“Yes… I like you… I like you a lot.

“My phone is full of your photos. I have all your likes and dislikes written in my notes. I’ve pinned your chat to the top for over ten years. Every time you message me, I get so happy that I can’t sleep all night. I have also written many love letters for you. I’ll show them to you someday, okay?”

Yvette had known Henry for eight years. This was the first time she saw him look so openly in love.

She listened quietly as he confessed. For a moment, she remembered the time she had confessed to him.

He had stared at her steadily. His eyes were clear and calm. There was no sign of any emotion.

Back then, she had believed that if she kept trying, she might one day win his heart.

Watching this, she realized that it did not matter whether she waited for eight, eighteen, or twenty-eight years; it would never happen.

Some things were impossible. How could she ever win the heart of a man who loved another woman so deeply?

Yvette did not stay. She returned to the private room alone.

Yarden knew she was not comfortable in this kind of setting. He greeted everyone briefly and then led her away.

The siblings went downstairs and were about to get a cab home when they saw a commotion ahead.

Sophia and Henry were surrounded by a few drunk men. The two groups began arguing.

Henry grew angry. He grabbed a bottle from a table and smashed it on one of the drunk men’s heads.

The gang immediately became furious. They rushed at him and attacked.

In an instant, the entire hall turned into chaos. People shouted and screamed. Bottles, tables, and chairs flew everywhere.

Yarden’s face darkened as he watched. He took off his coat. Before he jumped straight into the fight, he said, “Yvette, go upstairs and get help.”

Yvette’s heart raced. She hurried upstairs to call for help.

When she returned with a group of people, she saw a drunk man with a bleeding head grab several bottles and swing them at Sophia, who was hiding in a corner and crying.

Her heart leapt into her throat. Her eyes widened as she saw Henry rush forward without hesitation.

He threw himself over Sophia. He used his body to shield her from every attack.

Blood spurted like a fountain and soaked his white shirt.

Yvette froze and stared in shock. Her breath hitched.

She watched him. His body was covered in bruises and blood, yet he still stayed in front of Sophia. He did not take a single step back. Her heart ached.

Only at that moment did she truly believe in Henry’s love for Sophia. He would risk his life for her.

She stood there in a daze for a long time. When she finally came back to her senses, she realized she was in a hospital.

The lights in the operating room went out. The doctor walked out and wiped the sweat from his forehead. He sounded relieved.

“The surgery was successful. By the way, is Sophia the patient’s wife? He kept calling her name while he was unconscious. We recommend that she stay in the ICU with him. Talking to him might help him.”

Hearing this, the group of friends urged Sophia to go to the hospital room to stay with him.

After watching her leave, Yvette tugged on Yarden’s sleeve.

“Yarden, let’s go home.”

Yarden paused for a moment, then nodded and followed her.

Back at home, Yvette took out her suitcase and began packing.

Watching her get busy, Yarden felt uneasy. He stayed nearby and helped while keeping an eye on her.

Yvette knew what he was worried about, but she felt calm.

“Yarden, stop staring at me. I’m fine. I’ll be leaving in a couple of days. We won’t see each other for a long time. I’ll miss you. You must come visit me often.”

A sharp ache hit Yarden’s heart. He rubbed her face as he always did.

“Of course. I’ll come see you whenever I can. I also want to see how you get along with my friend.”

Over the next few days, Yvette stayed home to prepare for her trip abroad. She did not go out.

On the day before she was due to leave, Yarden got drunk at Henry’s bachelor party.

She got a call and went to pick him up.

She arrived at the Lawson family’s villa soon after and rang the doorbell.

A butler appeared to open the door and led her inside to find Yarden.

In the past, Yvette often came here with Yarden whenever she had the chance, just so she could see Henry. She used to know the place well.

She had not been here for a month, and the villa already felt unfamiliar.

Every part of the house had been decorated for the wedding.

Several tall trees in the yard were gone. They had been replaced with large rose gardens.

The black and white decor had been changed to fresh shades of blue and green.

The rooms were filled with wedding decorations. There were also many cute dolls and ornaments.

The butler recognized Yvette. He talked to her as they walked.

“Ms. Wilson, Mr. Lawson has been very busy lately. He has been preparing for the wedding. You have not been here for quite some time. You may not remember your way here as well. You once said you liked those pine trees because they were so lush. It’s a pity! The future Mrs. Lawson didn’t like them, so Mr. Lawson had them cut down. The furniture and style in the house have also been changed to match Mrs. Lawson’s taste. It looks much nicer now, doesn’t it? Mr. Lawson said that everything at home will follow Mrs. Lawson’s wishes in the future. I never expected him to be like this after getting married. It seems he truly loves the future Mrs. Lawson.”

Yvette listened quietly. She said softly, “Yes. He really likes her. Anyone can see it.”

They walked down the corridor and reached the lounge. It was loud inside.

Yvette did not want to go in. She called Yarden and told him she had arrived.

A moment later, the door opened.

Henry came out, holding up Yarden, who was completely drunk. He froze for a second when he saw her.

Yvette stayed calm. She greeted him politely.

Yarden rubbed his unfocused eyes and waved at him. His voice was thick with alcohol.

“Tomorrow… your wedding tomorrow… I won’t go. I have to go see… see…”

He could not finish his sentence and passed out.

Henry frowned. “What does Yarden have to do tomorrow? Won’t he be coming to my wedding?”

Yvette knew Yarden was talking about dropping her off at the airport.

But she did not want Henry to know she was leaving, so she shook her head.

“He might be busy. Or he’s just talking nonsense.”

She supported Yarden and turned to leave. She had only taken a few steps when Henry called out.

“What about you? Will you come to the wedding tomorrow?”

Yvette stopped. Her gaze stilled. Her tone was calm and accepting.

“Yarden doesn’t want me to go. You probably don’t want to see me either. So, I won’t be attending. I’ll just wish you a happy marriage and a long life together. I may not get another chance to congratulate you.”

Henry’s heart jolted when he heard that.

‘What did she mean by that?’ he thought.

He could not understand. He wanted to stop her and ask, but Sophia called him at that moment.

He hesitated for a few seconds, then answered.

“Henry, don’t drink too much today. If you are late tomorrow, I won’t forgive you…”

“Alright. I’ll listen to you.”

Yvette heard his gentle response and his chuckle. She took Yarden home.

She slept through the night. There were no dreams. When she woke up, it was already 8 a.m.

After breakfast, Yarden drove her to the airport.

The plane was scheduled to take off at 11 a.m. There was still time, so she said, “Yarden, you should go to the wedding. They must be waiting for you. I’ll call you when I arrive.”

Yarden looked at his watch. He sighed and nodded.

She watched him leave. Then, she walked through the gate alone and boarded the plane.

Before takeoff, she was about to turn off her phone when Henry called.

She paused for a moment. Then, she rejected the call and blocked his number.

Before the plane took off, she looked at the city one last time. This was the place she had lived in for more than twenty years.

Then, she closed her eyes. She felt no attachment to anything anymore.