After a car accident, Lily Cooper lost her memory.

She remembered everyone except Victor Scott.

After keeping vigil for days, her best friend Emma Scott abruptly changed expression upon realizing Lily genuinely couldn't recall that name.

"Lily, it's just the two of us here. Tell me honestly—is this some new trick playing hard to get? Are you just trying to catch my brother's attention?"

Lily looked utterly bewildered, her eyes full of confusion. "No, I really don't remember. Who is he?"

"You're not lying? Then swear it!"

Faced with suspicion, Lily didn't hesitate and swore a solemn oath.

Seeing her dare to swear such an oath, Emma was stunned as if struck by lightning. She shook Lily's shoulders desperately.

"You really lost your memory, and forgot only my brother?"

Lily didn't understand why this was so shocking and pressed further, "Who exactly is Victor?"

Emma's expression turned complicated. She massaged her temples and explained slowly: "Victor's my brother. Years ago, you visited our Manor House, fell for him at first sight, and chased after him for seven whole years…"

As Emma rambled on, Lily's mind went blank.

"So… is he my boyfriend now?"

Emma looked a bit awkward. "No. He's always been cold to you. He rejected you and every other girl who liked him. He's hung up on someone else—Sophie Harrison, his first love. When they broke up, he drowned himself in alcohol day and night, and ended up in the hospital, nearly lost his life. He never got over it. And this time? He left you all alone on the highway in the pouring rain because he had to pick up Sophie, who just got back to the country. That's why you got into the accident and lost your memory."

Those few sentences left Lily speechless. Her expression turned complex and conflicted.

"So let me get this straight—your brother treats me coldly, loves someone else, even hurt me for her… Why would I ever like him? Are you lying to me?"

"Why would I lie? Everyone knows you were crazy about him."

Emma shook her head and quickly handed Lily her phone, urging her to unlock it.

Skeptical yet curious, took the phone and typed in a familiar password, but it didn't work.

"Your password isn't your idol's birthday anymore. It's my brother's—0715!"

Following Emma's words, Lily unlocked the phone.

As soon as she opened the photo gallery, thousands of photos of an unfamiliar man flooded her vision.

She stared at that devastatingly handsome face for a long time, slowly realizing Emma spoke the truth.

Victor's looks perfectly matched her ideal type.

Yet in every candid shot, taken from various angles, his gaze toward her was icy and detached.

A suffocating ache settled in Lily's chest. She opened her notes app next.

Dozens of memos detailed everything about Victor—his preferences, his tastes, his pet peeves.

And beneath those, daily diary entries poured out her unrequited love:

"Seventh Valentine's Day. I rehearsed my confession countless times for two weeks, and unsurprisingly, got rejected again. Victor, you say we're impossible… yet I still can't let you go."

You got drunk again today and mistook me for her. You called her name hundreds of times. You said you couldn't forget her, that even knowing there'd be no response, you'd still throw yourself at it like a moth to a flame. In that moment, I realized we're the same. Our love is equally pitiful and tragic..."

Although she had lost her memories, the pain and despair soaking every word resonated deeply with Lily.

Her heart felt pierced, persistent ache spreading through her chest.

Her nose stung, tears welling up unbidden.

She stood frozen, unable to calm herself for a long time.

Silence hung heavy in the ward for an unknown stretch before Emma finally spoke.

"What... what are you planning now?

Is the treatment something you'll continue?

My uncle is a renowned expert in psychiatry, though he's currently overseas. If you'd like—"

"Let it be," Lily interrupted. "I don't remember, but I can feel it. Loving your brother before must have been agony. Maybe forgetting is a blessing."

Lily took a deep breath, then lowered her head, deleting every photo, every memo, wiping it all clean.

Emma stared at her, stunned. She was about to say something when her phone suddenly rang.

After hanging up, she grabbed her bag and hurriedly left with a quick:

"I need to go home for something. Lily, rest well. I'll visit again when I'm free."

