Ariel had no interest in arguing with Wendy. She was the one being disturbed tonight. Her face was cold, and her voice held only the bare minimum of courtesy. “You know the truth better than anyone. Stop trying to pin it on others just to escape. I wish you two a lifetime of happiness. Just don’t bother me again.

    That was her dismissal.

    The night was a noisy mess.

    Lucas was well and truly drunk. His mind was clouded with alcohol again, yet his eyes never left Ariel.

    No matter how many times Wendy called to him, he stayed silent, red–eyed and stubborn. No one knew who he was holding out for.

    Ariel didn’t spare him another nce. After throwing down those words, she turned to Jayson, who had stayed quiet by her side.

    The instant she turned, Jayson lowered his gaze and fixed his eyes on her face. The warm light above reflected in his pupils. He stared without speaking.

    Ariel thought for a moment, then tugged at his sleeve. “Come in.”

    At the very least, she and Jayson had to look like a real couple in front of Lucas, whether to keep up the

    facade of marriage or to make him give up.

    The door shut behind them.

    The narrow entryway felt heavy. The air was thick with each other’s scent.

    Without looking at Jayson’s expression, Ariel turned and walked inside. “Take a seat.”

    Only then did Jayson move. He strode leisurely into the living room.

    Ariel cared about the details of life, and it showed in the cozy way she had decorated the home.

    The curtains were pale yellow paired with sheer white drapes. The table and chairs were made of walnut, their surface adorned with delicate coasters. A warm white rug was spread beneath the couch, while a vase holding two Casanca lilies rested on the coffee table. Everywhere bore the traces of someone who lived well and cared for herself.

    Jayson took it all in, then nced at Ariel rummaging through a vintage cab.

    As he looked down, his lips curved faintly. At least she hadn’t let herself suffer.

    She came back with a well–stocked first aid kit. Seeing him still standing, she said, “Sit.”

    He dropped onto the couch. Ariel bent down and pulled out what she needed to treat his wounds. “Can I ask why you’re hereb?/bb” /b

    As she spoke, her eyes shifted to the cut across his knuckles, She frowned slightly. “Give me your hand.”

    Jayson nced down, thenid his hand in hers. “If I hadn’t been here, how would you have handled tonight?”

    While disinfecting the wound, Ariel shot him a look, though her touch was careful. “He wouldn’t really

    lose it.”

    She knew Lucas well enough. Even if she couldn’t match him in strength, he wouldn’t dare igo /itoo far if sheshed out at him.

    b“/bYou really trust him.” Jayson raised a brow, his toneced with nonchnce.

    “Are you saying that with some kind of attitude?” Ariel frowned, catching the subtle bite behind his

    words.

    “No. It just hurts.” He nced at the back of his hand, which was cut by shards of the bottle. His expression betrayed no hint of pain, leaving it unclear whether his words were true.

    That left Ariel with noeback. He was indeed injured, and it was because of her. That was why she allowed him in to help him tend to his wound. She wasn’t cruel enough to ignore it.

    “Sorry… and thank you.” Ariel was silent for a moment. She didn’t look at Jayson’s expression and continued tending to his wound.

    “Why are you sorryb? /bI was the one who shed with him.” Jayson looked up at her as she stood beside him. “And what are you thanking me for? People don’t help you just to hear you say thanks. Being too calcting ruins the meaning. Sometimes it’s simply because you’re worth it. That’s all.” 1