Early in the morning, the street-spraying truck drove past the apartment building with a familiar tune playing-"Almost Lover" Elaria had always liked that song.

A faint bit of morning light filtered into the bedroom, the curtains swayed gently.

Sebastian was already gone.

He hadn't forced her into anything last night, just woke up repeatedly and kissed her over and over again...

It was like he'd been holding back for too long. In those half-awake kisses, she vaguely heard him whisper, "Elaria, let's start over."

"Start over..."

Those two words held so much weight to her. But the pain they'd been through still haunted her. That night at Eclat Haven, the storm in his eyes also shook her. She was scared-scared that it would all end up being just another dream.

For three or four days after, Sebastian kept showing up.

Nothing dramatic-he'd come by late at night, eat a bowl of noodles with her, hold her to sleep without crossing the line, and leave before she woke up. It felt like how it used to be back when everything was still fresh.

Then one day, he just stopped coming.

He didn't call. She didn't call either. She was neck-deep in plans to open her own studio-starting small, with a gallery, and maybe eventually branching into art auctions.

She did talk to Mrs. Harmon about her ideas. The woman praised her, "Mrs. Richards, you're really capable."

Elaria didn't bring up anything about her and Sebastian. Things were still in limbo between them-not something to go announcing to the world.

Days slipped by, one after another.

Before she knew it, fall had hit hard. The leaves had turned yellow and brittle.

That day, she got a call from one of the caretakers. The woman sounded hurried, "Your grandma had a fall-nothing too serious, but she's at Heartwell Medical Center. You should come quickly."

Elaria was in the middle of discussing a storefront space, but the second she got the call, she rushed to the hospital.

Nothing mattered more to her than her grandma.

She could still remember-years ago, in the dead of winter, she was just a five-year-old waif trembling on the street, so thin she was all bones. Her grandma had picked her up, brought her home, warmed her up by wrapping her in blankets, and slowly nursed her back with food.

They only had each other back then. Her grandma had suffered through so much just to raise her.

Once she got married and had the means, Elaria bought her a big house and hired two people to look after her.

Half an hour later, Elaria arrived at the hospital, heart pounding.

Luckily, it was just a sprain.

She finally let out a quiet breath.

Crouching beside the bed, she gently brushed her fingers through her grandma's silver hair and said softly, "Alright, I'll go get the admission papers sorted."

Maggie, standing nearby, chimed in with a smile, "Miss Grace really is impressive! This room's the best one in the entire hospital. Even the director stepped in when he saw her."

Her grandma's eyes crinkled with joy. "Our Elaria's always been the most capable."

Elaria patted her hair again and headed out.

The VIP ward area had a bit of traditional charm-two aged villas with a garden in between, maple leaves flaming red in the crisp fall air.

She slowed down to take in the scene-

And froze.

At the other end of the corridor-

Sebastian was holding Bianca, with Clarence and his wife trailing behind them. The four walked out in a line. Bianca leaned gently against Sebastian like she was made of glass, and her husband-her Sebastian-looked at her with that soft, tender expression.

Elaria stood there, numb, staring at the man who just a few nights ago held her close and said he wanted a fresh start. Now he was out in public with another woman in his arms, acting like gossip didn't even exist.

She couldn't help thinking: how deep must the love be to turn a blind eye to rumors like that?

Elaria really didn't want to stick around. She turned to leave, but right then, a soft, sugary voice called from behind, "Mrs. Richards."

She turned and looked at the lovely little duo.

Bianca clung to Sebastian, deliberately sounding innocent. "Mrs. Richards, there's nothing between me and Sebastian. I wasn't feeling well, that's why he was carrying me."

Before Elaria could say a word, Mrs. Thompson chimed in with a polite yet totally distant tone, "You must be Sebastian's wife? Bianca and Sebastian grew up together, they've always looked out for each other. I'm sure you don't mind, do you?"

Elaria glanced at Sebastian. He still hadn't let go of the girl in his arms. He just frowned slightly.

