Russell instinctively wanted to go after her, but Aaron stepped in, blocking his path.
"Mr. Skyler, didn't you notice she just turned you down? Chasing after her now would make you seem desperate," Aaron remarked with a smirk.
Russell's tone was cold. "What does this have to do with you?" Aaron raised an eyebrow. "How does it not? They're still married, and she's my friend's wife. With my friend lying in a hospital bed, I can't just stand by and watch you try to steal her away." He looked Russell up and down with disdain, his voice laced with contempt. "Let's be real-if it were someone decent trying to win her over, I might step back. But you? Juggling Rina to secure your spot in the Skyler family while cozying up to Aveline doesn't that make you feel even a little bit disgusted?" Russell's expression darkened further.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAaron patted his shoulder, adding, "I've seen slow moves in my time, but you, Russell, take the cake." With that, Aaron turned and walked away, feeling quite satisfied with himself. He couldn't wait to brag to Lucas about his "heroic" deeds.
Russell's hands clenched into tight fists at his sides.
Just then, his phone rang. He closed his eyes briefly to collect himself before checking the screen-it was Rina calling.
"Hello?" he answered, his voice now calm and composed.
"Russ, where did you go? I miss you," Rina's voice cthrough.
"I'm just having breakfast. I'll be back soon," Russell replied, sitting down in the spot where Aveline had been and ordering the sbreakfast she had. "I'll be waiting for you, so hurry back," Rina said.
"Okay," he responded before ending the call, mechanically eating his meal as if mimicking Aveline's actions would somehow bring him closer to her.
Given his current position, being with Aveline would mean sacrificing everything he had worked so hard to achieve. But after all the effort he had put into climbing to where he was now, how could he give it all up so easily? He still hadn't gotten his revenge; he couldn't afford to let go of what he had. He had to rely on external forces to achieve his goals faster. Once he was done, he could openly pursue Aveline. A flash of determination passed through his eyes.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmWhen Aveline returned home, she saw Selena poking her head out of the kitchen.
"You didn't eat?" Aveline asked, puzzled.
Selena shook her head. "No, I just got up and now that I'm hungry, I decided to make spasta. I thought you weren't coming back." Aveline slipped off her shoes, washed her hands, and walked into the kitchen, taking the utensils from Selena's hand. "I cback since there wasn't much else to do. Next time, letknow, and I'll grab breakfast for you." Selena grinned. "Not telling you was the right choice; otherwise, how would I get to eat your pasta? It's been a while since I had anything you cooked." Aveline smiled. "I'll cook lunch, then. What do you want to eat?"
Selena's eyes lit up. "Anything! I'm not picky when it comes to your om cooking.
Aveline had mostly recovered, and she could handle daily tasks just fine, though she still had to avoid om strenuous activity. Since she didn't need much help anymore, she had let the housekeeper go. The pasta was served quickly.
Aveline said, "You go ahead and eat. I'm going to take a nap."
She was exhausted after spending the night at the hospital) barely m e getting any sleep. Selena nodded. "Okay, go rest."