The door closed with a thud.

Just as Lily settled to rest, her family called.

"Lily, didn't I mention before about that arranged engagement settled when you were little?

It's been delayed for years now. Have you thought it over?"

Grace Cooper had prepared herself for rejection. This call was merely last attempt

Yet, after a few seconds of silence, Lily surprised her by agreeing.

"Alright, Mom. Once I wrap things up here, I'll come back to fulfill the marriage arrangement."

Astonishment filled Grace's voice on the other end.

"You... what did you say?

You don't like your best friend's brother anymore?

Before, you insisted on staying in Washington, refusing to return to New York, chasing after him for years. How... how did you suddenly change your mind?"

Lily didn't know how to explain the amnesia, nor did she want her family worrying about the accident.

After careful thought, she offered a vague answer.

"I don't love him now. And I won't... ever again."

After hanging up, Lily quickly estimated how long it would take to wrap things up here, then booked a flight back to New York in two weeks.

Right after booking, the nurse came to notify her about the follow-up examination.

She got into the wheelchair, but as soon as she wheeled out and looked up, she saw a face she recognized.

She'd just seen it in her photo gallery.

Victor!

The moment he saw her, the chill in his eyes deepened, turning to ice.

"How'd you know I was here?

You even followed me to the hospital?"

Lily hadn't expected her first meeting with Victor after amnesia to go like this.

And she certainly hadn't expected such open hostility.

It took her a second to snap out of it. "You've got it wrong. I wasn't following you. I was in a car accident on the highway, so I'm recovering here."

Victor frowned, studying her briefly. Just as he was about to speak, someone stepped out from the ward.

He immediately walked over. "Sophie, your fever just broke. I told you to rest—why'd you come out?"

Hearing the name, Lily instinctively turned and saw Sophie in a white maxi dress, her hair cascading to her waist.

When their eyes met, Sophie offered a gentle smile and glanced curiously at Victor.

"It was stuffy inside. I needed some air.

Victor, who's this?"

Victor's gaze sharpened slightly. "My sister's friend. Lily, a designer from our company's design team. We are not close."

At that, Sophie's lips curved gently. "Miss Lily, nice to meet you. I'm Sophie. Your head's bandaged up. Did something happen?"

Lily nodded. "Yeah, a car accident. Mild concussion, lost my—"

Before she could finish, a nurse's shout cut through.

"Patient 1124, Lily! Time for your checkup!"

Hearing that, Lily had no interest in small talk with people she couldn't remember. She muttered a quick goodbye and wheeled off toward the examination room.

Behind her, Victor watched her unusually cold retreat, brows knitted. He couldn't help staring a beat longer.

Hadn't she always clung to him every time she saw him?

Now she just left?

After the routine checks, Lily headed to the pharmacy for medication.

Passing the garden downstairs, she decided to enjoy the sunshine and wheeled herself around alone.

Just as she reached the fountain, Sophie approached and called out to her.

"Miss Lily?

You're out for air too? What a coincidence."

Lily was equally surprised to see her again and politely exchanged pleasantries.

Sophie was warm and outgoing. Before long, she was cheerfully pushing Lily's wheelchair.

"Victor just got a call and had to dash off. I was feeling a bit lonely. Would you like to chat?

Since you're Emma's friend and worked with Victor for years, I've been wondering... I heard abroad some girl chased him for seven years without giving up. Do you know who she was?

How'd Victor treat her?"

Hearing this, Lily froze for an instant before smoothing her expression. Her voice was calm.

"I don't know the details, but after being admired for seven years, he only loved you. That just shows you were the most important person to him. Nothing else mattered."

Sophie’s eyes flickered with surprise at the sound of such a confident reply, her tone tinged with shyness as she spoke.

"You know about Victor and me?

Does he... mention me often?"

Lily recalled Emma's words about his deep love for Sophie, nodding slightly. "Yes."

Sophie's cheeks flushed deeper, joy sparkling in her eyes.