She wasn't in the mood for any love triangle nonsense. Honestly, she just found the Thompsons annoying. She gave a cold chuckle. "Mrs. Thompson, your daughter sneaking around with Sebastian is her own business. But dragging it into public? That's just trying to be disgusting on purpose. Whether I mind doesn't matter-what matters is whether your daughter is fine being with a used man like Sebastian."

Mrs. Thompson flushed with anger and snapped, "Figures. Orphans are always so poorly brought up."

"Aunt Thompson!" Sebastian cut in, his voice low but firm. Even at his age, there was a kind of pressure in his tone that instantly made Mrs. Thompson shrink back.

He finally set down Bianca and tried to reach for Elaria's wrist. "Let me explain later."

She brushed him off without hesitation.

Her voice carried a mocking edge. "What's left to explain, Sebastian? Let's stop pretending. There's really nothing worth talking about between us anymore."

Clarence tried to smooth things over. "I think this could all be a misunderstanding-"

"Is that so?" Elaria turned to him. "Then can you promise your daughter won't ever talk to Sebastian again?"

Clarence hesitated.

And here came Mrs. Thompson again, sharp and nasty: "Miss Grace, the unloved one is the real home-wrecker!"

Clarence quickly scolded her, but Elaria didn't bother arguing anymore.

She looked at Sebastian and said flatly, "Think it over. Sign the papers soon so your sweetheart can finally get her title."

Then she turned and left, not a single ounce of hesitation in her step.

Life's fragile like that-she'd wasted enough time already.

Behind her, Sebastian stood still among the red maples, quietly watching her walk away. His expression dark and unreadable.

*****

Evening arrived. Up on the hospital rooftop, the sky was burning with golden clouds, warm and wild in the wind.

Elaria leaned against the railing, taking in the whole Caelmoor skyline, her mind drifting to what lay ahead. She was lost in thought when steady footsteps echoed behind her.

She turned-and there stood Liam.

He came up beside her, matching her stance as he gripped the rusted railing. After a pause, he turned slightly to look at her profile. "Because of Sebastian?"

She didn't say anything.

Liam didn't seem to mind. He looked back out at the sunset, voice calm. "Back then, it made sense that you liked him. Out of all of us, Sebastian really stood out. Even when he was young, he knew exactly what he wanted. I used to think I was ruthless, but he... he beats me by miles."

"He's just as cruel to himself as he is to everyone else."

Liam stopped talking and turned his head, just watching her silently.

The sun cast a glow on her face, and the tip of her nose was a little red-it looked like she'd been crying.

He swallowed hard.

It was late when Elaria drove home.

She pulled into the parking lot and unbuckled her seatbelt, about to step out when her eyes froze for a second.

Across the way, under a sycamore tree, Sebastian' car sat quietly. He leaned against it, dressed all in black, head tilted up, a cigarette lazily held between his fingers. That sharp jawline and those chiseled features made him look painfully attractive.

The soft blue smoke curled around his clean-cut face before the night breeze nudged it away.

With the shade of the trees and cloak of darkness, he seemed almost like part of the night itself.

When he noticed her, Sebastian's gaze sharpened, and after a few seconds, he flicked the cigarette away, crushing it underfoot, then started walking toward her.

Elaria didn't want to deal with him. She got out and made a beeline for the elevator. Behind her, his footsteps followed at an unhurried pace.

Just as she reached her apartment, Sebastian blocked her path. "Elaria, can we talk?"

"Talk about what?" she reached into her bag for her keys, tone cool and distant. "What's left between us to even discuss?"

All those late nights, his soft words and kisses-they all felt like a dream now.

Good thing she never really let it fool her.

She opened the door, and Sebastian stuck out his foot, stopping it from closing.

In a blink, she was pushed up lightly against the wall. He placed his hands on either side of her shoulders, eyes locked on her. For once, his gaze was dead serious.

He leaned in, like he was about to kiss her-like he used to.

Elaria turned her head sharply, dodging him on purpose.

Sebastian stared at her, his voice hoarse. "What's going on?"

