Chapter 4: Leaving Southport Behind

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

The date of Zoe's departure finally arrived.

The Herbert residence had been unusually quiet since dawn.

Most of her belongings had already been shipped to Khelmark City the previous afternoon.

Only one suitcase remained beside the front door.

Zoe stood in the living room, taking one last look around the house where she had spent nearly her entire life.

Every corner held memories.

Some were warm.

Most were painful.

This house had witnessed her first love, her countless tears, and the years she wasted chasing someone who never once turned around.

Today, she was finally leaving all of it behind.

"Ready?" Charles asked softly as he walked downstairs.

"Yes."

He smiled gently.

"Good."

"Your mother always believed children weren't meant to stay in one place forever."

"Sometimes leaving is the bravest thing a person can do."

Zoe hugged him tightly.

"I'll visit often."

"Take care of yourself while I'm away."

"Don't worry about me."

"Just promise you'll live happily."

"I promise."

Outside the residence, two black luxury vehicles slowly pulled up.

The Lyttelton family crest was displayed discreetly on each door.

Ethan Brooks stepped out and bowed respectfully.

"Good morning, Miss Herbert."

"Mr. Lyttelton asked me to escort you safely to Khelmark."

"Your private flight is ready."

"Whenever you're prepared, we may leave."

"Thank you."

As Ethan carried her luggage toward the car, another vehicle suddenly stopped across the street.

Connor stepped out.

He had driven there himself after hearing from mutual friends that Zoe was leaving Southport today.

Seeing the luxury convoy parked outside her home made his chest tighten.

He walked over quickly.

"Zoe."

She turned around calmly.

"Connor."

"You're really leaving."

"Yes."

"Today."

"You're actually going through with this marriage?"

"I am."

"Why?"

"Because I want to."

Her simple answer left him speechless.

For years, Zoe had always explained herself.

She had always tried to convince him.

Now she offered no explanations at all.

"You barely know Lucian," Connor insisted.

"You're making a mistake."

"Maybe."

"Maybe not."

"Either way... it's my decision."

"Zoe."

"You're only acting like this because you're hurt."

"Once you calm down, you'll realize—"

"Connor."

She interrupted him gently.

"Why are you trying so hard to stop me?"

"Isn't this what you wanted?"

"You always hoped I'd stop following you."

"Now I'm doing exactly that."

"Shouldn't you be relieved?"

Connor opened his mouth.

Nothing came out.

He honestly didn't know how to answer.

Because somewhere deep inside...

He wasn't relieved at all.

He was uncomfortable.

Restless.

Even... afraid.

Before the silence could continue, another car arrived.

Vicky stepped out carrying a bouquet of flowers.

"Connor!"

She hurried toward him before pretending to notice Zoe.

"Oh... you're leaving already?"

"I came to wish you a safe trip."

"Thank you," Zoe replied politely.

Vicky smiled sweetly.

"I hope you'll find happiness in Khelmark."

"Connor and I will definitely attend your wedding if we're invited."

Zoe nodded.

"You're both welcome."

The calmness in her voice irritated Vicky more than any argument could have.

Why wasn't Zoe jealous anymore?

Why wasn't she crying?

Everything was happening differently from what Vicky had expected.

"Miss Herbert," Ethan said respectfully.

"It's almost time."

Zoe gave her father one last hug.

"Take care."

"You too."

She then walked toward the waiting vehicle.

Connor instinctively reached out and grabbed her wrist.

"Wait."

She slowly looked down at his hand.

"Is there something else?"

Only then did Connor realize what he had done.

He immediately released her.

"I..."

"Take care of yourself."

Those were the only words he could manage.

Zoe smiled faintly.

"Goodbye, Connor."

"Congratulations again on your engagement."

Without another glance, she entered the car.

The convoy slowly pulled away from the Herbert residence.

Connor remained standing in the middle of the street, watching until the vehicles completely disappeared from sight.

An unfamiliar emptiness settled inside his chest.

"Connor?" Vicky called softly.

"She's gone now."

"Let's go home."

"...Yeah."

He answered automatically.

But his eyes remained fixed on the road long after Zoe had vanished.

Several hours later, the private jet landed at Khelmark International Airport.

As the cabin door opened, Zoe looked outside in surprise.

Luxury vehicles were lined up neatly near the runway.

More than twenty staff members stood waiting in perfect formation.

The moment she stepped onto the stairs, every one of them bowed respectfully.

"Welcome to Khelmark, Miss Herbert."

"Welcome home."

The words startled her.

Home.

No one had ever welcomed her like that before.

Ethan smiled.

"Mr. Lyttelton wanted to greet you personally."

"Unfortunately, an overseas video conference couldn't be postponed."

"He sincerely apologizes."

"He asked me to bring you directly to the Lyttelton Estate."

Nearly an hour later, the convoy arrived before enormous wrought-iron gates.

The gates slowly opened.

Beyond them stood an elegant estate surrounded by gardens, fountains, and centuries-old trees.

It looked more like a palace than a private residence.

"This... is where he lives?" Zoe asked softly.

"Yes."

"Mr. Lyttelton has already prepared your room."

"He said you may redecorate anything you dislike."

As they entered the mansion, an elderly butler greeted her warmly.

"Welcome, Miss Herbert."

"Dinner will be served shortly."

"Mr. Lyttelton will return this evening."

"He specifically requested that you not wait for him if you're tired."

Again...

Everything was centered around her comfort.

No pressure.

No demands.

Only consideration.

Late that evening, Zoe sat quietly on the balcony overlooking the beautifully illuminated gardens.

A cool breeze carried the scent of blooming roses.

For the first time in many years...

Her heart felt peaceful.

At that same moment in Southport, Connor stood alone inside his office.

His assistant entered carrying several documents.

"Mr. Buxton."

"Miss Herbert's flight landed safely in Khelmark about an hour ago."

Connor froze.

"You... tracked her flight?"

"You asked me yesterday to keep you informed."

He had forgotten.

Looking through the office window into the dark city, Connor slowly realized something that made his heartbeat falter.

Zoe had truly left.

This wasn't another attempt to get his attention.

She wasn't waiting for him to stop her.

She had walked away without looking back.

And for the first time in over ten years...

Connor Buxton had absolutely no idea how to bring her back.