After the CEO Divorced Me, He Wants Me Back (Aveline and Lucas) novel Chapter 969

Sidney turned his head, his gaze landing on Aveline. The moonlight fell softly on her, casting a gentle, ethereal glow over her figure, especially her rounded belly. She looked radiant as if wrapped in a halo of quiet serenity. Her eyes, full of warmth and calm, met his.

For some reason, the restless frustration Sidney had been carrying all evening seemed to ease. He let out a small, bitter smile. "Aveline, how have you been lately?"

She nodded, offering a simple, "Pretty good."

Sidney sighed. "I wish I could say the same. I’ve realized something important about myself, but things weren’t so clear in the beginning. Now I’m stuck—unsure how to move forward."

Aveline took a moment to process his words, her expression thoughtful.

"Then show your sincerity," she finally said. "It takes time, but others will see your true feelings if you're genuine. Be patient."

Sidney nodded, appreciating her advice. "You’re right."

He smiled again, though this time it held a bit more warmth. "Seeing you so happy now... I’m really glad for you."

Aveline smiled softly. "We’ll all find happiness in the end."

As Aveline left, Sidney lingered for a moment by the pool, watching her retreating figure.

From a distance, Maria observed them, her fingers lightly resting on the rim of her wine glass, though she hadn’t taken a sip. She looked pensive, lost in thought.

It wasn’t long before Aveline walked back inside, and Sidney turned, only to notice Maria standing alone not far away. Her elegant dress hugged her frame, highlighting her graceful posture as she casually studied her glass, lost in her own world.

Sidney hesitated for a second, then walked over to her.

"Done playing for the night?" he asked when he reached her.

Maria glanced up briefly, then nodded. "Yeah, I’m tired. I was thinking of heading out soon."

"Let me give you a ride," Sidney offered.

Meanwhile, across the room, Selena, who had had more than a few drinks, caught sight of them leaving. She immediately grabbed Aaron's arm, her eyes wide with excitement. "Did you see that? They just left together! They're totally going to end up together."

Aaron wrapped an arm around her waist, steadying her as she swayed slightly. "Selena, you’ve had too much. Let’s get you back to the room to rest, okay?"

"I’m not drunk!" Selena insisted, waving him off dramatically. "Tonight is a night for celebrating! No stopping until the sun comes up!"

Lucas glanced at his watch before gently taking Aveline’s hand. "It’s getting late. Let’s head home."

Desmond, Baron, and Braden also rose, signaling the end of the night for them as well. They gathered their things, saying their goodbyes.

Gernard clapped his hands together and grinned. "Ah, nothing like a wedding night. Great times ahead for you two. We’ll leave you to it."

Turning to Gavin, he added, "Ready to head out, brother?"

Gavin didn’t say a word, but stood up and followed, leaving without looking back.