Under the warm hallway lights, her features looked even softer without the sharp edges of Halden & Co.'s vice president persona. She looked... easier to reach.

His Adam's apple moved as he swallowed. His voice dropped to an aching murmur, "Elaria, it's not what you think."

She shot back coldly, "Oh yeah? Then what is it?"

She couldn't even respect herself anymore. Her husband had fallen for some girl and didn't bother hiding it-parading around like they were some power couple. And now he was here, trying to act like he still cared?

That was laughable. And humiliating.

Her words trembled, but they cut sharp, "Sebastian, I told you. We're done."

"That night-you asked me if I liked you. I didn't answer." He finally looked her in the eye. "But I will now. Yeah, I did like you. But not anymore. Now, I find the thought of it disgusting. Is that what you wanted to hear?"

As soon as she said it, her eyes glistened faintly.

"That's it." Her voice stayed steady. "Don't come back again."

She gently pushed the door open and walked inside. Soft yellow light from the hallway spilled onto Sebastian's frame, sketching out an aching loneliness.

Elaria closed the door, leaned back against it, and looked up at the crystal chandelier, blinking away the sting in her eyes.

Snowball ran up and tugged at her pants, barking anxiously. She crouched down, stroking his silky fur, saying softly, "You hungry, little guy? Let me get you something."

The dog gave a couple more short barks.

After feeding Snowball, Elaria went to get her bathrobe. As she reached for it, her fingers brushed against a black dress shirt-it was his.

She used to wear that shirt on cold nights, wrapped in his arms.

Back then, part of her had softened.

Elaria stared at the shirt for a while, then pulled it out and tossed it straight into the trash.

A moment later, the sound of running water filled the apartment.

The moon sank lower in the sky.

Outside, the sycamore trees rustled in the night breeze, their whispery movements sounding like silent sobs.

Inside a sleek black SUV, Sebastian sat in the backseat, lost in photos on his phone. One was their wedding picture-Elaria smiling sweetly, head resting on his shoulder.

She had only been 22 then. No big job title, no public company paperwork. Just pure youth, untouched and real. Sebastian reached out unconsciously, fingertips brushing over the image of Elaria on his phone screen. Her smiling face felt like it might melt through the cold glass-soft, familiar, gone. She used to look at him like that, with light in her eyes.

Now? She didn't love him anymore.

He couldn't even pinpoint when it had started slipping away-her affection, her warmth. When had he lost her?

*****

Fast forward three days, inside the CEO's office at Halden & Co.

Sebastian's mood was downright awful.

On his desk sat a court summons-the plaintiff: Elaria. She was officially suing for divorce and division of joint assets.

He lounged back on the sofa, legs crossed lazily, fingers flicking the edge of the paper.

Barely above a murmur, he turned to Ms. Woods. "Did she hire a lawyer?"

Ms. Woods didn't sugarcoat it. "She brought in one of the best-Mr. Shaw. He's well-known, and from what I hear, even Mr. Collins might not stand a chance against him."

Sebastian shot her a sideways glance, voice still cool. "Who said I'm planning to fight her in court? That's her idea. I never agreed to a divorce."

Ms. Woods blinked. Wait, what?

He placed the document back on the coffee table, long fingers tapping the corner thoughtfully. The sunlight caught his profile-serene brows, sharp nose, an effortlessly perfect picture.

After a pause, he spoke casually.

"Set up a dinner with Mr. Shaw. My treat."

"And hmm... spread the word."

Ms. Woods felt her chest tighten.

Sebastian was done playing nice.

As a woman herself, she couldn't help pitying Elaria for everything she'd given in this marriage.

As expected, after Sebastian made his move, Mr. Shaw refunded Elaria's retainer, even called her personally with an apology and offered to take her out for an apology dinner.

Elaria declined. Not because she wanted to hold a grudge, but because she simply didn't have the time to waste.

She told Annie to keep searching for another lawyer.

Annie, pressing a tissue to her nose, sniffled in her soft voice, "No one in Caelmoor's brave enough to take us on. I mean... unless someone's got Sebastian beat in power."