"Victor was a year ahead of me—the genius heartthrob everyone had a crush on. Countless girls liked him, but he fell for me at first sight. He pursued me for so long before I finally agreed to try dating. Once together, he spoiled me endlessly: attending classes with me, studying in the library, blanketing the campus with roses for our anniversaries, sulking for days if someone confessed to me..."

"We dated four years. Everyone said I was his true love. He promised that he'd marry me after graduation. But I refused to be just a homemaker—I had dreams. So I rejected his proposal, broke up with him, and pursued studies abroad. All these years, I knew he never moved on. That's why I returned."

"When my plane landed in Washington, I was nervous. But the moment I saw him rushing through torrential rain to meet me and carry my luggage at the airport, I knew nothing had really changed.

Lately, jet lag gave me a cold. He's been caring for me. I sense he wants to reconcile but hesitates. I thought he'd grown feelings for that girl. That's why I wanted to ask you."

Lily listened quietly. Strangely, she felt nothing—no pain, no regret. She only smiled.

"I think if he cares about you that much, he'd never propose reconciliation casually. He's likely planning a surprise."

Sophie seemed reassured. As she waved goodbye, though, her phone slipped from her hand and fell into the pond.

She instinctively bent to retrieve it, lost balance, and plunged into the pool.

Witnessing the accident, Lily froze momentarily before wheeling her chair to seek help.

But as she turned, Victor sprinted past, diving recklessly into the water to rescue Sophie.

After coughing up water and regaining breath, Sophie stabilized. Only then did Victor's frantic worry ease.

Observing his every reaction, Lily moved to call a doctor—but his icy voice halted her.

"You pushed Sophie in deliberately? And now you're trying to slip away like nothing happened?"

Lily hadn't expected such an accusation. "She fell while retrieving her phone. I didn't push her or abandon her..."

Victor cut her off with a glacial stare.

"Retrieving her phone?

I step away briefly, and she mysteriously drowns by the pool? Who else could've caused this?"

With that, he shoved Lily—wheelchair and all—into the pool, his tone arctic.

"Lily, I tolerated your persistent advances for Emma's sake. But Sophie is my line. Since you don't know your place, you'll pay for what you've done.!"

He summoned bodyguards to surround the area, barring any rescue attempts.

The icy pool water surged into Lily's nose and mouth, choking her unbearably.

She struggled alone in the water, her leg wound reopening as blood gushed out, staining the pool crimson.

Her strength gradually drained away.

Shivering in agony, she slowly sank into the depths.

In her fading consciousness, the last image burned into her mind was Victor holding Sophie, walking away without a single glance back.

She didn't know how much time had passed when she opened her eyes to meet Emma's worried gaze.

"I was only gone a few hours! How did you fall in the pond?"

"The doctor said one minute later, you might never have woken up. You scared me to death."

Recalling what happened before blacking out, Lily fell silent.

She wanted to explain everything to Emma, but stopped herself, remembering Victor was Emma's brother.

She shook her head weakly, her voice frail and exhausted.

"I'm fine. Don't worry."

Emma's eyes welled up instantly. Though she said nothing, she stayed by the hospital bed for days.

During that time, she brought up Victor several times, seemingly probing Lily's thoughts.

"Lily, knowing my brother like I do—you confessed to him so many times. Anyone else, he'd have pushed them away. But he tolerated you all these years. That means he felt something, even if he didn't realize it. Are you really giving up on him?"

Had Lily heard this right after waking up, she might have believed it.

But after the drowning incident, such words felt like self-deception.

She showed Emma photos colleagues had sent—Victor shopping, dining, and watching movies with Sophie—her voice as calm as stagnant water.

"He only tolerated me for your sake, Emma. Since God made me forget him, it means we weren't meant to be.

Now that the one he waited for is back, it's time I let go of this doomed relationship."

Seeing Lily's resolve, Emma sighed deeply.

"Fine. I've always hoped my brother would wake up and be with you.

