but I don’t think Russell usually goes for this style. He’s more into casual wear.”

Aveline smiled. “Exactly, which is why I’m getting it. Since he doesn’t wear this often, there’s less chance of anyone reading too much into it.”

Selena blinked, clearly misinterpreting Aveline’s reasoning. “Oh, I see! So, you’re hoping he’ll keep it tucked away as a special item? Who knew your had such a clever strategy, Aveline?”

Aveline sighed. “You’re overthinking it, Selena.”

After confirming the size with the store assistant, Aveline paid for the shirt.

Meanwhile, on the upper level of the mall, Lucas stood by the railing, watching Aveline in the men’s store below. His expression was unreadable, but there was something thoughtful in his gaze.

“What do you think she’s doing in a men’s store?” he asked, his voice low

and even.

Desmond, who stood beside him, was taken aback. How was he supposed to know? But seeing Lucas expected an answer, Desmond ventured a guess, “Maybe she’s buying something for you? Your birthday is coming up soon.”

Lucas‘ lips curved slightly at the suggestion. He glanced at Desmond, “You’ll get a bonus this month.”

Desmond’s eyes widened in surprise. He earned a bonus just for guessing right? That was unexpected.

Lucas continued watching until Aveline and Selena left the store. Only then

did he turn away.

His phone rang just as he was about to leave, and he answered it with a calm, “Hello?”

Aaron asked, “So, what’s the plan for your birthday this year? Last time, you vanished, and no one could track you down to celebrate. We need to make sure it’s done right this time.”

Lucas responded indifferently, “Whatever.”

Russell chuckled. “Alright, I’ll make whatever plans then.”

Lucas gave a brief acknowledgment.

Aaron, sensing something off in Lucas’s tone, teased, “Are you high on drugs? You sound unusually relaxed.”

Only a close friend like Aaron could guess his mood so accurately, even without seeing him.

Lucas, in an unusually good mood, let the comment slide, replying, “How’s your engagement to Rina progressing?”

Aaron groaned. “Don’t get me started. It’s a nightmare. My old man must be out of his mind, trying to marry me off to a spoiled princess.”

Lucas reminded him, “That engagement has been in the works was bound to happen sooner or later.”

Aaron sighed. “I’m dragging it out as long as I can.” ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Lucas didn’t push the topic further.

for ages. It

Three days later, it was time for Russell’s birthday party. Aveline received the details and, after changing into a dress, made her way to the venue at Club Nine.

Π

As Aveline stepped into the elevator, she unexpectedly ran into someone famíliar.

Aaron glanced at the bag she was carrying and smirked. “A birthday gift?”