Chapter 4

At 7 p.m., Heather brought Liam back to our marital home.

I had just placed the last piece of clothing into my suitcase when I heard her calling me from the living room. "Come out and sign the settlement agreement."

Besides the accident settlement agreement, an incident explanation sat on the coffee table. It stated that the driver had suddenly changed lanes because I urged him, causing the car behind him to be unable to dodge. If I signed it, Liam would not be held responsible, and even his driver’s license would not be suspended.

"He caused the accident by looking down to pick up his phone." I pushed the papers back.

"The surveillance footage and dashcam footage can prove it."

Liam’s eyes reddened at once. "Ian, I know it is my fault. But I am participating in a charity racing team selection next month. If I have a record for dangerous driving, I will never be able to race again."

He had loved racing since college. I paid for the registration fee and even bought him his first racing suit. When he won his first award, he hugged me and laughed all night, saying he would give me the trophy when he stood on the highest podium.

Now, he was trampling over my future to get his award.

Heather placed the pen beside me. "You missed your review. Pursuing the matter will not change anything. Sign it, and I will have someone build you a studio."

She did the same thing again. My personal effects, my hard work, my dreams. Everything had a price in her eyes. It was as if I should swallow my grievances and stay quiet if I was given enough.

"I will not sign it."

Heather stared at me for a few seconds before taking out her phone and making a call. "Suspend the lease renewal for Ian’s father’s old studio."

I looked up sharply.

The studio had been kept in the care of Hilmann Group after my father’s death. Inside were every one of the design sketches he had created during his lifetime. They were also the source of inspiration for my latest work.

"That is the place my dad left behind."

"So the decision is yours." Heather placed her phone on the table. "Ian, no one will touch the studio as long as you sign. Our wedding date will also remain."

Liam grabbed her arm at once. "Heather, do not pressure Ian."

He suddenly knelt in front of me, his fists clenched and his voice hoarse. "I ruined your artwork. I am willing to compensate. But that selection is my last chance. Ian, you have always been my biggest supporter. Help me one more time, okay?"

Ten years of friendship and four years of love.

One knelt and begged me, and the other sat and pressured me. Neither of them asked if what I lost was also my only chance.

Heather glanced at her watch. "I will give you only one minute."

My phone rang at that moment.

The old man guarding the studio sounded anxious. "Mr. Ian, people from Hilmann Group are here. They say they are clearing the place out tonight. Mr. Jeffrey left too many drawings, and they are moving them out. It is raining outside. What should I do?"

I grabbed the phone and rushed toward the door.

Heather raised her hand to stop me. She stood before me, her back still straight.

In the past, this figure had shielded me from countless storms. Now it had become a high wall that had driven me to a dead end.

"Sign it."

"You promised me you would protect that place."

"I promised Liam I would let him participate in the selection." Her expression stayed unwavering.

"Ian, do not make things difficult for me."

‘Do not make things difficult for her, so I can only be the one she gave up,’ I thought.

Thunder rumbled outside the window.

A video arrived quickly.

The studio door had been torn open. The drafts my father left behind were packed in nonwaterproof cardboard boxes, piled beside the truck in the rain. The top page was blown away by the wind, and the ink spread slowly due to the rain.

"Make them stop."

Heather pushed a pen toward me. "Sign it."

I stared at the irretrievable drafts on the screen, tears falling onto the paper. My hand holding the pen trembled violently.

In the video, another page of the drafts was swept away by the wind and rain.

I finally put pen to paper. Each stroke felt like tearing my own heart apart.

With the final stroke, Heather took the document and immediately ordered her staff to stop clearing the area.

"Would it not have been better if you had done this sooner?" She reached out to wipe my tears.

I turned my head away.

Liam stayed frozen, his voice strained. "Ian, I am sorry."

I took off my promise ring and placed it in her palm, my heart ashen. "No need to apologize. I will give you everything you want."

‘Including the woman I loved for four years and the home I once thought I had.’

Heather’s expression darkened. "Ian, what are you doing? Take it back."

I dragged the suitcase by the door.

She then noticed the suitcase, her brow furrowing deeply. "Why did you pack your things?"

"To check the drafts my father left behind."

"Are you not coming back tonight?"

I did not answer.

Heather assumed I was still throwing a tantrum and helped Liam up from the floor. "The studio is saved. Do not cause any more trouble."

She placed the ring in her pocket, her tone leaving no room for argument. "I will pick you up tomorrow morning."

I gripped the suitcase handle and gave her one last glance. "No need."

Heather frowned, but Liam cried out in pain behind me. She still turned and walked toward him.

Just like countless times before. Whenever he spoke, I was always left behind.

Before the door closed, I heard Heather say icily, "Suit yourself. Come back when you have calmed down."

I did not answer, nor did I turn back.

Twelve hours later, I boarded a flight to London.

This time, I would not be coming back.