After the Last Tear: Rising from the Ashes of a Broken Marriage novel Chapter 114

He gritted his teeth, forcing himself to remain calm as he continued the lie"The blood donor has been properly taken care of. Her family has received compensation, and the matter is over."

Nolan still didn't turn around, merely responding with a soft "Hmm," as though indifferent to the answer.

"Is there anything else you need, sir?" the assistant asked cautiously.

After a moment of silence, Nolan finally waved his hand dismissively. "No, that's all."

The assistant left the study with profound relief.

As he closed the door, he couldn't help glancing back at Nolan. That tall figure remained by the window, seemingly isolated from the world—solitary and cold.

Inside the study, Nolan slowly raised his hand and extracted an aged ring box from the depths of his drawer.

The velvet covering had faded, its edges worn, but the ring inside still gleamed brilliantly.

It was the engagement ring he had prepared for Aurelia years ago.

He opened the box, and the diamond caught the sunlight, scattering weak rays. Nolan's fingertip traced the ring gently, involuntarily releasing memories he had long since locked away.

At fifteen, during high school—their period of unspoken attraction.

Aurelia always sat in front of him, her ponytail swaying gently with each movement during class.

He often found himself staring at her back, lost in thought until she would suddenly turn around and flash him a mischievous smile.

"Nolan, I can't figure out this problem. Help me?" She would push her textbook toward him, eyes twinkling with playfulness.

He would glance at the question, finding it to be elementary.

Raising an eyebrow, he'd tease her "You can't solve something this simple? Were you daydreaming again during class?"

Aurelia would stick out her tongue, laughing with a hint of guilt. "You caught me!"

He would shake his head in resignation and pick up his pen to help her solve the question.

His fingers accidentally brushed against the back of her hand, making both of them freeze momentarily.

Aurelia's face would instantly flush as she lowered her head, pretending to pay close attention, though he noticed the tips of her ears had turned crimson.

What she failed to notice was how his own heartbeat accelerated wildly, pounding in his chest.

It was then he realized he could never love anyone but her in this lifetime.

Her smile had grown more radiant as she wrapped her arms around his neck, whispering in his ear, "Nolan, I love you."

His heart had trembled as he held her tighter, responding softly, "Love you too, Aurelia."

These memories washed over Nolan like a tide, making his fingertips tremble.

He remembered their first time holding hands, their first kiss, their first promises of forever.

He remembered how she had once depended on him, loved him so completely. But why...why had she betrayed him? Why had she killed his mother? Why had she destroyed everything they had?

A flash of pain crossed Nolan's eyes as he snapped the ring box shut and hurled it violently into the trash.

He closed his eyes and drew a deep breath, attempting to calm the turmoil within. He knew he couldn't continue dwelling in the past.

Aurelia was gone. Perhaps, as his assistant had said, she had left North Kingston for another country.

And he, too, should let her go completely.

For her, he should feel nothing but hatred.

"Three months..." Nolan whispered to himself. "Give me three more months, and I will forget you entirely."