Chapter 3

“Syam, find Deviana. Right now!”

Adrian stood near the window of his office, overlooking the city, his eyes restless. His hand gripped a phone that no longer showed any notifications from Deviana. It had been nearly two weeks since she disappeared without a word, and his patience had finally run out.

His assistant, Syam, stood a few feet behind him, staring at Adrian’s back with hesitation.

“Sir... didn’t you promise not to look for her again?” Syam asked carefully.

Adrian fell silent. His body stiffened, jaw clenched. He had made that promise—an ego-driven vow that he wouldn’t chase after a woman who chose to leave him. But the long, empty nights, the silence of his phone, and the dreams haunted by Deviana’s face… they had all broken him down.

“I just want to know she’s okay. That’s all,” Adrian said defensively, trying to mask the unease in his heart. “You know how stubborn Deviana is. She might end up hurting herself.”

Syam didn’t reply. He simply nodded, then turned around to carry out his boss’s command.

---

Two days later, Adrian sat in the backseat of his car, now parked in a small southern town. He told himself he was there for a business meeting with a regional branch—but deep down, he knew that wasn’t the only reason.

From the front seat, Syam glanced back, his expression shifting. “Sir... it’s Madam Deviana.”

Without thinking, Adrian opened the door and stepped out of the car. His eyes immediately locked onto the figure of a woman standing across the street in front of a men’s clothing boutique. The soft wind caught the hem of her simple white dress. Her hair was neatly pinned up, and a small smile touched her lips as she browsed the display.

But what made Adrian’s blood boil was the sight of her selecting a men’s dress shirt.

He moved quickly, ignoring Syam’s voice calling after him to stay calm.

“I knew it. You were always going to come crawling back to me, Deviana,” he snapped as he reached her.

Deviana slowly turned around. There was a flash of surprise in her eyes, but she quickly masked it with a cold, unreadable expression. “Come crawling back to you? Don’t flatter yourself, Adrian. We’re over. I’ve already forgotten you.”

Adrian crossed his arms. “Don’t pretend, Dev. I saw you picking out a men’s shirt. If it’s not for me, then who?”

Deviana gave him a faint smile. “For someone else. I’ve moved on.”

Her words struck like an arrow straight to Adrian’s chest. His eyes narrowed. “Liar!” he snapped, stepping forward and snatching the shirt from her hands.

“This… this is my favorite brand. My usual color. You think I don’t know your habits? You always pay attention to details like this. You’re buying this for me.”

Deviana drew in a sharp breath. “No, Adrian. It’s not for you. Don’t bother me again. My life is peaceful without you.”

“Stop lying, Deviana! You can’t even look me in the eye when you say that!” Adrian reached for her arm, but she quickly pulled away.

“Don’t touch me! I don’t belong to you anymore. I told you—my life isn’t about you anymore.”

Adrian let out a bitter laugh. “You talk as if you really love this new guy. Who is he, huh? What kind of man could ever replace me?”

“Someone who knows how to treat a woman. Not someone who toys with her like you did,” Deviana snapped.

Adrian stood still, his gaze shifting. “So it’s true... you’re with someone else now?”

Deviana met his eyes, unflinching. “Yes. And even if I weren’t, I’d still choose anyone over going back to you.”

Adrian stepped closer, their faces now inches apart. “Come on, Deviana. Stop playing games. You know I’d still take you back. No need to pull this dramatic act just to get my attention.”

Deviana took a long breath, then forcefully snatched the shirt back from his hand.

“Listen carefully, Adrian. I don’t need your attention, your forgiveness, or your approval. All I want is peace. Freedom from you.”

Adrian’s fists clenched. “You really think you’ll be happier without me?”

“Not just happier—more at peace, more honest, more worthy. I won’t waste another second waiting for someone who always thought he was too valuable to lose.”

She turned and walked away, leaving Adrian frozen in place. But before she disappeared through the boutique door, she turned back and said,

“You came too late, Adrian. I’ve already chosen a path that doesn’t include you.”