Hendrix didn't get home until the early hours of the morning.

Making the decision to leave had been instantaneous, but the bond he'd had with Sabrina for over 20 years wasn't something that could just vanish. He wasn't that strong to simply let go.

To avoid any regrets, he figured it was best to stay away from Sabrina for the next couple of weeks.

When he got back to Gorman Manor, the house was pitch dark.

Hendrix didn't bother turning on the lights. He dragged his tired body straight toward his bedroom.

But then, a voice called out to him from the living room, "Hendrix."

He turned around and saw someone sitting on the couch.

"Yes, Mr. Shepard?"

Rowan was wearing a black silk robe. It was a robe Hendrix knew too well.

Sabrina had one just like it, but in red. It was obviously a matching set.

Rowan gave a slight smile. "Bri got this robe for me. Do you think it looks good?"

As he sat up straight, the red marks on his body gradually became visible. Against the black silk, they seemed even more suggestive.

He gently touched the mark on his neck and winced in mock pain before complaining, "Bri's taste in dresses is questionable, but her taste in sleepwear? Spot on. She says… my abs are the most attractive she's ever seen."

Hendrix stood at the top of the stairs, looking down at Rowan with a cold gaze. He smirked slightly. "Rowan, you should tone it down."

"Tone it down? What do you mean?"

"The sleaze."

Rowan chuckled softly. "But Bri loves it. The second she gets home, she insists I take a shower and then—"

"Enough. I don't want to hear it."

"Whether you want to hear it or not, it's the truth. She's crazy about my body. Your 20 years of history don't even matter. People just choose who they're most compatible with in bed."

Hendrix didn't feel like wasting any more time on Rowan. He turned to walk away. "Go ahead and perform your little show. I don't have the time to watch."

But Rowan didn't let up. He quickly caught up to Hendrix. "You can't see the marks Bri left on me from way over there, can you? Don't go, Hendrix. Come closer and take a good look."

As he spoke, he had already caught up and grabbed Hendrix's arm.

A wave of disgust rose in Hendrix's stomach. He instinctively pulled away. "Don't touch me!"

From down the hall, Sabrina emerged from the bedroom and asked, "What are you two talking about at this time?"

Just as Hendrix was about to speak, Rowan flashed him a sly grin.

Then, in an instant, Rowan's expression shifted to one of shock. He tumbled down the stairs with a shriek.

"Rowan!"

Sabrina immediately set down the glass of milk she was holding and rushed to him. She pulled him into her arms. "Are you okay?"

Rowan lay in her embrace and said, "I'm fine. Don't blame Hendrix. It wasn't his fault."

Sabrina lifted her gaze. When she looked at Hendrix, there was clear disappointment in her eyes.

"Hendrix, no matter how you feel about Rowan, you can't push him down the stairs! Do you realize how dangerous that could've been?"

Her voice softened as she turned back to Rowan. She gently helped him to his feet. "Let's go back to the room. I'll check to make sure you're not hurt."

Rowan said, "We should probably keep a little distance in front of Hendrix from now on. It's natural for him to feel possessive. After all, he used to be the one by your side, and now there's me. It's tough for him to accept. We should give him time to adjust."

Sabrina coldly replied, "He'll have to get used to it eventually."

She helped Rowan back to their bedroom. Before they went in, Rowan turned around and flashed a gesture of victory at Hendrix.

Hendrix suddenly felt as if the world he knew was slipping away from him. Rowan's presence had shattered his world entirely.

He couldn't understand why Sabrina had fallen for someone like Rowan.

Could it really be, as Rowan claimed, that people always went for the thrill when it came to love and desire?

Hendrix didn't get it. But at that moment, he didn't care to understand.

The next morning, Hendrix went to the magazine office. He had been a staff photographer there for three years, and his relationships with his colleagues were excellent.

When the editor-in-chief, Noah Richardson, received his resignation letter, he was surprised. "Is it because of the pay? You could've just mentioned it. I can talk to the boss about it."

Smiling, Hendrix shook his head. "Thanks, Mr. Richardson, but it's not about the pay."

"Then what's the reason?"

"I have other plans for my life."

Noah's face lit up in understanding. "Are you planning to marry Sabrina? I've seen how much she's cared for you all these years. Getting married is a good thing. I won't stop you, then."

After hearing the first half of Noah's words, Hendrix wanted to explain that Sabrina was getting married, but the groom wasn't him.

However, after Noah finished speaking, Hendrix lost the desire to explain.

With the complicated mess between him, Sabrina, and Rowan, there was no way to explain it all in a few words. Right now, he just wanted to wrap up his resignation and leave this painful place in two weeks.

"Oh, by the way, Hendrix, when's the wedding? Be sure to send me an invite so I can celebrate with you both," Noah said.

Hendrix gave a stiff smile.

Just then, Nathan Cooper, the receptionist, came rushing over. After knocking on the door, he poked his head in excitedly.