Then you'd be my sister-in-law, and we'd never part.

But since you're set on this, I won't push.

I'll stop meddling with Victor and his first love. We'll always be sisters."

Lily nodded firmly, pulling her into a gentle embrace.

After sharing whispers, Emma handled the discharge and drove her away.

"You've been cooped up too long. Let's celebrate with friends tonight!"

Knowing this might be their last gathering, Lily agreed.

But pushing open the private room door, both froze.

Victor and Sophie sat at the center. Emma gaped.

"Victor? Why are you here?"

Friends pulled them inside, explaining:

"You said the more the merrier! So I invited Victor—he brought Sophie. Perfect, right?"

Emma stared daggers at the speaker.

Lily squeezed her arm. "It's fine. I don't remember anything anyway."

Reluctantly, Emma sat her down.

The room grew rowdy, yet tension hummed beneath.

Victor draped his coat over Sophie's shoulders, shielding her from toasts, peeling fruit for her—

Every gesture radiated intimate devotion, his love undisguised.

Lily watched quietly. A dull ache settled in her chest, yet no bitterness rose.

Perhaps forgetting truly was a blessing?

Misreading her stillness as pain, Emma hastily started a game to distract her.

Lily had a lucky streak, winning over ten rounds straight before finally losing one. Everyone clamored to punish her.

She didn't want to play silly games, so she chose truth instead.

Instantly, all eyes darted between her and Victor, voices buzzing with excitement.

"Alright then! Tell us about the most unforgettable romance of your life!"

Before Lily could respond, Victor's expression darkened.

He shot her a warning glance, his eyes icy cold.

Lily knew he was cautioning her not to say anything reckless in front of Sophie.

But now, with her memories gone, even if she wanted to comply, she could only muster vague replies.

"My most unforgettable... was probably my first love?

He was my best friend's brother. I fell for him at first sight, I think. I wrote stacks of love letters, filled albums with secretly taken photos. Everyone knew I was crazy about him... but he never liked me..."

She laughed off the confession, yet the private room plunged into dead silence.

Sophie, who'd been watching coldly, sensed something amiss. She tugged Victor's sleeve hesitantly.

"Victor... you and Miss Cooper—"

Victor's heart lurched. Gripping Sophie's hand, he denied flatly:

"Nothing between us. Always been one-sided affection—all her doing."

Word by word, he spoke with absolute finality.

Then without lingering, he took Sophie by the hand and turned to leave in full view of everyone.

The gazes from everyone in the room held sympathy and pity.

Emma, who'd stayed silent until now, finally rushed out.

Lily realized what she meant to do and hurried after her, catching the siblings' argument in the garage.

"Lily's my best friend! Why humiliate her publicly? She's loved you for years—can't you show mercy for her sincerity?"

"I've endured her seven years. Turned her down gently countless times for your sake—isn't that mercy enough? Her obsession only ever burdened me!"

Emma nearly lost her mind with rage, her voice raw and trembling.

"Relax—she'll never love you again. After you abandoned her roadside last time, she got concussed in that accident..."

"I only drove her home as your favor. Why shouldn't I ditch her on the way? Even if time rewound a hundred times, I'd choose Sophie over her every time. If she's still bitter, tell her to stay away!"

A car door slammed in the distance. Not wanting them to discover she'd overheard—sparing everyone awkwardness, Lily turned and slipped away.

After she got home alone, she scanned the rooms, gathered every memento collected over the years that were related to Victor,

then dumped them all in the trash.

She spent the weekend packing most belongings.

Monday, Lily handed her resignation letter to HR.

HR froze.

"Aren't you still recovering from the accident? I heard the design director spot opened up. Victor planned to promote you. Why resign now?"

After graduation, Emma once shared, Lily joined the design department just to see Victor daily.

For three years, she'd worked diligently—all to get closer to him, to stand beside him openly and proudly.

Now she remembered neither him nor how loving him felt.

Facing HR's reluctance, she smiled faintly.