Elaria let out a bitter smile.

Well, Sebastian had clearly made up his mind-he was coming for her.

Four years of marriage, and this was all she got? Nothing?

She didn't blame Annie. She just told her to keep trying. The lawyer who took the case would get a generous cut-2% of whatever she got from the settlement.

Three days later, Annie finally found someone willing to step in-a young up-and-comer.

Elaria arranged to meet at a café.

It was a fancy little place tucked under tall phoenix trees. Sunlight sprinkled in through the leaves, throwing golden specks onto the polished floor. On a lazy afternoon, the whole place looked like something out of a painting.

Elaria sat across from the young attorney, documents in hand, ready to dive in-but he beat her to it.

"I'm really sorry, Mrs. Richards."

Her hand paused on the envelope. She looked up, quiet.

He took a sip of coffee, then found the courage to speak. "I didn't do my homework. Didn't realize who you were."

More embarrassed than anything, he added, "Honestly, no one in this city dares to go against Sebastian. Taking this case would just ruin my entire future. And... legally, this battle's stacked against you."

After he finished, he bowed deep, apologetically. "I'm truly sorry."

Elaria showed no anger.

In this city, everyone's just trying to survive.

The young lawyer left with a look on his face like he'd just seen what raw power really meant. No doubt Sebastian had taught him one hell of a lesson-about force, and about money.

Elaria stayed behind.

She quietly sipped what was left of her coffee, letting the quiet wrap around her.

Then-

A voice she hadn't heard in a while broke through: "Meeting someone here?"

Elaria looked up.

There he was-Liam.

Liam was dressed to the nines.

Dark-blue dress shirt, black tailored suit, and a jet-black tie-sharp and restrained.

He looked at Elaria with a faint smile. "Mind if we grab a coffee together?"

Elaria gave a light smile after a pause. "Sure."

Liam set his briefcase down. As he sank into the leather seat, a waiter showed up promptly. "What would you like to drink, sir?"

Liam tapped the table with his slender fingers. "Blue Mountain."

"Of course," the waiter replied and walked away.

Once he was gone, Liam leaned back, instinctively reached for cigarettes, then frowned slightly and gave up the idea, glancing over at Elaria instead.

It had been a while... and something about her felt different.

She wore a soft-toned wool dress about the color of milk tea, slim-fitting but modest. Her long black hair flowed freely, with no showy jewelry-just a delicate chain brushing against her pale collarbone.

She looked calm and gentle-Liam couldn't help but think of a smooth, glowing pearl.

"You meeting a lawyer today?"

"Business over coffee, Mr. Collins?"

They spoke almost at the same time, which made things briefly awkward.

Luckily, their conversation was cut off by the waiter bringing Liam's coffee.

He nodded politely, took a slow sip, and finally spoke again.

Instead of bringing up the divorce case, he changed the subject. "Heard you ran into Mrs. Harmon from Aurvista recently? Word is you two hit it off."

Elaria gently stirred her cup, voice soft. "How'd you hear about that?"

Liam kept his eyes on her. "Her husband's an old family friend. Technically, I should call him Uncle."

Elaria gave him a surprised look. "That's news to me. Sebastian's never mentioned that."

At the mention of Sebastian,

a strange silence fell over them.

Being a lawyer, Liam picked up on her discomfort and smoothly shifted topics. "Also heard you're planning to start something of your own? Looking for a place?"

Elaria gave a quiet hum. "Yeah, thinking about it."

He slid a gold-embossed card across the table toward her, eyes calm but watching closely. "A friend owns this property-middle of the courtyard in the Lumen Tower. Great spot for art, 800 square meters, $120k a year."

Elaria took the card-

That price for that location? More than fair.

She didn't brush off Liam's offer.

Sure, Liam and Sebastian were close, but in Caelmoor's upper circle, connections were everything. Doing anything meant being in that same loop. And whether it was Liam or anyone from the Richards family, burning bridges wasn't a smart move.

