Her Exodus, His Regret. 의 모든 챕터: 챕터 21 - 챕터 30

22. Coffees and confessions. Morning spilled over St Rita's Medicals in a wash of pale gold. Dahlia was discharged shortly after, only to find Liam waiting— familiar in face, unfamiliar in intent. Liam raised the two cups of coffee in his hands in a toast, that warm smile that was perfectly practiced resting on his lips. He was dressed in athleisure— a black sweatpants and grey hoodie. He gave the right vibe perfect for the morning. Dahlia's eyes narrowed. "What are you doing here?" The question came cold, intended. "I heard someone was being discharged today" Liam said as he walked up to her. He handed her a cuppa but Dahlia only eyed him. She busied herself with her hair, tying it effortlessly into a rough bun. "I can go by myself" Dahlia said. Liam placed the coffees on the bedside table. Dahlia didn't mind him and reached for her handbag but he beat her to it, slinging it over his shoulder. Dahlia glared at him. "Mr Liam, what do you think you're doing?" She bristled. "Fin

24. Born from his ashes.The table was set to perfection— close to the floor to ceiling window, crystal, silver warm lighting bending across the polished wood alongside the soft rays of the night stars that bled through the wall glass. However, the silence was anything but elegant. It was tight. Calculating. Precise. The kind that made every breathing feel like it might tip something over. Dahlia walked into the room, the eyes of her guests following her every move. Lucien leaned into his seat, eyes locked on her like a predator. The green draped on her like sin itself— a shadow latched like a second skin. Sasha noticed. Hands tightened on her clutch. She grabbed a glass of water. "Good evening my esteemed guests. Sorry to have kept you waiting" Dahlia said, once she reached the table. She took a seat at the head of the table, like an empress watching her subjects. She looked everything regal. "If I didn't know any better, I would say you had a surprise for my fiance and I" Sasha

26. A memory of her. Morning arrived in washed out tones, the sky bruised with grey as sunlight edged cautiously forward. It wasn't bright— not yet. Just present, like a truth that had decided not to hide anymore. Lucien remained awake long after the night had passed, standing by the window as if waiting for something to make sense. A buzz on the bedside table— low yet grating, reached his ears. His mother. Lucien's jaw tightened. He reached for it then paused midway. He stared at the name on the screen for a few seconds before letting his hand drop and turning back to the window. The manor was quiet. Too quiet. After what felt like minutes, maybe only seconds, he stepped out of the room. The corridor was empty, silence stretching more than it was supposed to. Even the staff seemed to have learned how to disappear. Only the low hum of the air conditioner reminded him that time was still moving. His mother had called. Why? Maybe to remind him about a marriage he never really agr

28. Pools and positions...The meeting finally came to an end. Lucien left, gloom etched sparsely across his face.The room fell back into silence save for Dahlia's soft tapping on the desk. Her face held no expression but the slight shift in her eyes said otherwise. Gaux walked in. "Miss Winters" she called her. Dahlia blinked hard, forcing a small smile on her face. "Gaux, get me a cuppa". Gaux looked at her once, worry evident in her eyes. "Yes Miss".A few minutes later, Gaux returned with the coffee. "Here it is Miss" she said, placing it calmly on the desk. Dahlia grabbed it, and took a sharp sip from it. Same coffee. Her favorite. "Are you alright Miss Winters?" Gaux couldn't help asking. Dahlia looked at her. "Yes. I am". "Do you really have to meet him for this project to work out? You could send me in your place" Gaux said, voice cautious yet firm. Dahlia sipped. "You know I prefer getting things done by myself". Gaux inhaled. "I know that Miss. It's just...""Don't

30. At His side...Next Morning. The conference room at Nine Lives Hotel hummed with quiet precision. Glass walls. Soft lights. A long polished table reflecting the faces that knew how to smile for investors and cameras alike. Mr Fisher sat at the head, relaxed, satisfied. The proposal lay before him calmly. This was his win. His vision coming to life. Dahlia and Lucien sat opposite each other. Close enough to feel each other's presence. Far enough to pretend it didn't matter. Mr Fisher clasped his hands together. "I must say", he began, "this collaboration is exactly what this project needs". He caught their gazes, one after another. "Two strong brands. Two capable leaders. Stability and vision in one room. Lucien straightened his jacket, crushing the very last urge to look at the woman opposite him. "We're aligned"."Completely" Dahlia seconded, almost immediately. The words landed easily. Too easily.Minutes later, documents slid across the table. Pens raised. Signatures place