[4]

No need to wait for tomorrow. My preparations have already been completed. I've even said goodbye to some of the people who live in this luxurious house. Not wanting to intrude, I chose to order a taxi instead of accepting the offer of the driver who usually accompanied me everywhere.

“But, ma'am.” Hans, the Langley family's driver groaned in frustration. All the words of persuasion went completely ignored. I just stood up, trying to stay strong, while flashing my warm smile. “It's already late. You could get into trouble leaving this late.”

“Don't make me feel heavier, Mr. Hans.” I briefly patted the middle-aged man's shoulder, which looked somber. “I hope you'll help me look after Mrs. Rita. Don't let her be sad that I'm no longer here.”

“Madam,” Maria couldn't contain herself anymore. Her eyes, which had been glazed over, spilled over. Her cheeks were wet with tears. “What can I do to keep you here?”

I tried hard not to get carried away. My heart was breaking. It hurt so much to part with people as good as them. Since the beginning of my arrival in this house, only a handful had welcomed me well. As time went by, almost everyone who lived in this house accepted my existence.

With the exception of Rick.

I believe, as long as I do good, there will always be good that comes to me. I don't know why that doesn't apply to Rick. Is that man's heart too cold? I don't know.

I've done many things to attract his attention. Even though I received a stern warning on the first night of becoming his wife, I didn't give up easily. There was a time when I felt very close to him. He was warm, insightful, had a high work ethic, was dedicated to his life, caring, and often treated me gently.

Although... it was all a sham.

Rick only acted like that in front of his father. As long as I was around Sebastian, I was treated like a queen. Including things I never thought Rick would do. Fitting my shoes when we went shopping one time. Or simply cutting a steak into smaller pieces for me to eat at a business banquet.

Naively... I was sure that one day Rick wouldn't need to wear his mask anymore. That husband of mine will definitely treat me like a queen in his household. With or without the father-in-law. Unfortunately, it was too good a dream to be true.

“There's no need to do anything else, Maria.” I put on a fake smile. “We all know how Rick is, right?” I then laughed. More like laughed at how stupid I was to be stuck here. What a false sense of happiness. I thought, at least this is the only way to fulfill my parents' last wish.

Never mind. There was no need for regrets. Rick had already kicked me out. Not just once, but many times. If it wasn't for Rita, I would have left months ago.

“Take care of yourselves.” I tightened my grip on the bag slung over my shoulder. “I hope we can meet again someday.” Coinciding with my words, a black car with a bird logo on the side entered the courtyard of this mansion. Once again, I looked at them all intently.

What I thought was a happy life ended tonight.

“I'm leaving.”

***

[Max's PoV]

“Damn it all!” I threw the glass at the wall with all my might. The sound of it shattering echoed in the room that was instantly filled with tension. Several people scowled, not a single one dared to look at me. I could feel the air around me tighten. The intimidation I exuded was too intense to ignore.

“What do you guys do, huh?” my voice echoed, cold and sharp. “Don't any of you have a job to do?”

Silence fell over the room. Only the sound of the air-conditioning machine could be heard, as if a backdrop for my anger.

“Answer, damn it!” I snapped, making several people gulp.

“Ma'am-not like that, Mr. Max,” Irena's voice sounded shaky. She had the courage to speak, even though I knew her whole body was trembling. This was the first time I'd ever gotten this angry. The looming deadline and the various obstacles made my patience completely exhausted.

I let out a heavy sigh. “Do you have a satisfactory answer, Irena?” My gaze pierced, demanding more than just an excuse.

If this project failed, the losses would not just be tens of millions, but hundreds. I won't let Trinity Fashion collapse. Never.

“The new breakthrough on the soon-to-be-launched brand is still pending, sir. Everything is scheduled for next week,” Irena explained as quickly as possible, trying to calm the tension I felt.

I listened intently.

“We can still strategize with the same system. The celebrities we've contacted have confirmed they'll help. Even Sucay Dilretta has said she will take part in our fashion show, sir.”

I shook my head quickly. “That's not enough, Irena. You know that, right?”

Irena nodded quickly, realizing that I wasn't satisfied with the plan. I knew they were all working hard, but it wasn't enough. I needed something bigger. More powerful.

“Live while promoting certain items is the most effective solution for the current transaction development, sir. We've tested samples on several products, and the results have gone up significantly.”

I rubbed my chin, my mind working fast. Their conversation continued, ideas were thrown around, but my mind was on something more important. I needed a new face to carry the theme of this fashion show. Someone who is more than just a celebrity who can be paid with endorsements.

I needed a new icon for Trinity Fashion's newest brand.

“Continue your conversation. I'll wait for the summary in an hour, Irena. Do what you think is best. But I need you to take full responsibility.”

I grabbed my coat from my chair and stepped out, leaving them to finally breathe a sigh of relief.

“Tomorrow we have a meeting at Grand Lucky at one o'clock. Take advantage of the time to arrive late for tonight's meeting,” I said before heading out, ignoring their continued conversation behind me.

I need some fresh air.

My steps stopped right in front of the red Lamborghini that was waiting gracefully for me. I got in, started the engine, and heard a roar that instantly calmed my mind. I opened the window, letting the night breeze brush my face. The streets are quieter, helping me think more clearly.

This aimless journey should have eased my emotions a little. But then...

“SHIT!”

I reflexively slammed the steering wheel, avoiding someone who suddenly passed by. The tires rubbed against the asphalt, producing a sharp screeching sound that made my heart pound. The screams of the people around began to be heard. And then...

BRAK!

I gasped, staring at the scene in front of me in disbelief.

“Merry!” I screeched, quickly getting out of the car. My eyes widened as I saw my favorite car-Merry-crash into a utility pole. “Oh my God!”

The people around me asked if I was okay, but I paid them no mind. My gaze was fixed on someone on the street.

“Are you alright, Miss?”

My consciousness returned. I just remembered that someone was on my way. My jaw hardened, the anger that had subsided returned.

“I'm fine.” Her voice sounded soft, full of relief. He stood up, then extended a hand to the little boy he was protecting. “It's a good thing this child isn't hurt. You're okay, right, sweetheart?”

I was transfixed.

The woman's figure stood under the dim streetlight, her hair bathed in golden yellow light. Her gentle smile soothed the frightened-looking little boy. And her voice... like a stream in the middle of the forest, so peaceful and soothing.

However, what caught my attention the most were her eyes.

Those eyes.

“This is what I'm really looking for.”