After the CEO Divorced Me, He Wants Me Back (Aveline and Lucas) novel Chapter 1102

"I… I haven’t decided yet," Selena said hesitantly.

Aveline replied, "Take your time. There’s no rush. You’re in Larbor City now, and so is she. When you’re ready, you can always go see her."

"Mm." Selena gave a soft hum of acknowledgment and ended the call.

When she looked up, she met Aaron’s gaze. He was staring at her intently.

Selena’s breath caught slightly. "What’s wrong?"

Aaron reached out and gently brushed her cheek with his fingertips. "If something’s troubling you, you can always tell me."

Without a word, Selena leaned into his chest, seeking comfort in his silent presence. Aaron wrapped his arms around her, holding her close without pressing for answers.

He had long since resolved to be with her and had quietly investigated her background. He knew her family life had been far from happy, though she had never spoken of it. He hadn’t brought it up either, respecting her silence.

His earlier question had simply been a gentle nudge, hoping she might open up and feel better by sharing. But if she wasn’t ready, that was fine.

He could wait. Even a lifetime, if necessary.

…

At the Cooper family villa.

Aveline ended the call and turned to head back to her room, only to stop in her tracks at the sight of Gavin standing a short distance away.

"Brother?" she exclaimed, startled. Walking over to him, she asked, "When did you get back?"

Gavin’s voice was low and steady as he asked, "Who did you just say was injured?"

Aveline blinked, a trace of confusion crossing her face. "It’s Jolie. She was beaten badly, covered in wounds, and passed out from blood loss. She’s in the hospital now."

As she spoke, she studied Gavin’s expression and noticed how his face darkened immediately.

"Who did it?" Gavin demanded coldly.

Aveline shook her head. "I don’t know."

"Brother," Aveline greeted as she answered, smiling faintly.

"Hey, baby sister," Gernard replied, his voice full of mock exasperation. "Missed me yet? I finally got the base station set up, so I have internet again. Honestly, what Gavin did to me feels like exile—like being banished to Siberia. Am I even his real brother?"

Aveline stifled a laugh. "That’s not important right now. I have something way more urgent to tell you."

Gernard raised a skeptical brow. "Baby sister, my living conditions are like some sort of trial-by-fire survival course, and you think it’s not important? Do you even care about your brother anymore?"

Aveline sighed, exasperated. "What I’m talking about is a major event in Gavin’s life. Do you want to hear it or not?"

The mention of "Gavin’s life" instantly piqued Gernard’s interest. His eyes lit up. "What is it? Spill it!"

As expected, gossip immediately trumped hardship.

Aveline recounted her recent conversation with Gavin in vivid detail.

When she finished, Gernard’s expression was one of utter disbelief. "He really said that? Gavin? That emotionally repressed, uptight person actually said that?!"