I looked back at Lyra, who was standing behind me, my emotions a tangled mess. I didn't want to have any more arguments with her, so I quickly flagged down a taxi. "Sir, please take me away. Quickly."The taxi driver glanced at Lyra, who was anxiously chasing after me, and kindly advised, "Young man, you can't just leave like this after fighting with your girl."'My girl? Too bad she's not.' I thought.The girl I loved died in the memories of our first breakup.The person behind me now was nothing but a demon to me."Sir, you've misunderstood. I don't know her," I said firmly.Seeing my expression, the driver didn't say anything else and drove off as soon as I got in.As for Lyra, her phone started ringing, so she didn't continue chasing after me.It was probably Luka causing trouble for her again.This time, I hoped Luka kept her occupied forever and never let her come near me again.When the taxi pulled up to my house, the sky rumb

Lyra seemed to have sensed my resolve. "Isaac, I know exactly what you're planning. But it looks like you've overlooked one thing."She continued, "That is, the nursing home is entirely dependent on me right now. Have you ever thought about what would happen to the people there if you divorced me?"She knew exactly how to corner me.Even though I had already come to terms with this, it still hurt when she laid it out so plainly in front of me.I asked, "Lyra, does it really have to be this way? Your support for the nursing home is only beneficial to you and the company. What if it ends in mutual destruction? Are you really willing to go that far?"Lyra looked at me with disdain. "Let's not even talk about the funding. Take Mrs. Savage's surgery this time, for example. Aren't you all relying entirely on me?""Are you trying to threaten me?" I narrowed my eyes.I knew I didn't have another choice.If everything between us was a transaction, I co

Late autumn was the perfect season for hiking and admiring the fiery hues of maple leaves, and the park was bustling with people.Most of them were families of three or four, enjoying the crisp air and vibrant scenery.Roman seemed to be swept up in the cheerful atmosphere and couldn't help but exclaim, "Mr. Smith, look at them. They're so happy. It won't be long before I become a dad, and by then..."As the words left his mouth, he suddenly seemed to realize something was off. He grew a bit nervous and stammered, "Mr. Smith, I didn't mean it, I just..."Of course, I knew Roman wasn't trying to show off.And besides, it was true. Soon, he'd be a father and part of a family of three."Don't worry. I'm not the kind of person who overthinks things," I reassured him.To ease his guilt, I decided to steer the conversation in a different direction. "How much longer until Layla's due date?""No other reason," I added with a smile, "just trying to pla

Lyra's anger grew more intense with every passing moment.I knew better than anyone how much she hated it when I treated her so coldly.But I was utterly tired. From now on, when it came to her and Luka, I didn't want to get involved in it anymore."Earlier, you mentioned helping Lisa find a doctor. I admit I have nothing to repay you for that, so I'll return my shares to you. From now on, we'll owe each other nothing."Lyra clearly hadn't expected me to say that.She stared at me in disbelief. "Are you saying you don't want me to be part of your future anymore?"What was the point of asking that?"I just want to be alone for the rest of my life," I replied.From now on, all I wanted was freedom.She didn't say anything else. That sad expression on her face struck me as hypocritical, almost laughable.I used to care so much about her, but she never cared about me.What was the point of feeling sad now?Maybe because she cou

There was no trace of Lyra in this so-called home.In the past, whenever she wasn't at home, I would feel restless and uneasy. But now, all I felt was relief.She came back in the evening, and her attitude toward me was better than ever before.She carefully picked out the fish bones, one by one, and placed the meat into my plate. "Isaac, eat more. You need to take care of your health."I kept my head down and ate in silence, but after sampling all the dishes, I left the fish untouched.She froze.Throughout dinner, I didn't say a word to her. Once I finished eating, I headed straight to my study.Usually, she would spend her evenings in her study working, and we would go the whole night without interacting.Late at night, when I couldn't hold out any longer, I had no choice but to return to the master bedroom to rest.The villa had plenty of rooms, but if I didn't go back to the master bedroom, I knew Lyra had a thousand ways to make my