"Hendrix, Sabrina's here to pick you up again. And she came with a surprise today!"

As Hendrix exited the office, he saw Sabrina leaning against her black Cullinan, lost in thought.

He walked closer and finally saw what Nathan had meant by "surprise". The car was filled with fresh, red roses.

The front passenger seat was the only place not covered in roses. Both the back seat and the trunk were packed to the brim with them.

Behind him, Hendrix could hear the laughter of a few female colleagues, whom he usually got along with. Hiding behind the company sign at the entrance, they were secretly peeking over and giggling.

Sabrina had always brought him small surprises when she picked him up—figurines, game merch, or food he liked.

The colleagues had seen it all before, but they still always teased him about it. "Every time Sabrina comes, the whole office gets a treat. We're all just lucky to be around Hendrix."

Hendrix usually just laughed it off and divided up the treats Sabrina brought for everyone.

Now, it seemed like everyone was just waiting to get their share of roses from her car.

He called out, "Bri."

Sabrina lifted her head, but her face darkened. Her tone remained icy. "Don't address me so affectionately. Call me Sabrina from now on."

Hendrix froze for a moment.

He slowly nodded. "Got it, Sabrina."

"I was too harsh last night. Don't take it to heart," Sabrina said.

"I won't."

"But you're not a child anymore. Don't do something as dangerous as pushing someone down the stairs next time."

Hendrix looked up in disbelief and laughed in frustration. "So, you came all the way here to reprimand me?"

Sabrina's face darkened further. "You still don't think you were wrong?"

"Sabrina, you've known me for over 20 years. Even if I wanted to hurt him, I wouldn't be stupid enough to do it in my own house!" Hendrix yelled but immediately regretted it.

It didn't matter. He was leaving anyway. There was no point in explaining.

"Forget it. Go. Don't disturb me at work."

As Hendrix made his way back to the office, his colleagues, who had been joking around moments ago, suddenly sensed the tension. Their expressions changed to concern.

"Hendrix, did you and Sabrina have a fight?"

"Don't be mad. She brought so many roses to make up for it. Give her a chance."

"Yeah, Hendrix. You should be grateful. You're really lucky to find someone like her."

Hendrix kept a blank expression and softly said, "Stop standing here. Get back to work."

His reputation as an accomplished photographer gave him authority in the office. The younger staff followed his lead and walked back to their desks with their heads down.

Nathan, who was closest to him, pulled him aside. "Hendrix, can I ask Sabrina for a bouquet of roses? It's my girlfriend's birthday today, and I want to give them to her."

Hendrix felt a headache coming on. "I'll buy you some later."

Once back at his desk, Hendrix tried to focus on his work, but his mind was still a mess. After he had barely managed to edit a few photos from an earlier shoot, his phone buzzed.

Rowan had sent several pictures of different robes. "Which one of these do you like?" He ended the text with a blushing emoji.

But those weren't just ordinary robes. They were sheer, almost completely see-through.

Before long, those messages were deleted.

"Sorry, Hendrix. I sent that to the wrong person," Rowan wrote.

Hendrix turned off his phone and shoved it into his drawer.

They both knew Rowan hadn't made a mistake. He had meant to send it to him.

It wasn't until after work that Hendrix took his phone out again and turned it on.

There were no missed calls or messages—absolutely nothing.

In the past, if he couldn't be reached for even half an hour, Sabrina would bombard him with calls and messages or even show up at the office.

But now there was nothing.

However, he had received an Instagram notification.

He opened it and immediately saw a familiar scene—a black Cullinan filled with roses.

Rowan was holding a bouquet in one hand while his other arm was around Sabrina's waist. The two were very close.

The caption read, "Thank you, darling. This is the best birthday gift I've ever received."

Oh. So today was Rowan's birthday. All the flowers in Sabrina's car were for him.

After work, Hendrix didn't feel like going home.

But then his mother, Carley Schroeder, called. She sounded worried. "Hendrix, why have you been staying so late at work lately? Bri asked me if she should pick you up just now."

Hendrix didn't want to ride with her anymore. Neither the front seat nor the roses belonged to him.

"I'll take a cab home, Mom."

"Alright."

Hendrix ordered a cab. When he got home, he found both Sabrina and Rowan already there.

Rowan, carrying a large suitcase, was walking out of Hendrix's bedroom. "Welcome back, Hendrix."

Hendrix's temper flared instantly. "Who let you into my room?"

Upon hearing Hendrix's question, Sabrina slammed her cup onto the table. "I let him in. Any problem?"

Hendrix's voice rose. "Without asking me? How can you let him invade my room and mess with my things?"

"Hendrix, I bought everything you own. Since I bought them, Rowan has every right to touch them."

Her words hit him like a cold slap.

Rowan gently chided, "Bri, don't talk to Hendrix like that. You'll hurt his feelings."

Then he turned to Hendrix and said, "I heard from the household staff that Bri's clothes and shoes used to be kept in your room. Apparently, she had so many that they took up half your closet, and you had no space for your own. So I thought I'd help and move her stuff to our room."

