The next day.
When Aveline arrived at the studio, she was shocked to see Sidney at his desk, his face covered in bruises and his fingers struggling to type on the keyboard.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtShe hurried over and asked, "Sidney, what happened to you?" Sidney looked up at her and managed a smile, though the effort caused his lips to twitch in pain, contorting his expression.
"I'm... fine," he said with difficulty. "After I left your place last night, I ran into Mr. Tudor. He suggested we spar a bit, so I agreed. Don't worry about me, I'm really okay." Aveline frowned. "Just a spar?" If it was just a sparring match, how did he end up in such a bad state? Sidney chuckled softly. "Yeah, it was just sparring. I'm really okay-it looks worse than it is, just ssurface wounds. Please, don't hold it against Mr. Tudor because of me." There was a hint of self-deprecation in his eyes. "In the end, it's just because I'm not strong enough." Aveline pressed her lips together and then turned to leave. When she returned, she was carrying a few items-a cold pack and sbruise ointment.
She pulled over a chair and sat directly in front of Sidney. "Turn around, I'll help you apply the ointment." Sidney was taken aback and shook his head. "That's not necessary, really, I'm fine." But Aveline's expression was stern. "Do you plan on facing clients with that face? They might run away before you even get a chance to speak." Sidney let out a small laugh, though it was followed by a grimace of pain. "Alright, I guess I'd rather not scare off the clients I've worked so hard to build relationships with." He turned to face her, and Aveline handed him the cold pack. "Hold this against your mouth." "Okay." Sidney obediently pressed the cold pack to the corner of his mouth, the coolness soothing the burning pain His eyes, still full of gratitude, watched Aveline as she carefully applied the ointment to his bruised cheek and forehead.
"All done," she said after a few minutes, finishing the treatment. She left the ointment on his desk and added, "Follow the instructions, and you'll be better in a few days." "Got it. Thank you," Sidney replied, his appreciation evident in his voice.
Sidney gave her a faint smile, and for a moment, Aveline felt a pang of nostalgia.
Her mind flashed back to when Lucas had first learned to write. He had written her nwith such pride, looking at her as if seeking approval. The memory sent a sharp pain within her. She quickly said, "I'm going to get back to work. If your hands aren't up to it, take a break. The boss won't mind." "Alright," Sidney replied, watching as she turned and walked away.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmnes As she walked away, he glanced down, and moments later, his phone buzzed with a new photo. Someone had captured the moment perfectly-the sunlight illuminating Aveline as she carefully applied ointment to his face, while he gazed at her with a look full of affection.
Such a beautiful moment.
Sidney found a contact in his phone and sent the photo without ÒM hesitation. At DK Group, in the CEO's office.
Lucas' phone buzzed, and when he checked it, his expression immediately darkened. His eyes flashed dangerously, and after a m moment, a cold, ruthless smile curled his lips. Just then, Desmond knocked and
entered the office. "Mr. Tudor, here's the information on Sidney Troy. His mother is currently hospitalized, and he's the sole financial provider for his family." X