"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.

Zachary took one last look at her-she was lying on the

sigh, he shut the door and turned to

head hit the pillow, Aveline

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

Smoke?

did it smell like smoke in

fully awake. She opened her eyes and saw thick smoke swirling through the

she sat up and looked

of alcohol

Fire!

to the bathroom. She soaked the coat thoroughly with water, then draped it over herself before

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 of

she slammed the door shut,

happen? How did a fire

her phone, intending to call the fire department, but there was no signal.

Someone

burn them alive.

Aveline!" Zachary's muffled voice came

back, "I'm fine! Save

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