After the CEO Divorced Me, He Wants Me Back

"Lucas..." Aveline murmured his name as she dialed his number.

Zachary watched her, shaking his head with a sigh.

Maybe she didn't even realize it herself, but her resistance to Lucas had softened.

After all, she wasn't heartless. How could anyone remain unmoved in the face of sincere apologies and requests for forgiveness? The busy signal droned in her ear, and as the dull beeping continued, Aveline's expression turned sour.

Why wasn't he picking up? Where had he gone?

In the end, the call disconnected automatically.

"He won't take my call... then I don't need him," Aveline muttered, wobbling slightly as she stood up and headed toward the door. Zachary quickly stepped in to steady her, preventing a fall.

But Aveline pushed him away. "I... I'm fine. I can manage on my own."

He stayed close, ready to catch her if needed.

Given how much she had drunk, her unsteady gait was no surprise.

Thankfully, despite her zigzagging path, she managed to avoid falling.

Back in her room, Zachary said, "Get some rest. I'll leave now but call me if you need anything."

"Okay... sure." Aveline nodded, her voice a little slurred.

her-she was

he shut the door and turned

head hit the pillow, Aveline fell

began to

Smoke?

like smoke in

fully awake. She opened her eyes and saw

she sat up and looked around, she caught sight of flames flickering outside the

an instant, the haze of alcohol cleared from her

Fire!

coat, and rushed to the bathroom. She soaked the coat thoroughly

she cracked the door open, a surge of flames leaped inside! The fire in the hallway was even fiercer than she'd imagined. Amidst the chaos, Aveline could just make out the cries

slammed the door shut, her face draining

did this happen? How did a fire break

the fire department, but there was no signal. She couldn't even

wasn't an accident. Someone had

meant to burn them alive. What a cruel and twisted

Zachary's muffled voice

back, "I'm fine! Save the