Sabrina used to cling to Hendrix all the time. Growing up, he had never received a single love letter—Sabrina had intercepted every one of them.

Later, she had gone as far as moving all her clothes into his bedroom, claiming it was so she could wear the dresses and heels Hendrix picked for her each morning before work.

He knew her wardrobe better than she did, down to which shelf held each dress and bag.

Hendrix hurried upstairs and rushed straight into his room.

The room looked like a tornado had swept through. There were clothes, gadgets, and figurines scattered everywhere.

Hendrix angrily pointed at the mess scattered across the floor and demanded an explanation from Rowan. "Is this what you call helping?"

Rowan apologized, "I'm sorry, Hendrix. I accidentally—"

"Accidentally? You've accidentally turned my room into a post-tornado disaster? Your 'accident' must have been quite something!"

Sabrina's voice cut through like a whip. "Watch your tone, Hendrix!"

Hendrix smiled bitterly. "I did nothing this time, yet it's still my fault?"

"Rowan is my fiancé. You need to respect him," Sabrina shot back.

"Why don't you come up and take a look for yourself first, Sabrina?"

Sabrina slowly walked upstairs. As she saw the utter chaos in the room, she was taken aback for a brief moment.

But that moment passed quickly.

A soft laugh escaped her lips as she turned to Rowan. "Maybe we should have the staff tidy our bedroom from now on."

"But I don't want anyone touching my clothes, especially... my robes."

He emphasized "robes" in a suggestive tone, and his gaze grew more intimate.

Sabrina sighed and nodded in resignation. "Fine, I'll handle it from now on. Okay?"

Rowan asked, "Bri, do you think I'm a little silly?"

"It's alright. As long as I'm here, it's okay if you're a little silly."

Hendrix squeezed his eyes shut. He had never hated the dreaded resignation handover period so much. Otherwise, he would have already flown across the ocean, avoiding this chaotic and disgusting scene.

"Hendrix, calculate how much damage Rowan's done to your clothes and equipment. Just give me a total, and I'll compensate you for it," Sabrina said.

Hendrix let out a bitter laugh. Sabrina was actually using money to shut his mouth.

Rowan casually nudged his arm and whispered, "Hendrix, feel free to overstate the cost. With me here, she'll have to pay whatever you ask."

Sabrina shot back with affection, "So now you're teaming up with an outsider to empty out my wallet, huh?"

Rowan stuck his tongue out. "Well, I'm like Hendrix's brother now. Of course, I'm going to support my little brother."

Hendrix scoffed at those words.

Sabrina had actually called him an outsider.

Well, she and Rowan were the closest to each other now. He was indeed the outsider among the three of them.

Just then, Hendrix's phone rang. It was Jefferson.

He composed himself and answered, "Yes, Mr. Scott?"

"I remember your bird photography series was impressive," Jefferson said. "The magazine editor wants to see it again. Could you send me the negatives?"

"Sure, Mr. Scott. Just a moment."

Hendrix made his way back to his bedroom. He had always preferred using film cameras, and his negatives were stored safely in a locked drawer.

As he reached for the key, he noticed the entire cabinet was damp.

"I'm sorry, Hendrix," Rowan's voice echoed. "I accidentally spilled some coffee earlier and didn't want it to stain your cabinet, so I washed it down with water."

Hendrix's heart sank. Ignoring Rowan, he hurried to unlock the drawer.

The moment he opened it, his worst fears were confirmed.

Rows of negatives were all soaked in water. Some had already unraveled, others had changed color, and many were tangled up in a mess. The water was now a brownish hue.

These were the negatives of all his photography work from over three years. They were completely ruined!

Hendrix's body trembled with rage. He could barely speak.

Sabrina, having entered the room, saw the damage and shrugged nonchalantly. "You should tally up the cost of these negatives. I'll cover it for Rowan."

Hendrix snapped. "Can you even afford this? He doesn't understand what these negatives mean to me, but don't you?"

Sabrina frowned. "But they're ruined now. Getting upset won't change anything. Rowan was just trying to help by tidying up my clothes. The coffee spill was an accident."

"An accident? Does that mean everything can just be brushed off as an accident? If someone accidentally crashes a car and kills someone, is 'sorry' enough to make it okay?"

"Hendrix Gorman!" Sabrina's voice hardened. "Stop being unreasonable. A ruined photo is not the same as a lost life. You can always take new pictures. Why are you making this so dramatic?"

On the other end of the phone, Jefferson's voice held a note of concern. "Are you okay, Hendrix? Is everything alright?"

Hendrix sighed heavily and replied, "Mr. Scott, I'm afraid I can't provide the negatives right now. I'll try to re-shoot the series and send them to you as soon as possible."

"Alright. Take your time," Jefferson replied. "The visa process will take at least half a month anyway."

"Okay."

Sabrina caught the key word. "Visa? You're going abroad?"