Urging Him to Get a Divorce novel Chapter 20

Aveline managed a smile. “I do have good news for you. Remember how I talked about starting a studio with my college friends? Well, we just passed the preliminary review for a multimillion- dollar design project with Crestmark Croup. If we land this project, we’ll be able to start our own company I want to create something of my own.”

Collin’s face lit up, and he sat up straighter. “You mean the Crestmark Group in Kralville?”

She nodded, her smile genuine.

“Excellent!” Collin said, beaming proudly. “Crestmark’s a giant in the industry, right up there with the Beltran Group. With your talent, Ava, you’ll win them over for sure.

Her mother, Bethany Baldwin, had been a gifted painter. Artistry ran in their blood.

Collin and Paulina wished for both happiness in her marriage and success in her career.

But Lauren had always expected Aveline to put family first, dismissing her dreams as a mere hobby

Loving Navier as much as she did, Aveline tried to live up to Lauren’s expectations by becoming the perfect wife, Collin and Paulina had respected her choices, but secretly, they’d hoped for

more.

Now, hearing Aveline speak about pursuing her ambitions brought genuine joy, but also concern.

Paulina spoke softly, “Ava, is that why you’re fighting with Xavier and Lauren?”

Aveline shook her head, her smile faint. “No, don’t worry so much. You two being healthy is my greatest wish. I’ve just realized that women should have their own careers. No one should give up their value for a man.”

Paulina smoothed Aveline’s hair. “Good girl. We’re grateful you’ve found your confidence again. But now that you’re married, nurturing your relationship with Xavier also matters. Open up to him Talk”

Aveline replied quietly, “I know what I’m doing, Grandma. You really don’t have to worry about

me.”

Sharing a glance, Paulina and Collin let the matter drop.

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Aveline was grown, and they’d lived long enough to know children have to make their own

choices.

What couple lives without friction, after all?

And now, Aveline was determined to chase her dreams, and they were happy for her.

She stayed for lunch and double–checked with Logan to make sure Collin’s conditions were stable before leaving.

Back at her studio, Aveline fired off a text to Xavier, “Tell Lauren to stop bothering my grandparents.”

A few minutes later, he replied with a lone question mark.

Aveline rolled her eyes and typed back. “Send that question mark to Lauren.”

Xavier took the hint and dropped the conversation.

Throwing herself into work, Aveline focused on her designs. After a week, she finished the concept drawings. To celebrate, she, Jasmine, and Julian decided to go out for dinner.

Jasmine chose steak, a favorite of Aveline’s late mother.

In the parking lot, they spotted Xavier getting out of a black Bentley, Josephine at his arm. Gerald stepped out of a BMW behind them.

Xavier hadn’t seen Aveline yet, but Josephine had. She clung tighter to Xavier’s arm with a sweet

smile.

“Thanks, darling. You always know how to treat me. My favorite steakhouse!” she gushed.

Gerald noticed Aveline but barely spared her a glance before turning to Josephine. “If you’re happy, Josie, then Xavier’s happy too. Of course, he’ll bring you anywhere you want.”

Jasmine, suppressing her disgust, leaned in. “Does Gerald have a crush on Josephine? He’s like her fan.”

Aveline just smiled and led the way to the restaurant entrance.

Xavier said, “Let’s go.”

But as he looked up, he caught sight of Aveline. For a split second, his eyes lingered on her.

Josephine murmured something, and Xavier bent down to listen.

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Chapter 20

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Both groups ended up at the entrance at almost the same time. Xavier paused, as though waiting for Aveline and her friends to walk in first.

Suddenly, Josephine clutched his arm like she’d lost her balance.

Aveline didn’t so much as glance in their direction. She walked straight inside.

Behind her, Gerald chuckled.

Josephine, ever the actress, pouted. “What are you laughing at, Gerald? I just lost my footing, and that’s all. Hanging on to Xav is just the impulse. Besides, what’s wrong with hugging my boyfriend?”

Gerald just grinned. “No problem at all. He could carry you to your private room, for all I care. Now, if you were hugging me, that’d be a different story.”

Jasmine muttered under her breath, “She’s always putting on a show. She should have gone acting.”

into

Aveline wasn’t bothered, smiling faintly.

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