Lahat ng Kabanata ng Her Exodus, His Regret. : Kabanata 31 - Kabanata 40

31. Glances, Gold and Glasses...The dinner was meant to mark a new beginning. But instead, it gathered too many unfinished things in one room. The venue sat high above the city, glass walls holding in soft gold lights and quiet power. Executives from DAH Global mingled with members of the Voss Empire, conversations polished, smiles rehearsed. Low music floated through the room, glasses clinking softly. This wasn't a celebration meant for noise. It was curated. Measured. Power dressed as elegance. Lucien stepped in first. Sasha followed at his side, fingers looped confidently through his arm. She wore satisfaction like a perfume— light, expensive, unmistakable. Damien and Adrian came just behind them. "You look very on brand tonight Sasha" Adrian said. Sasha gave a light, careful laugh. "I will take that as a compliment".Damien didn't look at her. He adjusted his cufflinks instead, gaze already scanning the room, assessing faces, exits, intent. If Sasha noticed, she didn't co

33. The things I shouldn't want...Dahlia watched as Lucien's face inched closer to hers, eyes mirroring her own. He didn't blink, as if afraid that she would disappear— slip farther away than she already had. His hand, still wrapped around hers trembled. Just slightly. But enough. For some reason— one that she didn't want to recognize— her heart dulled within the walls of her chest. Perhaps, if this was a year ago— no, three years ago, she would have been elated. Overjoyed.Because he was looking at her. Because he was holding her. Because he had such intensity in his eyes, just for her. Because he was looking at her a second longer. However, it was late now. Ridiculous even. She hated him. She despised him. But above all, what unsettled her most was the fact that, her body still betrayed her. At his closeness. At his warm breath that fanned her cheek, down to the crook of her neck. At the memory of his sandalwood cologne that latched onto him like a second skin. She used to lov

35. The brother's proposal Lucien exited the company building and stepped into the waiting Rolls-Royce .The staff shut the door with caution. Jace was already in the driver's seat, hands resting calmly on the steering. He brought the car to life, the low rumble announcing their departure. Some distance away, a black SUV stood, the tinted glass shadowing whoever was inside. "Should I follow Miss?" the driver asked. Sasha took a sharp drag from her cigarette. "Do you even have to ask?"The driver gave a quick nod and turned the car on. The black tires rolled on the smooth asphalt, stealth and ready for the hunt. Within minutes, the black Rolls-Royce glided to a stop at the airport terminal. Jace stepped out first, sunglasses on, eyes scanning the surroundings with practiced precision. Lucien emerged, just before Jace could say anything, straightening the cuff of his suit as his eyes swept across the busy entrance. Travelers rushed past, announcements echoed overhead, luggage whe

37. The right string....Lucien had just stepped out of his company building, making way towards the SUV—opened and waiting for him— when his cellphone buzzed in his pocket. He took it out, his brows furrowing at the caller ID. He picked it up. "Jules" his deep voice came. "Boss, there's a situation" His jaw clenched, hand tightening around his phone. "Speak"A pause. Brief . Careful. Then, "It's Miss Vale".Sasha. Something tightened slowly in his gut.Not fear. Not panic.Something older. Heavier. "She's in the hospital" Jules continued. "Multiple lacerations. Glass shrapnels. She was caught in a bar fight". "Which hospital?""St Greg Medicals" Jules replied. "Okay" Lucien said, and hung up. "Boss" Jace said from the side. "To St Greg Medicals" Lucien ordered, voice cold. "Yes!" The SUV purred into motion. Lucien leaned into the black leather seat, eyes fixed on nothing. Fifteen years ago he had almost drowned. At Dragon seaside. The memory did not come to him in imag

39. A Mother's Threat.The drive to St Greg Medicals was silent.Not peaceful silence.The kind that pressed heavily against the windows, thick with things unsaid.Lucien's hand rested on his thigh, fingers steady, posture composed. Only the tightness in his jaw betrayed the storm moving beneath that calm surface. The sting on his cheek had faded already.That wasn't what lingered.His mind replayed the conference hall in ruthless clarity.Sasha's voice.The murmurs.The slap.And then—"Watch your words, Miss". Liam.Lucien's fists balled tightly. Being slapped in public was humiliating. Yes.But watching another man step forward for Dahlia?That was something else entirely.Liam had moved without hesitation. Without calculation. As though protecting her had been instinct.Lucien's jaw hardened.Why?Beside him, Sasha shifted softly."Luce..."Her voice was quiet, almost fragile.Lucien didn't look at her."I'm sorry", she murmured after a moment, fingers twisting lightly in the fa