Divorced

Aveline tightened her grip on the bag, a flicker of surprise flashing in her eyes as she asked, “How did you know?

Aaron chuckled and then, with a knowing look, said, “I get it, I totally get it. You’re preparing a surprise, right? Fine, won’t ask anymore.”

Aveline looked completely puzzled.

But after a moment’s thought, she realized that they were all part of the same circle, so it wasn’t surprising that Aaron knew about Russell’s birthday.

Aveline didn’t respond. She felt indifferent toward Aaron and had nothing to discuss with him.

However, Aaron pulled out his phone and sent a message to Lucas.

“Guess who I just saw in the elevator?”

Lucas replied, “Who?”

Aaron texted, “Your ex–wife!”

Lucas fell silent.

Aaron texted, “Hahaha! But she was holding a bag, probably a birthday gift

for you. But how did she know we’re having a party here today?”

Lucas asked, “Are you with her?”

Aaron texted, “Yeah, in the elevator.”

Lucas replied, “Oh.”

Aaron responded, “What do you mean by ‘oh‘?”

Despite Aaron’s follow–up messages, Lucas didn’t reply.

Huh, what was wrong with him?

Fortunately, the elevator soon arrived. As the doors opened, Aaron stepped out first, followed by Aveline.

Seeing this, Aaron became ou

VIS BONUS

celebrate Lucas‘ birthday.

She used to insist she didn’t care for him, but now she’s here for his birthday. Aaron really couldn’t understand women at all.

Aaron pushed open the door to the private room and walked in, noticing out of the corner of his eye that Aveline was heading raight ahead.

“Hey, you…”

He instinctively wanted to say something, but then reconsidered. Maybe she was just going to the restroom?

He thought women always needed to touch up their makeup.

Oh well.

She’d come over later.

Aaron entered the private room, where everyone else had already arrived. Lucas glanced up at him as he walked in.

No, to be precise, he was looking behind him, but found no one there.

Aaron laughed unapologetically, “Are you waiting for Aveline? She went to the restroom to touch up her makeup. She should be back soon.”

Lucas‘ expression remained cold and indifferent as he replied, “Who said I was waiting for her?”

Aaron popped a grape into his mouth and said, “Fine, you’re not waiting. I’ll wait, okay?”

Lucas shot him a frosty look.

Aaron continued, “I’m waiting to see what gift she brought.”

Only then did Lucas‘ expression soften slightly.

However, as time passed, and everyone else had already arrived, Aveline. was still nowhere to be seen.

Feeling bored, Aaron idly scrolled through his phone. When he saw a photo forwarded in the group chat, his eyes widened in shock. He glanced at Lucas, then back at the photo, and suddenly felt uneasy.

“Are you out of your mind?” Lucas asked, noticing his reaction.

Aaron hesitated, unsure whether to say anything.

But Lucas prompted him, “If you have something to say, just say it.”

Gritting his teeth, Aaron tossed his phone to Lucas. “See for yourself!”

Lucas took the phone and immediately saw a photo–a screenshot of a social media post.

It was posted by Russell.

“Thanks, Ave, for the birthday gift. I really like it.”

Below the caption was a picture of a gift bag, with clothes faintly visible inside.

And at the bottom, the timestamp showed it was posted just half an hour

ago.