Lyra's eyes filled with tears as she looked at me. "Isaac, let's start over," she said, her voice soft and fragile. "Let the past stay in the past. Let's forget the pain, forget everything unpleasant, and pretend we're meeting for the first time."As she spoke, her hand reached up and gently caressed my face.Her touch, so different from before, was full of tenderness and quiet sorrow.My chest tightened as her hand moved down, and my breath quickened.This was the woman I had loved so deeply. No matter how many times I had told myself to move on, whenever she turned back to me, I couldn't help but be moved.At that moment, a chilling thought took hold of me. If this was the final stage of my life, then why not spend it with her? Just one last time.I cupped her face in my hands and met her hopeful gaze. "Lyra, we've been through so much in these three years of marriage. So many things have happened. If I need time... can you wait for me?""Of cour

At that moment, Mateo walked over. "I told you guys to stay grounded. You never know when a big shot might show up. Now you see how amazing my junior is. Feeling the pressure yet?"Instead of being discouraged by his teasing, everyone seemed excited. Some even grabbed their cameras."A design god! Who wouldn't admire them?""I can't believe they're our colleague now. We need a picture to celebrate!"Watching these energetic young people, I felt deeply touched—and envious.Once upon a time, I had been just like them.But now, it felt like I was living a lifeless existence.Still, I was happy that they liked me and my work.I took pictures with each of them, and they contentedly admired the photos afterward.Mateo pulled me aside. "See, Isaac? Your hard work is being recognized. These achievements aren't just because of your teacher's reputation. If you'd kept going, you'd have surpassed even your teacher by now.A bitter smile c

Lyra had previously orchestrated several attempts to clarify their relationship.But anyone with eyes could see it was just for show, a way to manage public opinion.Even then, Lyra thought she was being incredibly discreet as if no one knew how she was taking care of Luka day in and day out.In reality, rumors were flying everywhere.Roman heard the rumors and immediately asked to meet me."After all this time, you're sure you want to greet me with a scowl?" I said, finding Roman's anger almost amusing.Roman fumed, "Mr. Smith, they've gone too far. Luka keeps trying to one-up you. He's doing it on purpose."On purpose? I didn't care.I knew it wasn't Luka's doing, but Lyra's consent.The person I cared about most had given her approval, so what good would it do to resent Luka? "It's fine. Let him. I don't care. See? I'm not even angry."Roman looked incredulous. "That's not right! Mr. Smith, we should fight back! Isn't Luka a publi

So, it was the company again.The company had probably long become the perfect scapegoat for Luka and Lyra's affair.But none of that mattered to me anymore.I nodded slightly, watching the luxury car drive out of the gate without the slightest trace of attachment.I had been too naive to believe we could start over.For Lyra, she had made up her mind long ago.Every word she said to me now was just to keep me appeased.For the next two days, Lyra didn't show up.That evening, I got myself ready and decided to go out for a walk.As I came downstairs, the housekeeper noticed me and asked, "Sir, it's already getting late. Are you still going out?""Yeah, just for a walk," I replied simply.The housekeeper looked a little concerned, but I was a grown man, and it was just around the neighborhood. What could possibly happen?Even after I left the house, I could feel the family car trailing behind me.That was fine. At least

My voice, driven by emotion, grew louder, drawing the attention of many people around us.Lyra was a well-known figure in the business world, even in the neighboring city.I had embarrassed her in public, and her face immediately darkened. "Isaac, I'm not negotiating with you. I'm informing you. Tonight, you must give the spot to Luka."I let out a bitter laugh, the pang of helplessness spreading through me, making my whole body feel uncomfortable.In front of Lyra, my countless concessions over the years had only encouraged her to push further.But this time, I wouldn't let that happen again."Like I said earlier, Mrs. Smith, you flatter me, but this isn't something I can decide. And as for Mr. Morris, I'm afraid things won't go as you wish," I said calmly.Lyra seemed caught off guard by my firmness. "Isaac, let's talk about this later when we're home. For now..."Home?Go back and keep playing the fool, huh?If it were before, I m