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 lying on the bed with her eyes closed,

shut

her head hit the pillow, Aveline fell into a

in her half-conscious state, she began to notice a sharp, acrid

Smoke?

did it smell like smoke in the

opened her eyes and saw thick smoke swirling through the

as she sat up and

the haze of alcohol cleared from

Fire!

rushed to the bathroom. She soaked the coat thoroughly with water,

flames leaped inside! The fire in the hallway was

the door shut, her

did a fire

intending to call the fire department, but there was

wasn't an accident. Someone had done this on

to burn them alive.

Aveline!" Zachary's muffled voice came

"I'm