“Alright, we’re on our way.”
“I can’t talk right now. This is too much.” Adrian hung up.
“Let’s hurry to Adrian’s place,” Lyra urged me.
“Adrian? That sounds awfully affectionate.” I frowned.
“He graduated from the same university as me. He feels like a younger brother to me,” Lyra explained. “Come on, stop being jealous. He’s not feeling well, we need to get there quickly.”
“Address,” I demanded.
Lyra quickly gave me the address.
“How do you know his home address?” I asked flatly.
“What do you mean?” She frowned. “I personally hired him as my assistant. Is it a problem that I know his home address?”
“Didn’t you hear how he just called me ‘Mr. Driver’?”
“He doesn’t know your identity.”
“So what? Just because he doesn’t know who I am, he can treat me like that? Barking orders at your driver?”
“Damien, when will you learn? He’s unwell, of course he’s distracted. Just drive.”
I turned and stared at Lyra. Her face was full of anxiety, her eyes brimming with worry. I had never once seen her like that when I was sick.
“Damien! Adrian is an orphan. He needs extra care. Don’t take it too much in your heart.”
She suddenly rummaged through her bag. “Oh, look! I brought you a gift from this business trip. I know you were upset I couldn’t be there for your birthday. Adrian even helped me pick it out, you’ll love it.”
I grabbed the gift and flung it out the window. She hadn’t even been on a trip. And the thought of Adrian “helping pick it out” made me sick.
“You’re out of line. Get out and pick that gift. Right now,” she said quickly.
I didn’t move.
“Forget it then,” her tone darkened. “We’re going to Adrian’s place now.”
I still didn’t move.
“Get out of the car. This is my car.”
“Fine, if you told me so.” I pushed open the door, spotted the gift lying on the ground and stomped on it twice.
Lyra slid into the driver’s seat, rolled up the window and floored the accelerator, speeding away.
I knew from that day forward, our paths would inevitably diverge.
I pulled out my phone and made a call. “Terminate all collaborations with the Aldridge Family. Halt any ongoing projects immediately.”
My family had opposed my relationship with Lyra from the very beginning, even cutting off all financial support. But during my years in the military, I had built a legendary reputation and forged powerful connections. After I was discharged, those connections helped me establish my business empire.
Over the past three years, I had built my own wealth and influence, to the point where even my family could no longer control me. They had finally agreed to let me meet Lyra formally.
All this time, my empire had been quietly supporting the Aldridge Family, helping their business flourish.
From this day onward, Lyra and I would have no ties. The Aldridge Family would receive no more support from me.
But to say I wasn’t hurt would be a lie.
I went to a restaurant, ordered a bottle of wine and sat there in silence, drinking as memories of our years together washed over me.
After leaving the military, I carried deep psychological scars. Being with Lyra had helped me slowly heal and I had given her my entire heart.
“Love is giving without expecting anything in return. Thinking this way keeps you from getting angry when the other person doesn’t love you back.”
I couldn’t help but recall the words of an old friend.
Thinking of it that way, there truly was nothing to be angry about.
I had set her free. And now, I would begin a new life of my own.
Later that evening, Lyra called. My heart had already settled into calm and I answered without hesitation.
“Adrian is in the hospital. I’m staying with him tonight. I won’t be coming home.”
“Okay.”
I replied with a single word before hanging up. From now on, she could stay with him however she wished.
