As expected, Lucas was as reliable as ever.


    He nodded. “That’s right. I’ve already eaten- this is all for you. Everything’s light, easy to digest, and packed with nutrients.”


    Aurora arched a brow. “Didn’t expect you to be so thoughtful.”


    “Of course, I am. Do you even know who I’m taking care of here?<b>” </b>


    Lucas looked especially proud, and when it came to Aurora, his smile was downright radiant.


    But the moment he picked up his phone, that warmth faded


    He gently ruffled her soft hair and said qui


    “You go ahead and eat. I need to make a call.”


    Aurora was a little puzzled but didn’t ask.


    This wasn’t the Lucas she used to know.


    Since when did he step away to make calls in private?


    Still, she just smiled. “Alright, go ahead.”


    Her voice was soft, understanding.


    She knew everyone had their own little secrets.


    She wasn’t the type to judge everything by a single moment


    She watched as Lucas stepped out onto the balcony, then went to freshen up before finally settling in to enjoy her meal.


    At first, nothing seemed out of the ordinary.


    But the second that warm oatmeal slid down her throat, Aurora truly understood what it meant to be alive.


    After nearly a month of lying in bed, surviving on nothing but IV drips, she had felt like a bird trapped in a cage, living on nd, tasteless sustenance every day.


    It had been miserable.


    Once she was out of here, she was definitely going to reward herself with a hotpot feast.


    As for Lucas, the call wasn’t anythingplicated.


    Word hade from the detention center: Julian was acting arrogant.


    So, the warden had decided to give Lucas a heads–up and made the call directly.


    “Sir, what do we do now? That guy’s been throwing a tantrum nonstop, refusing to tell the truth.”


    Lucas‘ eyes darkened. “Have you tried every method?


    <b>“</b>You’re the chief of police. Are you really calling me for something this minor?”


    There was a hint of disappointment in his voice.


    He had already handed Julian over–why was this still dragging on?


    Getting someone to talk shouldn’t <b>be </b>this difficult.


    The police chief sounded hesitant.


    “It’s just… the guy keeps insisting he didn’t do anything, and he seems to know a lot <b>of </b>people, so I started to…”


    So just because the man imed to have connections, the whole station was hesitating?


    Lucas‘ brows furrowed immediately. “Useless. Everyst one of <b>you</b>.”


    The chief didn’t dare say a word.


    Because Lucas wasn’t wrong.


    They were supposed to have home–field advantage here.


    But this was the first time they’d dealt with someone as slippery as Julian.


    A grown man acting like a child–whining, stalling, and ying games.


    And he hadn’t even been hurt.


    Just the thought of it made the chief’s head throb.


    These spoiled types really couldn’t handle a single ounce of pressure.


    Lucas had no patience left for the chief’sints.


    Standing on the balcony, he turned and nced back into the room at Aurora.


    She sat there quietly eating, and the whole scene felt peaceful.


    Bathed in sunlight, she looked so serene.


    In that moment, Lucas finally understood what his heart truly wanted.


    <b>+25 </b><b>B</b>