Chapter 19
Declan sat in his study while gray rain pelted the windows outside.[]
The TV screen glowed, a financial news program running a feature story:[]
[Emerging designer Celia Hart wins Milan International Design Gold Award, her “Starlight” brand valued at over one billion dollars.][]
On camera, Callie
le wore a crisp white sit, smiling on the awards podium.]
Her eyes sparkled lik
stars, every gesture radiating confidence and poise.[]
When a reporter asked about her secret to success, she leaned into the microphone and said softly: “First, you have to learn to love yourself.“[]
Declan’s fingers unconsciously clenched, trembling at the tips.]
“Ms. Hart recently established the ‘Callie Foundation,‘ dedicated to supporting disadvantaged women in starting businesses. To date, it has helped over three hundred women achieve financial independence…“[]
The TV audio gradually faded to background noise.[]
Declan stood up, stumb
toward a room that had been sealed off for too long–the bedroom where Callie once lived.[]
He pushed open the door, and a faint jasmine scent hit him, as if she’d been there just yesterday.[]
Her half–used hand cream still sat on the vanity, and a few forgotten loungewear pieces hung in the closet.]]
Almost possessed, Declan picked up a beige cashmere sweater, fabric still holding traces of her lingering fragrance.]
He suddenly remembered three winters ago–he’d worked until dawn and come home to find Callie asleep on the sofa wearing exactly this sweater, waiting for him. When she saw him return, she’d rubbed her eyes and gone to the kitchen to warm up oatmeal, accidentally burning her hand…]
Scenes like that had played out countless times during their three–year marriage, but back then he’d been completely blind to them…]
BANG!]]
A door slamming downstairs yanked him back to reality.]]
The butler stood in the doorway, looking troubled: “Sir, the bank representatives are here again. They say if you can’t repay the loan by next week, they’ll start the foreclosure auction process…“]
Declan waved dismissively to show he understood.[]
After the butler left, he collapsed onto Callie’s vanity stool. The mirror reflected a haggard face–sunken eyes, scraggly beard. Where was the commanding presence of the Hayes Corp CEO?]]
His phone buzzed with a message from Director Watson.[]
[Declan, I watched you grow up, so I’m warning you out of old friendship–the board voted to remove you as chairman next week. Take care of yourself.]
Declan let out a bitter laugh, his gaze falling on a corner of paper peeking from the vanity drawer.[]
He pulled it open to find a journal.[]
Callie’s elegant handwriting densely recorded everything about him:[]
[March 15: Declan’s stomach problems acting up. Remember to make oatmeal every day.]]]
[May 20: Allergy season starting. Keep antihistamines in the car.][]
[July 8: Wedding anniversary. Finally got those cufflinks he liked.]]]
The last entry was from the week before their divorce: [Tomorrow’s Declan’s birthday. The watch I ordered finally arrived. Need to order Black Forest cake+he doesn’t like things too sweet, and he’s allergic to nuts. Hope whoever plans his birthdays after me will remember…]
SYANTS OCTANE LEWE NDEN UMSTFIRE THIS KIV3] 11STEMO!
Declan’s vision suddenly blurred.]
He suddenly remembered that birthday–the watch Callie had given him, which he’d thoughtlessly thrown in the trash in front of everyone just to please Mia. Now he realized that watch was the limited edition he’d casually mentioned liking…
Applause suddenly erupted from the TV.]
Declan looked up to see Callie being interviewed by international media.[]
A reporter asked: “Ms. Hart, you were previously married. Did that experience affect your career?“]
Callie smiled slightly on camera: “I think it did affect me. That marriage taught me the most important lesson–never give up yourself for anyone.“]]
Declan abruptly shut off the TV.[]
In the silent room, only the sound of rain hammering the
Looking at himself in the mirror, he suddenly remembdows remained.
lingering attachment.
When exactly had she made up her mind to leave?]]
J
Callie’s silhouette the day she left–straight shoulders, resolute steps, not a trace of
Was it when he’d agreed without hesitation to donate bone marrow? When he’d abandoned her again and again for Mia? When his mother had humiliated and punished her?]
Outside, the rain poured harder.[]
The mansion’s electrical system suddenly tripped, plunging the entire room into darkness. But realizing when he raised his hand that there was something cold and wet on his face.[]
an just sat there stunned at Callie’s vanity, only
He finally understood that the most painful punishment in this world wasn’t bankruptcy or betrayal–it was realizing, when you finally came to your senses, that the person who once loved you like life itself had become someone you could never
But he didn’t want to give up. She had loved him so much once–how could she just abandon him completely over these little things?]
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