"I'm going home. Staying in my hometown for good."

HR didn't press further, returning the stamped form.

"Alright. I'll get Victor's signature to finalize this."

After leaving the HR office, Lily was stopped by colleagues in the hallway.

"Mr. Scott just called an urgent design department meeting to announce the new director. It's starting now—come with us."

Lily nodded and followed them.

Along the way, colleagues beamed while congratulating her.

"Lily, you've contributed to major projects and won international awards these three years. You're the obvious choice for director."

"Exactly! With your track record and Mr. Scott's trust, we all support you. Treat us to dinner after the announcement!"

Having worked alongside them for years, Lily knew their sincerity. She nearly mentioned her impending resignation but decided to wait until dinner since Victor hadn't signed off yet.

"Whether I'm promoted or not, dinner's on me tonight. I have news to share."

The group reached the conference room while chatting, and Lily took a corner seat.

Once everyone settled, Victor entered precisely on time. His gaze swept the room before he addressed them directly.

"You've all heard rumors. Today we appoint the new design director. Speak freely if you have thoughts."

All eyes turned to Lily. Before the decision finalized, she needed to intervene.

After a steadying breath, she met Victor's impassive eyes and stood.

"Mr. Scott, thank you for entrusting me with key projects. Our team delivered every time. Though I don't know your pick for director, before announcing, I wish to volun—"

He cut her off mid-sentence.

"Among our ten designers, others lack your portfolio depth, but but your seniority is too limited. So I've decided to bring in an external candidate with extensive experience and seniority to take on this important role."

Everyone froze in stunned silence,

and Lily stood frozen.

Victor's voice rang out clearly.

"Let me introduce you to our new design director—Sophie."

The door swung open with a thud. Sophie entered, smiling.

"Hello, I'm Sophie. Ph.D. from Milan Design Institute, European Young Design Award winner..."

Dead silence followed. Colleagues exchanged uneasy glances, expressions turning strained.

Sophie's listed achievements—several designers present had earned the same honors. Her lack of experience and instant directorship sparked visible discontent, especially among senior designers who'd been with the company for nearly five years. One of them couldn't hold back and spoke up.

"Mr. Scott, we unanimously believe Ms. Harrison lacks sufficient experience and needs a couple more years to season before taking the director role.

By comparison, Lily is better qualified for this position."

A voice spoke up, and design department colleagues nodded in agreement.

Sophie's eyes instantly turned teary-eyed, her pouty expression fixed on Victor.

Seeing her tears, Victor's face flickered with concern before his gaze snapped toward Lily—sharp and icy.

"Sophie is a top graduate from a prestigious university, with countless international awards under her belt. Whether in vision or capability, Lily can't hold a candle to her. Sure, Lily's handled many projects, but every bit of her outstanding performance stems from our department's solid foundation.

Even if I handed all these responsibilities to Sophie tomorrow, she'd deliver a perfect score—likely exceeding expectations.

Therefore," Victor declared, his tone leaving no room for debate, "Sophie is the only one fit for the design director position. This discussion is closed."

Even though Lily no longer held any affection for him, being publicly humiliated like this still made her go pale.

After Victor made his announcement, he declared the meeting adjourned and swiftly walked out with Sophie.

The HR manager waiting outside immediately handed him Lily's resignation letter.

"Victor, this resignation notice requires your review and signature..."

Victor's icy gaze swept over the document. Without reading it, he signed directly.

Watching him lead Sophie away, Lily's colleagues flocked to her side, offering comfort.

But Lily remained eerily calm.

She smiled faintly, her hand clenching the signed agreement.

"Whether I'm the director isn't important anymore. I've decided to resign—Victor just approved it. Today's my last day. Life takes us on different paths—take care, everyone. Hope our paths cross again."

Shocked by her departure, colleagues expressed regret.

Some insisted on confronting Victor to reclaim her position.

Lily shook her head with a grateful smile. She returned to her office and packed her belongings.

