Chapter 56

Ava appeared taken aback; her eyes widened at my words. She forced a smile, but sadness lingered on her face, a poignant mix of emotions welling up within her. I embraced her, offering silent comfort.

I returned to my villa at Hillcrest One Residence, showered, and put on my pajamas. After dressing, I heard the door open outside.

I sighed, pondering the evening's events at the bar, and glanced at the small box on my bed. Gathering my resolve, I picked it up and went outside.

Just as Lukas hung up his coat, he saw me approaching, clutching the small black and blue box. His brow furrowed. "You're not asleep yet?"

I nodded and extended the box. "I want to thank you for saving me last night. This is for you."

Lukas saw the box and a familiar voice echoed in his mind: "Are you falling for that woman?" His expression darkened, his tone tinged with annoyance. "As I said, any man would have saved you, especially since we're legally married."

Once given, the gift couldn't be taken back. I stood my ground. "Well, I believe in reciprocity. Even though we're married, you weren't obligated to save me. I prefer to be clear and not owe anyone anything."

Lukas's gaze flickered, countless thoughts crossing his mind. Did Sophia have ulterior motives, using this gift as an opportunity? After all, a cufflink was an intimate present, and wearing it might lead to ambiguous feelings. She might harbor expectations.

Looking back, Lukas realized that legal relationships are one thing, emotions another. He didn't want emotional entanglements. His handsome face darkened further. "Sophia, there's no need for the cufflink. I don't lack such things. As long as you don't harbor inappropriate intentions, I won't mistreat you. However, if a woman relentlessly pursues me, I won't be gentle with her."

Anger surged through me. I recognized Lukas as someone who wouldn't back down, even over trivial matters. Our marriage likely stemmed from his wounded pride; its impact on him had been minimal, leading to his agreement. However, now he seemed to fear me developing feelings, becoming entwined with him beyond our one-year contract.

Throughout my life, despite my family's mistreatment, I'd always been admired at school. I had never been so directly scolded. My strong will felt insulted.

Gazing at Lukas, my voice quivered. "Mr. Strakovski, please be assured that I would never stoop so low as to cling to a man. That's the last thing I would ever do."

Observing my ire, Lukas arched an eyebrow. "That's good. I hope you're not just saying that out of anger and trying to be brave for a moment!"

Anger surged, but I curbed my impulse to lash out. Losing my temper was beneath me. Retaining my composure, my tone became assertive. "Mr. Strakovski, don't overestimate yourself. Are you so certain it's I who would harbor feelings and not the other way around?"

My question caught Lukas off guard. He responded with utmost confidence, "Rest assured, that's absolutely not a possibility."

"Glad to hear it. Your assurance brings me great relief," I offered a sardonic smile.

Lukas seemed to sense my reluctance and glanced at me before saying, "Let me tell you this—I used to be a smoker, but one day I decided to quit. And just like that, I quit. Perhaps what others find hard to let go of doesn't hold the same weight for me."

In the end, he was utterly unfeeling. I simply maintained my smile. But that was irrelevant.

Unspoken Farewell at 30,000 Feet

I didn't harbor any affection for him—gratitude at most. Meeting Lukas's gaze, I asserted confidently, "Mr. Strakovski, I understand your concerns. You needn't reiterate them. I see it clearly. Our marriage is mutually beneficial, and I'm well aware that the things you're worried about will never happen!"

I glanced at the cufflink box, a self-deprecating chuckle escaping my lips. "Handing this over was a mistake. It won't happen again."

I retrieved the box and started to walk away. For reasons unknown to him, a hint of displeasure stirred within Lukas. He frowned and called after me, "Sophia!"

Unspoken Farewell at 30,000 Feet

The repeated "Unspoken Farewell at 30,000 Feet" seems like a mistake in the original text and should be reviewed. There's also a random percentage and "Chap" that need to be removed.