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

Over the phone, Reese was able to sense the unease in Ava's voice. "Elias told me about you and Lukas," Ava said.
Reese was a little surprised. "Have you been seeing him?" she inquired.
She was well aware of Ava's tendency to keep her distance from the people that she wanted to avoid. When she wanted to stay
away from someone, it was almost impossible for that person to reach her on the phone.
Ava's voice was a little muffled as she explained, "He showed up at my front door and insisted that he had something important
to discuss with me about you. When I opened the door, he barged in with no intention of leaving."
Reese was taken aback. "He..." She struggled to find the words to describe how Elias acted. It was somewhat unorthodox!
She continued, "He stayed with me and refused to leave. When I tried to leave, he threatened to take the key to my house away
from me and refused to let me out. I didn't want to call the police, so I had to promise him that I wouldn't unilaterally cut off
contact with him. He's been with me all day today," Ava explained.

Reese found Elias' actions puzzling. However, she understood that he was probably spurred on by the developments between
her and Lukas. She felt a sense of unease, but she also knew Ava's resolve. Once she made up her mind about something, it
was a challenge to sway her. She asked, "What do you want to do?"
Reese was not eager for Ava to engage in conversation with Elias. There were times when giving in to someone's persistence
could lead to undesirable results.
There was a hint of ambiguity in Ava's voice. "He was probably triggered by you and Lukas today. I won't avoid him anymore.
People like him lose interest as soon as the novelty wears off. I'll be careful and not easily tempted."
Reese couldn't help but worry. She didn't want Ava to be led astray again. Ava had already endured the pain of a failed
relationship once, and Reese hoped that she wouldn't be so quick to fall into another emotional pit, especially one that could be
so devastating.
Reese sighed and offered, "Well, regardless, it's wise to keep some distance."
Ava was firm in her answer. "Don't worry, Reese. I understand your concern, and I won't be easily swayed again."
While Reese believed that avoiding Elias might be the best course of action, she also recognized that, as friends, they couldn't
remain estranged from each other forever. So she conceded, "All right, I'll trust your judgment."

After hanging up the phone with Ava, Reese walked down to the parking lot and spotted Lucas sitting in his car. The car's
headlights flashed cheerfully. It was as if they were signaling his happiness at the moment.
Without hesitation, she made her way to the car and climbed in. Lukas came up to her quickly.
Reese instinctively held out her hand to protect herself. "What are you doing?" Lukas replied with a smile. "Putting on your
seatbelt, what were you thinking?" Reese hesitated. "What made you act on such short notice?"
Lukas playfully helped her buckle up, then leaned over to give her a quick peck on the cheek.
Startled, Reese covered her face with her hands and shot Lukas a flash, scolding him. "Since when did I agree to be kissed
when I put on my seat belt?" she asked.
With a raised eyebrow, Lukas replied, "But it's already buckled on."
Reese's cheeks were flushed as she retorted, "That doesn't mean you can have a sneaky kiss on me!"
Grinning, Lukas revved up the car's engine. "You're mine, and I don't think that counts as a sneaky kiss."
Reese, her face aflame, chose to remain silent. She looked out the car window, admitting defeat when it came to matters of
impudence.
Lukas drove them to the Butterfly Pavilion. The Butterfly Pavilion was known for its delicious seafood and Sichuan cuisine on
several floors. The establishment also boasted a lavishly decorated chess and card room that attracted many customers.