After work, she treated everyone to dinner, bidding farewell amid a bittersweet atmosphere.

Back home, she contacted a realtor and listed her apartment at the lowest price. It sold the next day.

After completing the transfer paperwork, she arranged to vacate in two days.

Amid the chaos, Emma called.

"Lily, you haven't forgotten my birthday tomorrow, have you? I've been waiting for your gift!"

"How could I forget? Your gift is ready—I'll deliver it personally tomorrow."

Lily had not only prepared a gift but also planned to share her departure news with Emma.

In previous years, she'd arrive early at birthday parties to spend more time with Victor.

This time, she waited until halfway through the event before hailing a cab.

As tradition dictated, the celebration was held at the Manor House of the Scott family.

Having visited countless times, Lily knew every corner. She slipped in through the back entrance.

The hall was dimmed for candle-blowing. Emma stood radiant at the center, surrounded by guests.

Robert Scott and Elizabeth Scott smiled proudly to her left. Victor stood to her right with Sophie—a harmonious picture.

They looked like a perfect family.

From a distance, Lily overheard the staff whispering:

"After all these years apart, I never thought Mr. Victor would reunite with Ms. Sophie. How devoted!"

"Absolutely! Miss Emma's friend chased him for years but never won his heart. Mr. Victor must be madly in love with Ms. Sophie."

"Mr. and Mrs. Scott kept pressing him to marry. Now that he's brought her home, an engagement must be imminent!"

Lily had long forgotten her past with Victor and resolved to let him go completely.

Whoever he loved or married now had nothing to do with her.

Hearing those words stirred nothing within her.

She quietly joined in singing the birthday song. When she looked up, her eyes met Victor's.

Spotting her, he frowned and whispered something to Emma, who then squeezed through the crowd toward her.

Lily hugged her gently, handing over the birthday gift with a soft "Happy birthday."

Emma, who'd waited all evening for her, tried pulling her toward the cake, but Lily shook her head.

"It's too crowded and noisy. I'll skip it.

You go ahead—I'll wait in your room. There's something I need to discuss later."

Emma agreed, worried seeing Victor might upset her.

Lily slipped away from the crowd and headed straight to Emma's third-floor room.

She dozed off on the sofa after half an hour, only to jolt awake at the sound of the door opening.

But it wasn't Emma—Sophie stood there instead.

Her expression was stormy, eyes blazing with unfriendly intensity.

"Didn't you claim you'd given up?

Why keep showing up around Victor?

Let me make this clear: he only has eyes for me. No amount of attention-seeking will make him like you. You'll never win against me!"

Caught off guard by the confrontation, Lily took seconds to collect herself.

"I'm here to give Emma her birthday gift. I'll leave shortly."

Sophie's suspicion only deepened, laced with disgust.

"All these years you've shamelessly clung to Victor, using Emma as your pathetic excuse.

Honestly, he's cursed with a sister who can't tell right from wrong—always siding with outsiders."

Lily could endure insults aimed at herself, but the moment Sophie targeted Emma, her eyes instantly turned cold.

"Does Victor know you trash-talk his own flesh and blood like this?"

Sophie snorted coldly. "He'd forgive me anything. So what if I insult her?

Besides, you and Emma deserve each other—two shameless, disgraceful—"

"Seven years ago," Lily snapped back, "you abandoned him overnight and nearly destroyed him. Emma never once blamed you, even while watching her brother suffer. Now you crawl back wanting to marry him, yet trash her behind his back? Tell me—who's truly vile here?"

Sophie, enraged by the retaliation, slapped her across the face.

Lily struck back instantly with a stinging blow of her own.

Clutching her burning cheek, Sophie lunged forward with tears of fury, and they tangled together in a violent struggle.

Lily grabbed her hair, fighting back with every ounce of strength.

Amid their heated argument, they knocked over the aromatherapy burner on the table.

The flame ignited the bedsheet, then spread to the carpet, soon engulfing the room in roaring fire.

