Chapter 6: The First Signs of Regret

Life in Khelmark gradually settled into a peaceful rhythm.

Every morning, Zoe enjoyed breakfast in the sunlit dining room before spending several hours exploring the city or reading in the estate's magnificent library.

Although she and Lucian were still technically strangers, every interaction between them felt effortless.

He never forced conversations.

He never questioned her past.

Instead, he quietly respected her space while making sure she never lacked anything.

To Zoe, that silent consideration meant far more than grand romantic gestures.

One afternoon, Lucian invited her to visit the Lyttelton Foundation.

"Would you like to come with me?" he asked.

"We're opening a new children's education center today."

"Of course," Zoe replied.

The ceremony was simple.

There were no extravagant speeches or unnecessary publicity.

Lucian spent most of his time talking directly with teachers, volunteers, and children instead of reporters.

Watching him interact so naturally with everyone around him surprised Zoe.

He wasn't putting on a performance.

This was simply who he was.

After the event ended, a little girl ran toward Lucian carrying a handmade drawing.

"Mr. Lyttelton!"

"I made this for you!"

Lucian accepted the colorful picture with genuine delight.

"Thank you."

"I'll frame it in my office."

The little girl's face lit up with excitement.

"Really?"

"Of course."

"It's one of the best gifts I've received."

Standing nearby, Zoe couldn't help smiling.

She suddenly realized something.

Lucian treated everyone with the same patience and kindness.

Whether they were business executives or children from struggling families, his attitude never changed.

That evening, as they drove back to the estate, Lucian noticed Zoe quietly watching the sunset outside the window.

"You seem happier today," he observed.

"I think I am," Zoe admitted.

"It's been a long time since I felt this relaxed."

"I'm glad."

He didn't ask why.

He simply accepted her answer.

Meanwhile, hundreds of miles away in Southport, Connor sat inside his office staring at the same magazine cover for what felt like the hundredth time.

The photograph of Lucian opening the car door for Zoe refused to leave his mind.

"Mr. Buxton?"

His assistant knocked gently before entering.

"Your meeting with the Lawson Group begins in ten minutes."

"Cancel it."

"Sir?"

"Reschedule."

"I need some fresh air."

The assistant looked confused but nodded.

"Yes, sir."

Connor drove aimlessly through Southport until he unconsciously stopped outside the Herbert residence.

The gates were closed.

The house looked unusually quiet.

For years, whenever he visited, Zoe would be the first person to greet him.

She always smiled.

Always asked whether he had eaten.

Always made him coffee exactly the way he liked it.

Now...

There was only silence.

Charles Herbert happened to be watering flowers in the front garden.

Seeing Connor, his expression remained calm.

"Mr. Herbert," Connor greeted respectfully.

"Connor."

"What brings you here?"

"I..."

"I was passing by."

Charles smiled knowingly.

"Were you?"

"Or were you hoping to see Zoe?"

Connor remained silent.

"She's doing well," Charles continued.

"She calls almost every evening."

"She sounds happier than she has in years."

"That's good," Connor answered quietly.

"Yes."

"Very good."

Charles looked directly into his eyes.

"Do you know something?"

"For years I blamed myself."

"I thought perhaps I'd failed as a father because my daughter kept chasing someone who couldn't appreciate her."

"But now I understand."

"Some people simply arrive in our lives to teach us when it's time to let go."

Every word struck Connor like a hammer.

"Mr. Herbert..."

"If I ever hurt Zoe..."

"If?" Charles interrupted gently.

"Connor... you did hurt her."

"Repeatedly."

"She simply loved you too much to admit it."

"Fortunately, she finally chose herself."

"I'm grateful she did."

Connor lowered his head.

For the first time, hearing those truths from someone else was almost unbearable.

That evening, he returned home unusually late.

Vicky was waiting in the living room.

"Connor!"

"Where have you been?"

"I've been calling you all afternoon."

"Work."

"Again?"

"You're becoming distant lately."

"Is something bothering you?"

"No."

"I'm just tired."

Vicky carefully studied his face.

"Is this... because of Zoe?"

Connor immediately frowned.

"Why would you ask that?"

"You've mentioned her several times this week."

"You even asked about her flight after she left."

"Connor..."

"You're not regretting your decision, are you?"

"Of course not."

His answer came far too quickly.

Even he noticed it.

Vicky forced a smile.

"Good."

"Because we're getting married soon."

"Yes."

"We are."

Yet somehow...

Those words didn't bring him the excitement they once had.

Late that night, Connor couldn't sleep.

He walked onto the balcony overlooking the city.

His phone suddenly vibrated.

One of his old friends had sent several photographs from social media.

They were taken during today's charity event in Khelmark.

In every picture, Zoe was smiling.

Not the polite smile she used to force around him.

A genuine one.

Bright.

Carefree.

Standing beside Lucian, she looked completely at ease.

Connor enlarged one particular photograph.

Lucian wasn't even looking at the camera.

He was looking at Zoe.

Not with obsession.

Not with possession.

Simply with quiet admiration.

Connor suddenly remembered something.

In all the years Zoe loved him...

He couldn't recall ever looking at her that way.

Not once.

A dull ache spread through his chest.

He finally understood why seeing her leave had unsettled him so deeply.

For the first time in over ten years...

Zoe no longer needed him.

And for the first time...

Connor was beginning to realize exactly what he had lost.