"Aria, what game are you playing with me now?" Lucas's voice was like a blade edged with frost, each word slicing into Aria's heart.
Her already pale face turned ghostly white, her lips trembling as if trying to speak but producing no sound. Her body swayed unsteadily, like a withered leaf clinging to its branch in the autumn wind.
Lucas observed her coldly, his eyes devoid of warmth, filled only with seething anger and disgust. He was convinced that Aria's state was just another act—a transparent attempt to manipulate his sympathy.
"What's this? Suddenly speechless? Can't keep up the act when confronted?" Lucas stepped closer, his voice turning frosty. "Aria, do you really think I'd fall for another fainting act? You used this trick three years ago!"
His mention of "three years ago" h
