Chapt


    Lucas burned all over from what Aurora had said, heat simmering beneath his skin–while she, on the other hand, knew exactly what she was doing


    It wasn’t until he noticed her staying silent that he finally broke the tension.


    “Aurora, when are we starting? You’ve been through a lottely. You deserve a break”


    There was something loaded in his tone, something she couldn’t more.


    But Aurora turned around, the smile she’d worn earlierpletely wiped from her face.


    “Lucas, I was joking. Don’t take it seriously.”


    Arms folded, her expression was all business now.


    She knew this would piss him off, but there was no helping it. The mug look on that other woman’s face had pushed her over the edge.


    When she said the word “joking,” Lucas seemed to <b>piece </b>it all together.


    “So this was all to get under Wendy’s skin, wasn’t it?” he asked, his voice low and cold.


    The air around him dropped several degrees, those dark, hawk–like <b>eyes </b>locked onto her with icy intensity, like if she said one more wrong word, he might strike.


    Aurora just shrugged<b>, </b>casually.


    “You know the answer, so why say it out loud? I’m taking a shower


    She’d paid a price to rattle Wendy tonight–sleeping here was no part of the n.


    Now, she didn’t even know how to face Lucas.


    Maybe it wasn’t the most moral move, but the memory of Wendy’s furious expression still gave her immense satisfaction.


    With that, she stepped lightly toward the bathroom, leaving Lucas alone in the living room.


    Even the air around him seemed touched by loneliness.


    But Aurora didn’t care about any of that.


    When she stepped outter<b>, </b>she headed straight for the couch.


    Lucas watched her <b>for </b>a long moment before deciding to y along


    Since she was his wife, he figured he might <b>as </b>well indulge her.


    He sat at the edge of the bed, flipping through some documents, When Aurora finally emerged from the bathroom, he stood up


    too.


    “I’m going to take a shower,” he said, then paused before adding And stop trying to sleep on the couch. Just take the bed.”


    There <b>was </b>a beat before he muttered, almost reluctantly, “You sleep. I’ll take the couch.”


    Without waiting for a response, he grabbed his clothes and went into the bathroom.


    Aurora stood still, surprised for <b>once</b>, <b>watching </b>his broad back disappear down the hall.


    When he came out, true to his word, he walked straight to the couch without even ncing her way.


    Aurora arched a brow.


    12


    hapter 210


    Il, this was getting interesting.


    ce he’d already given up the bed, why bother arguing?


    fort came first.


    th that, she made herselffortable under the covers, scrolling through her phone like she owned the ce.


    at night, Aurora slept like a <b>baby</b>.


    as and Wendy, on the other hand, barely closed their eyes.


    e next morning, Aurora woke up refreshed and radiant. Even Wendy looked less annoying to her now.


    lomning,” Aurora said breezily. “Though I have to say, I preferred your face yesterday. At least it changed expressions.”


    e words were light, teasing, but they hit their mark


    endy’s face darkened immediately, just about ready to snap until she caught sight of Lucas‘ cold stare across the table.


    got the message loud and clear.


    didn’t have to say a word<b>. </b>Wendy got the


    hen it came to Lucas, she <b>was </b>never quite sure how to deal with m


    1, she quietly returned to her breakfast and forced out a stilt, “Morning to you too.”