A Perfect Lie Hides Behind My Billionaire Marriage (reese and hudson)

Cole hesitated for a moment, then decided to be straightforward. "The company has decided that you will be

participating in the competition with Chloe. Do you have any objections?"

Reese pursed her lips. She could sense that Cole might think there was tension between her and Chloe.

She was a little bit reluctant, "Since it's the company's decision, | don't have any objections."

He could tell there was something on Reese's mind, though he refrained from prying and did not push her to

share.

After leaving Cole's office, Reese got distracted by Cole and Chloe's situation and forgot to look for Lukas.

At lunchtime, Reese found herself staring at Ava, wanting to say something but hesitating.

Ava, her expression stiff, finally reached her limit. "Reese, what is it? Why are you staring atlike that? | can't

even eat with you watching me."

Reese bit her lip, "Ava, I've mentioned before that you should find the right tto talk to Cole about your

feelings. Have you given it any thought?"

There was a hesitant pause for a moment before Ava replied, "I'm just not ready yet."

Reese's patience waned. Ava was seemingly indifferent about everything, except when it cto Cole. Her

feelings for him had remained faithful for years, yet she couldn't bring herself to confess.

Growing frustrated, Reese said, "Love requires expression. No one can guess what's in your heart if you don't

speak up. Acting this way will only make you an eternal spare tire. Do you realize that?"

"Reese, what's gotten into you? Why are you so worked up?" Ava looked at Reese, taken aback.

"I'm just concerned," Reese began and shot Ava an intense look. "You're hesitant to have a simple meal with him

openly, and you're indecisive about confessing your feelings. By silently pining away like this, how is he ever

supposed to know?"

Ava felt troubled. "It's not that | don't want to confess. It's just that after carrying these feelings for so long, I'm

scared that he won't feel the same. What if he rejects me? You have no idea how much he means to me."

Taking a deep breath, Ava's voice turned somber, "If he doesn't reciprocate my feelings, what's my purpose in

staying by his side? And what if he finds out I like him and he doesn't feel the sway? | don't want my

affection to beca burden to him. He might distance himself from me, and that would be even more painful."

Reese's expression tensed, her frustration heightening. "So, because you're afraid of rejection, you're just giving

up? But what if he actually likes you?"

"Then tell me, do you think Cole likes me?" Ava turned her gaze to Reese, searching for an answer.

Reese's lips pressed together, and she chose not to respond.

"You know, | might seem distant and cold, unlike you, who seems more

approachable. But in reality, it's more complicated. I'm not as strong as you might think. My aloofness is a shield

| use to protect myself. It's only a mask," Ava's said, her gaze turning contemplative.

"Just like when you dealt with Luther's fiancée, you could easily reject him through Clark. But | can't do that. |

can't let go of Cole. I fear losing him, and I'm terrified of him looking atdifferently or, even worse, avoiding

——

Closing her eyes, Reese breathed a heavy sigh. "Fine, | won't push you anymore. But | do have to tell you

something. That heartfelt breakfast you sent to Cole? He mistook it for a gift from Chloe."

Hearing that, Ava's cold exterior cracked, revealing shock and concern.

"| also heard they've planned to go out for breakfast together in the future. You could keep sending breakfast if

you want to expose Chloe's lie. Eventually, her deceit will crumble under its own weight." Reese couldn't help but

feel a twinge of sympathy for Ava, yet she persisted.

"But | worry that Chloe won't be an easy opponent. She might dispose of your breakfast when Cole isn't looking.

And even if Cole learns the truth, she could use her emotional intelligence to manipulate him. She's quite skilled

at that."

Ava's eyes reflected a hint of sorrow.

She said, "Never mind. If he thinks someone else is behind the breakfast, then | won't send it anymore."

Looking at Ava, Reese felt a moment of helplessness but decided not to push further.

She should have guessed Ava's decision a long tago.

She understood that when it cto matters of the heart, each person had their own unique way of dealing with

things. Respecting Ava's choice was essential, just as Ava respected hers. That understanding would suffice.

She reached out and gently pinched Ava's fingers, offering comfort. "Finish your meal and get back to work. If

anything's bothering you, remember you can talk toanytime. You don't have to carry the burden alone."

Later that afternoon, after finishing her work, Reese took stto work on her design drafts before heading

to the top floor to find Lukas.

As tpassed, she had grown to understand Lukas to sextent. He might appear cold and unfeeling on the

surface, but deep down, he was excessively assertive and self-assured. His aloof demeanor served as a mask for

his stubborn nature—a classic example of a tough exterior hiding a tender heart. The old saying rang true, "Still

waters run deep."

As she knocked Lukas's door, Reese couldn't help but smile, recalling how she had earlier described his

personality.

As she reached for the doorknob, her keen eye detected that it wasn't fully closed.

Despite her intention to simply knock, the gentle pressure of her knuckles caused the door to swing open,

revealing the room beyond.

Inside the office, a figure knelt with their back facing her. Lukas was seated at his desk, leaning back lazily in his

chair, his expression projecting an air of icy detachment.