Laughter split the sky that afternoon, echoing across the wide courtyard of one of New York’s most prestigious universities. A day that should have been filled with farewells and hopes for the future instead turned into the stage for Kai’s most humiliating suffering.Every pair of eyes was on him. Not with respect, not with admiration, but with contempt.Kai stood stiff in the middle of the courtyard, his face pale, his hands trembling as he clutched a small box containing a simple ring. He had been preparing for this moment for months, with the absolute belief that the woman who had been his reason to endure all this time would surely accept him.But reality was far crueler.That woman—Catherine, whom he had always believed to truly love him—was now smiling coldly in front of everyone. A smile sharper than a thousand blades.“You really think I’d marry someone like you?” Catherine’s voice rang out, loud enough to make sure the entire courtyard heard. “Kai, wake up. You’re just a part

The Winslow family’s living room turned icy, as if it had become a battlefield. Only anger and bitterness radiated from the guest’s eyes. Dean Donovan sat calmly in the chair across from them, a thin smile playing on his lips, his gaze sharp and calculating.“I still can’t wrap my head around it,” Dean said as he fiddled with his watch, his tone light but cutting. “The heir of a family as big as the Winslows… beaten black and blue over some college girl. Embarrassing, isn’t it?”Helena shot to her feet, her face tense. “Dean, that’s enough! You’ve gone too far—”“Helena,” Leonard cut her off swiftly, his voice cold and sharp, “let me handle this.”Kai sat on the long sofa, his body still aching, his face bruised and swollen. He said nothing, simply keeping his head lowered, letting the conversation swirl around him.Dean chuckled softly before continuing. “You know, Uncle? The family’s stock is already wavering ever since that little gossip spread. And it hasn’t even been an hour! Som

The harsh hospital lights stung his eyes. The white floor gleamed, and the sharp smell of antiseptic filled the air. Kai walked quickly, almost running, chasing the gurney that carried his father’s body. The squeak of wheels mixed with the frantic shouts of nurses.“Dad!” Kai cried, his voice breaking. His hand managed to grasp Leonard’s arm for a fleeting moment before the emergency room doors slammed shut.“Please wait outside.” The doctor’s voice was firm, and then the doors closed completely.Kai froze, his breath ragged, his hands trembling. The world felt as if it had collapsed. Just minutes ago, his father had been standing tall on stage, speaking with a commanding voice. Now…Kai dug his fingers into his hair. Was this my fault? If I had fought harder against that announcement… would he still have collapsed like this?“Oh my God, Kai?”The voice snapped him back. He turned. Catherine stood at the end of the hallway, her dark blue gown striking against the stark white walls. Be

The night air bit into his skin as Kai stepped out of the hospital. Neon lights flickered along the busy street, reflecting off car windows, but everything blurred before his eyes. Richard’s words, Dean’s sly smile, Zac’s cutting tone—they all still echoed in his head.Kai pressed his temples. It felt like his skull was stuffed with voices, each one fighting to be louder.“A puppet.”“A laughingstock.”“You can’t even control yourself.”His heart pounded hard, cold sweat coating his palms.“I need air…” he muttered, barely audible.He wandered aimlessly until a small neon sign caught his eye: Bar & Grill. The place didn’t look too crowded, soft music spilling from inside. Kai pushed the door open, hoping at least one drink might quiet the storm in his mind.The bar was dim, filled with the smell of alcohol and a faint haze of smoke. Kai slipped into a corner seat and ordered a soda with lemon—not because he didn’t want something stronger, but because his body already felt too unsteady

The night grew deeper at the Leonard family’s mourning house. White candles on the main altar flickered weakly, as if grieving alongside those left behind.The scent of incense clung to the air, mingling with the fragrance of lilies carefully arranged beside the large portrait of Mr. Leonard. His warm smile, now frozen in the frame, had become nothing but a memory; his breath was truly gone from this world.Kai sat in the chair closest to the altar. His face was pale, his eyes swollen red from holding back tears for too long. Since afternoon, mourners had come and gone, offering their last respects. Now, the mansion had grown quiet. Distant relatives had already left, leaving only a few servants lingering at a respectful distance.Kai stared at his father’s portrait for what felt like hours. His trembling hand reached out, clutching at empty air.Father… I never even got to say I’m sorry one last time. How am I supposed to face all of this alone?The front door creaked open softly. Th