Chapter 27
“Lyssa
10
Stefan was still calling Alyssa’s name when he jolted awake.
Lawrence stood by the bedside with a dark expression. “Stefan, from now on, for Alyssa anymore.” he declared
- n. focus on
on your work and take care of your health. You’re not allowed to look
Stefan let out a few harsh coughs before he asked hoarsely, “But why, Grandpa? She is my wife. I didn’t sign the divorce papers, so we’re not divorced.
“As long as I have the willpower and sincerity, she will forgive me eventually. She’s soft–hearted. If I pamper her a little more, she will forgive me
“Shut up“” Lawrence cut him off sharply. He then took out the recording of the conversation with Alyssa and played it
As her clear voice echoed through the room, it completely shattered Stefan’s confidence.
When the recording ended, the fooms fell into complete silence.
“That can’t be… That can’t be ” Stelan mumbled repeatedly after a long passe. “This is fake. I’m going to find Lyssa. I need to see ber! I’ll tell her she’s The only one for me, that I’ve only ever loved her in this lifetime!”
Ignoring everything, Stefan tried to get out of bed, ripping off the IV needle from his hand and dragging his weakened body toward the door.
Lawrence didn’t stop him.
Sure enough, Stefan had barely taken a few steps before collapsing onto the floor. The wounds on his back, which had just begun to heal, tore open again, and fresh blood bloomed like flowers.
to get up and continue walking. This time, he didn’t even make it a few steps before he passed out
Eyes red, Stefan gritted his teeth as he forced himself to ge
again
Lawrence shook his head. “Carry him back to the bed and keep a close watch on him. Let him rest and heal. Don’t let him go anywhere”
With that, he quickly popped a few pills into his mouth.
Lawrence had long had poor health. His retreat to the mountains was Initially meant for him to recuperate. Yet, despite his age and condition, he found himself dragged back to deal with his family affairs.
In the adjoining hospital roon, Lawrence lay down as doctors and nurses attended to him.
After three days, Stefan’s condition had stabilized. Once again, he tried to escape but was quickly captured by Lawrence’s men
“Stofan, let it go.” Lawrence, dressed in a hospital gown, looked paler and frailer than ever.
Stefan also fell silent and stood still at the sight of his grandfather. He no longer attempted to run away.
“Stefan, I don’t have much time left. I don’t know how much longer I can be by your side. Consider it my dying wish. Don’t go looking for Alyssa- anymore. You’re going to forgive yourself the day you decide to let her go.”
Stefan’s gaze lowered at those words. His expression was unreadable. After a long pause, he forced out a response. “Alright, I won’t look for her anymore.
Upon hearing his words, Lawrence seemed to let go of a heavy burden. His body collapsed weakly.
Standing by the hospital bed, Stefan promised Liarence, “Grandpa, I’ll take good care of the family business from now on, and I’ll never go looking for Alysse again.
Stefan’s demeanor grew even colder after he accomputed Lawrence through his final days. He wasn’t this serious when Alyssa was still around. He would even wear a smile occasionally
But now, any air seemed to surround him at all times.
He be–caine like a machine dedicated to work. Except for hospital checkups, he practically lived at the company.
Splendor Group thrived under his leadership.
That once envied love story gradually became forgotten by most,
Steden was the only one who still wore his wedding ring. Whenever someone asked about it, he would smile warmly and say, “I’m married. We’re very much in love. She’s waiting for me at home. I need to head back early.”
Yet, he rarely returned to that cold and empty villa. Without Alyssa, the place was no different from anywhere else.
Those in the know thought he had lost his mind, while those unaware believed he was a devoted family man.
Many women tried to seduce him, but he rejected them all.
To silence the gossip, he adopted a talented boy and carefully mentored him.
20 years later, that boy had grown into a capable adult ready to take on the world. Stefan entrusted the company to the boy he had raised and set off alone
For Fontain
As he stood outside Alyssa’s bed–and–breast, he thought, “Grandpa, I’ve honored your last wish. I haven’t seen her for 20 long years. Now, I want to
fulfill my final wish.”
Η
Stetan beard the familiar sound of wind chimes. This time, the inn’s door was open. Next to it was a small blackboard that read, “Open for business! Welcome to stay”
He knocked on the door. “Do you have any rooms available?” he asked.
Inside, a mixed–race girl called out toward the back room, “Mom, someone’s here to check in!”
Just as Alyssa walked out, Stefan panicked and fled. He no longer had the courage to face her.
Alyssa had a new family and a new life. She was no longer his.
Not far from the inn, Stetan bought a shop and opened a post office. It became a place where people could send letters to their past selves. Even though everyone was aware that the recipient would never receive the letters, there were still visitors who came to write to their past selves.
Stefan, too, wrote a simple one to his younger self.
“Treat Alyssa better.”
Though their shops were only two streets apart, they never crossed paths.
Even when Stefan later learned that the mixed–race girl was Alyssa’s adopted daughter, he still didn’t go to see Alyssa
He only stole a few glances at her from afar, quietly gathering bits of news about her life from others,
