A Perfect Lie Hides Behind My Billionaire Marriage novel Chapter 161

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, I 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 at me like that? I can't even eat with you watching me."

Reese bit her lip, "Ava, I've mentioned before that you should find the right time to 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 came to 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 I 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 same way? I don't want my affection to become a 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.

She understood that when it came to 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 to me anytime. You don't have to carry the burden alone."

Later that afternoon, after finishing her work, Reese took some time to work on her design drafts before heading to the top floor to find Lukas.

As time passed, she had grown to understand Lukas to some extent. 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.