My back blocked Evan’s view as I stealthily handed the USB drive to Holly, using lip-reading to communicate my message.
Holly's face showed deep sorrow. I was not sure if he understood, but I couldn't speak out loud; instead, I could only hope my intense gaze would convey my message.
"Mr. Hayes, I could overlook your intrusion into my home, but you must leave immediately," Evan commanded coldly.
Holly hid his sadness, stood up, and walked towards the door, his figure radiating profound grief.
Evan grabbed an umbrella from a bodyguard, pulled me to my feet, and positioned it above us.
I pulled away from Evan and ran after Holly, grabbing his icy hand. Tears streaming down my face, I said, "Go treat your wounds, and I'm sorry, so, so sorry..."
Holly cradled my face in his hands, his voice rich with emotion, "Avery, don’t say you're sorry. Sometimes those words can be the most painful. Remember, everything I do for you is willingly done; you bear no burden."
After a gentle embrace, he turned and left quickly, as if preventing himself from any second thoughts.
If there's anyone in the world I can't bear to hurt, it's my grandfather and Holly. Yet now, I've hurt Holly, all because of the man standing beside me.
Evan came up silently, holding the umbrella over us. In the rain, with my hands clenched at my sides, I gritted my teeth and said, "Evan, are you satisfied now?"
I stepped out from under his umbrella, turned, and walked back through the rain.
Returning to my room, I felt a deep discomfort and unease, unsure if Holly had understood me earlier.
That day, Evan left me alone.
I waited for news about the Evan's company secrets being leaked but heard nothing. I called Holly several times without response; I worried for him.
Under the surveillance of Evan’s bodyguard, I visited Holly's newly bought villa. The massive iron gate was locked. Despite my persistent knocking, no one responded.
My hands were sore and swollen from banging on the gate. I slowly squatted, gripping the iron, realizing I still hurt Holly, the man who had brought warmth into my life for three years.
If not for Evan's coercion, perhaps I could have spent my life with this man. I am no longer the naive woman desperate to be with her loved one; now, I am merely selfish.
Evan crouched beside me, covering my clenched fist with his large hand. I didn't glance at him as I bitterly said, "Evan, why don't you destroy my happiness over and over again?"
I stood, opened the car door, sat down, and closed it, refusing to look at him.
As I anxiously waited, there was no word from Evan's company, and Evan’s wound had healed, signaling the upcoming surgery for my grandfather.
When it was time for my grandfather's surgery, my fear was palpable. I was terrified of any complications; he was my last remaining relative, and I was ready to sacrifice anything for him.
Watching my grandfather and Evan enter the operating room, Evan's slight smile momentarily eased my nerves.
I stood outside the operating room, too anxious to eat or drink, eyes fixed on the door.