Elaria offered a slight smile. "Thanks. I'll owe you one."

Liam caught her smile-there was a strange tug in his chest. He kept his expression cool, though, that signature lawyer poker face. "Anytime."

Outside the floor-to-ceiling window, sunlight spilled in, catching the tip of Elaria's nose.

The light stung a little.

She gently rubbed the spot, face turning just slightly to the side, bringing out a faint flush on her fair skin-

She looked soft, very feminine.

Liam's eyes lingered, almost like by accident, though clearly there was something deeper behind it.

Outside the café...

A luxurious black Rolls-Royce Phantom was parked by the curb-glinting under the sun, classy to the bone.

Sebastian sat inside, eyes fixed on Liam and Elaria-

His childhood friend and his wife.

Sebastian wasn't clueless.

The way Liam looked at Elaria? Yeah, that wasn't just casual.

Only a man truly interested would have that kind of intensity in his gaze.

If his memory served him right, Liam had always been a workaholic-never once serious about a woman.The first time he genuinely felt something, and it had to be for his own wife. Sebastian didn't know if he should be pissed off or secretly flattered by Elaria's allure.

Even her style had changed-ditch the stiff suits, now she looked effortlessly tempting, like she'd dressed up for a date.

The feeling in his gut was anything but pleasant. He pulled out his phone and dialed her number.

As soon as she answered, his voice was cold, "Where are you?"

There was a pause before she spoke.

"Do I need to report to you now? Sebastian, we're getting divorced."

"That's just your idea," he shot back immediately.

Elaria let out a bitter laugh. "Really?"

She kept her tone as steady as possible, trying hard not to lose it. "I'm useless to you now, right? Can't we just end this with some dignity? Sebastian, honestly, I can't even..."

"Elaria!"

He cut her off, panicked, his voice rushed-like he couldn't bear to hear what she was about to say.

Those two names flashed through his mind-Ryan, Isabella. What they used to dream about.

But without kids, was there even a point to continue? In that instant, a strange wave of longing hit him so hard he didn't know what the hell he really felt for her.

Before either could say more, her phone rang again.

It was the lady looking after her grandma.

Without hesitation, she hung up on Sebastian and answered the other call. The voice on the line was frantic.

"Miss Grace, it's bad!"

"A woman came by-she said something that triggered your grandma's heart condition. Thank God her meds were within reach or I can't even think what would've happened..."

Elaria's face went sheet-white.

She ended the call and turned to Liam. "Something urgent came up. Sorry, Mr. Collins, we'll have to talk later."

Seeing how pale she looked, Liam hesitated, clearly torn about letting her go alone.

But Elaria was out the door in a flash, too rushed to even notice Sebastian parked nearby.

Inside and out of the café-

Two men caught each other's eyes through the glass.

Sebastian's dark gaze was sharp and cold. Guys like them didn't take kindly to people making moves on their wives-especially not childhood friends.

*****

Elaria rushed into the hospital.

Grandma was stable now, already asleep post-medication.

Elaria leaned over her, gently brushing strands of silver hair from her face, expression soft and full of care.

"Miss Grace," the caretaker called gently.

She straightened up slightly. "Let's talk outside."

They stepped out into the corridor.

The woman told her everything in a low, urgent voice, "It was some young girl, pretty shallow overall. Came in and claimed she's carrying Mr. Richards' baby, said you should step aside. Your grandma got so furious, her heart just gave out."

"And when she saw something was wrong, the girl ran-just left her there struggling."

"I swear, there's camera footage. I'm not making this up."

Elaria's hands were shaking uncontrollably.

But she forced herself to stay calm. "Got it. Please watch over Grandma while I handle something."

The woman nodded, assuring her not to worry.

After getting everything settled, Elaria walked toward the far end of the hallway.

Sunset rays filtered through the windows, casting a red glow on her figure. She looked like she was walking through fire-her face etched with disappointment in the world.

She could give up love, give up Sebastian, give up everything else-

But not Grandma.

Never her.

Grandma was her last line-

And now, Bianca had crossed it.