nycdaug Chapter 184 Cold Lucian
Chapter 184 Cold Lucian
Lucian didn't pause, didn't acknowledge the murmurs of the crowd or the worried glances from his family. He strode toward Avey with singular focus, his face a mask of calm that only thinly veiled his frustration.No one stop him. The tension in the air was electric, every guest holding their breath as they watched the scene unfold.
Avey's heart skipped a beat as she saw him approaching. His expression was unreadable, his usual composure shadowed by something she couldn't quite place. Despite the chaos around her, Avey couldn't bring herself to look away.
"Lucy, you…" she began softly, her voice trembling just enough to betray her nerves. But before she could say more, Lucian reached her, his hand gently but firmly clasping hers.
The warmth of his touch caught her off guard, and though his grip was secure, it wasn't rough. Without saying a word, he turned and began leading her toward the grand staircase.
Avey stumbled slightly at first, but she didn't resist. She let him guide her, her gaze fixed on his back, her mind racing. He's angry… but his hand… it's still so gentle.
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Among the Onlookers
Rose took a step forward, panic flashing in her eyes. "Lucian!" she called out, her voice rising slightly.
Lucian didn't even glance back.
"Lucy, stop! Where are you taking her?" Rose's voice grew sharper, and she was about to run after him when Olivia placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Let them go," Olivia said softly, her tone firm but not unkind. Her gaze followed Lucian and Avey as they ascended the stairs, her expression unreadable.
"But Mother, he"Rose began, her voice filled with protest.
"This isn't our place, Rose," Olivia interrupted gently. "Let them figure it out."
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Celestia, standing nearby, didn't move. Her lips parted as if to speak, but no words came out. Instead, a faint whisper escaped, too quiet for anyone to hear."Darling, you…" Her voice trailed off, and a sad smile touched her lips as she watched Lucian disappear with Avey.
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Antonio, on the other hand, wasn't as reserved. His brows furrowed in frustration, and he took a determined step toward the stairs."I won't allow this"
"Antonio."
Melody's voice stopped him in his tracks. She placed a hand on his arm, her grip firm despite her gentle demeanor. "Let her decide,"she said softly, her eyes meeting his. "Let her have this moment at least."
Antonio hesitated, his jaw tightening as he struggled with the turmoil in his mind. But after a moment, he sighed, lowering his head slightly in reluctant agreement.
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The Onlookers' Whispers
The guests,however, were far less restrained. The silence that had gripped them moments ago gave way to a cacophony of speculation.
"What do you think he's going to say to her?"
"Do you think they've had a secret relationship all this time?"
"No wonder she confessed so boldly. Look at him he didn't even hesitate to take her away!"
"But if it's not true…why would she say such a thing?"
"It's a scandal, no matter how you look at it."
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Inside the Room on the Second Floor
The sound of the door closing behind them echoed in the quiet room.
Thud.
Avey stood with her back pressed against the door, her breath shallow as she looked up at Lucian. He was close closer than he'd been in years. His hand rested on the door beside her head, effectively trapping her in place.
His dark eyes
Avey's gaze softened, but she didn't interrupt.
"And now?" she whispered after a moment, her voice trembling slightly"Do you hate the idea of having a child with me that much?"
Lucian flinched at her words, his face tightening. "That's not what this is about…" he began, but Avey's quiet voice cut him off.
"You can hit me," she said suddenly, her words so soft they almost didn't reach him.
"What?"Lucian asked, his brows knitting in confusion.
"I said…" Her voice cracked as she repeated, "You can hit me. Or yell at me. Or punish me however you want." She lowered her head, her hands trembling slightly. "But… please… don't make me feel like you hate me. I can't take that."
Lucian's lips parted as if to speak, but no words came out. He clenched his fists at his sides, the weight of her words crushing him.
"That's not what I" he began, his voice faltering.
But then he stopped, his frustration overtaking him. His next words were colder than even he had intended.
"Yes," Lucian said, his lips trembling as he forced the words out"Yes, I hate you… for what you've done to me."
The words struck Avey like a physical blow. Her head shot up, her wide eyes searching his face for any sign that he didn't mean it.
"Lucian…"she whispered, her voice breaking.
He looked away, his expression pained but resolute. Before she could say anything more, Lucian stepped back, his movements sharp. He opened the door in one swift motion, his back turned to her as he exited.
"Don't show your face to me again,"he said coldly, the words echoing in the room as the door slammed shut behind him.
She stood there for a moment, her mind struggling to process what had just happened. Her chest felt tight, the weight of his words crushing her.
Her legs gave out, and she slid down the door, her back pressed against the cold wood as she hugged her knees.Tears spilled silently down her cheeks, her trembling hands covering her face.
"Did He… he really said that,"she murmured, her voice barely audible as the realization hit her.
Her entire world seemed to crumble in that moment. Avey had been prepared for anger, frustration, even rejection. But the sheer finality of his words the coldness in his tone was something she hadn't expected.
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