Thick smoke billowed everywhere. By the time they noticed, the entire room had become an inferno.

Lily struggled toward the door but Sophie shoved her straight into the flames.

Scorching tongues of fire licked at her skin, the searing pain making her tremble uncontrollably.

As she desperately tried to smother the flames, the bedroom door burst open with a crash.

Victor charged inside, stopping barely half a meter away. Yet his gaze swept over her for only an instant.

His eyes immediately locked onto Sophie instead. He sprinted toward her, crushing her in a protective embrace.

Choking smoke flooded Lily's nostrils, her breathing growing fainter by the second.

Lifting her reddened, blistered hands, she clutched at Victor's leg.

He merely glanced down, then callously yanked his leg free and strode away.

Watching his silhouette vanish into the smoke, her consciousness faded as she passed out...

Lily never thought she'd survive.

When her eyes fluttered open again, Emma's tear-swollen face filled her vision.

"Lily, thank goodness you're alright. I'd never forgive myself otherwise.

Does your wound hurt?

Don't worry, I've got the best doctors treating you. They won't let it scar."

"It's just a scratch. Really, Emma, don't blame yourself or worry."

Burning pain shot through her hands as Lily clenched her teeth and pulled Emma into an embrace.

"Actually, I meant to tell you yesterday. It's late now, but promise you won't be mad?

I'm flying back to New York this afternoon. My family's pushing that arranged marriage. My flight's booked—will you see me off?"

Emma froze at the sudden news, fresh tears spilling down her cheeks.

"What?!

Leaving so suddenly? And getting married?

Will you ever come back? What'll I do when I miss you?

..."

Lily sighed, murmuring reassurances until Emma finally calmed.

They whispered heartfelt goodbyes before Emma reluctantly went to handle discharge paperwork.

Lily winced while changing clothes when Victor shoved the door open, his expression dark.

"You attacked Sophie then tried burning her alive. Admit it."

Seeing him stirred nothing in her heart, Lily said with icy voice.

"She says it, you believe it?

No evidence needed?"

"Yes. I'll always trust Sophie unconditionally. No evidence required!"

Victor cut her off, refusing to hear explanations.

His frozen glare told Lily persuasion was futile.

She offered no defense, just a hollow smile.

"Why are you here then?"

"To drag you over and make you apologize to Sophie!"

He seized her injured wrist, yanking her toward the door.

Fresh blood bloomed on her bandages as pain brought tears to her eyes.

She choked back sobs, struggling violently to break free.

Emma returned just then, immediately shielding Lily behind her.

Victor glared at them both, his tone brooking no argument.

"Move!

She must apologize to Sophie today!"

"No!

Lily did nothing wrong! You favor Sophie, but my room has cameras! Everything's recorded! If you want her apology, check the footage first!"

Emma stood her ground, voice raw with defiance.

Victor's temples pulsed with rage until Sophie's message lit his phone.

He swallowed his anger, storming out with a final threat:

"Fine! We'll review the footage tonight! With hard evidence, let's see what excuses you'll make!"

The room plunged into silence as he slammed the door behind him.

Emma tended to Lily's wounds while whispering apologies.

Lily gently shook her head, wiping the tears from Emma's eyes.

"Emma, don't apologize. It's never been us who were wrong.

I'm leaving soon. Promise you'll take care when I'm gone."

Emma nodded fiercely, accompanying her to collect luggage before driving straight to the airport.

The flight to New York announced boarding as Lily gave her one final embrace, turning resolutely toward the gate.

Seated on the plane, Lily deleted every trace of Victor's contacts.

Emma's last message flashed across her darkening screen:

"Lily, I hope you can be happy after you get home. Tonight, I'll uncover the truth and clear your name."

Lily smiled at the fading screen before gazing at clouds outside.

Truth? Justice? None mattered now.

Victor and all the pain he brought had vanished from her memory.

She would leave it all behind.

Forever and completely.