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Ian’s smile faded.
Leah knew Ian and Sasha had nothing going on between them. She also understood that Ian had
never lied to her. He would rather keep it to himself to the ends of the earth.
The look on his face after her mention of Sasha implied he knew that she would be angry when she
found out. Yet, he still chose to hide it.
“It wasn’t on purpose, Sarah. I’m sorry.” Ian lowered his gaze and sighed.
Leah quietly waited for him to explain, but he defaulted to silence.
She pursed her lips and asked, “So, you’re not going to explain anything to me?”
Ian looked at her as emotions surged in his heart.
He wanted to explain, wanted to tell her why, hug her and tell her that it wasn’t like that.
That would only trouble her. It hadn’t been easy for her to escape and gain a second chance at life. Her
future still held endless possibilities. She shouldn’t be wasting her time on him.
He knew that she would remain by his side without hesitation as long as he said the word.
But he couldn’t be selfish.
Hating him would be an easier way out… This way, she would leave with a broader view of the world.
There were far fewer regrets in hate.
Ian’s fingers curled up before he looked up with a smile. “Yes. I regret it.”
Leah lurched and gave him a suspicious look as she waited for him to elaborate.
Ian still had such a gentle expression, and yet his words left her out in the cold.
“I had wanted to marry you, but Sasha’s return made me regret it,” Ian said. “Sasha and I were
childhood sweethearts. We grew up together. These feelings I have aren’t an easy thing to give up. I
think I prefer being by her side.”
Leah looked expressionlessly at him and stared right into his eyes in search of signs of deceit.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtIan, however, looked as he always did, complete with his gentle smile.
Leah shook her head. “I don’t believe you.”
Ian looked down and said cruelly, “I don’t care whether you believe it or not. I regret this. I don’t want to
marry you. I don’t want to bet my future on you.”
Leah sighed and asked, “Ian, if something is bothering you, just tell me. We’ll solve it together.”
Ian’s fingers twitched in response.
He was so close to faltering.
Yet, how could he?
“You’re looking too much into this.” Ian looked straight at her. “I’ve never loved you. I just sympathized
with you. Your past with Han Howard also bothers me. There’s nothing more to say. I made up my
mind.”
Leah’s expression grew steely.
Her hands clutched the straps of her bag as if it was the only way she could provide herself with
courage.
“So, it’s my past you despise?” Leah asked him seriously.
Ian went quiet at that and the office fell into a lengthy silence.
Then, he spoke in a gentle, slow tone, “Yes.”
“Alright.” Leah got to her feet. “It’s okay. I respect your decisions. Thank you for everything you’ve done
for me, Ian. I also appreciate your honesty. We’re still friends. If you ever find yourself needing help,
feel free to contact me.”
Ian was still smiling but it never reached his eyes.
He got up to see her out. “There’s no need. We should cut off contact with each other. Sasha might get
angry.”
Leah’s eyes were rimmed red.
She nodded. “Alright. It’s up to you.”
“I will handle the transfer of the company’s shares as soon as possible. Everything you’ve been owed
will be paid back in full,” Ian continued.
“Okay.”
“You should go. Don’t come back.” He finally sighed.
Leah looked at him. “Have you been lying to me this whole time?”
Ian stared at her red eyes.
Why was she crying? Was she crying because of me?
In the past, he would experience sleepless nights with just a frown from her. Yet, he found himself
being too cowardly to go up to her and hold her in his arms despite being the reason she was close to
tears.
Ian could only sigh mentally.
He didn’t want to answer and yet there was no chance of him turning back.
The smile on Ian’s face gradually subsided. “Yes.”
Leah no longer knew what emotions she was feeling.
They were attached at the hip from the moment they met. It was he who stayed by her side at the
darkest time in her life.
They were finally getting better and yet he was saying that he didn’t want her anymore.
“Okay.” Leah gave him a look. “I wish you all the happiness.”
With that, she opened the door and left without looking back.
Ian watched as she left and the office fell back into silence.
It was as if he instantly lost all strength in his body and flopped down onto the couch in complete
disarray.
Todd, his assistant, pushed open the door and came inside as he was worried for Ian. “Mr. Sanders…”
Ian waved his hand, motioning for him to stop talking.
“Huh? What happened?” Ron hurried after Leah.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
However, Leah simply rushed forward and ignored him.
Her steps were increasing in speed with no intention of slowing down.
When they finally arrived at the first floor of the company, Ron tugged on her arm.
Leah brushed him off but did not break away, only inclining her head and biting on her lips without
saying a word.
Ron had originally intended to tease her but the teasing smile on his face stiffened when he caught
sight of her glazed and red-rimmed eyes.
He was taken aback. “You’re crying?”
Leah shook her head. “I’m not.”
Ron chuckled. This woman was blatantly lying.
He knew she wanted to stay strong. That was why she refused to admit it. So, he went along with it.
“Okay. You’re not crying. Can you please just slow down then? Where are you going? I’ll give you a
ride.”
Leah replied, “None of your business. I’m taking a walk.”
Ron shook his head. “Nope. I’m coming with you.”
Leah glared at him. “You’re so annoying.”
Ron smiled helplessly. “Do you think I’m this way to just anyone? If you were any other woman, I
wouldn’t even bother with you.”
After fighting with him for a while, the dark cloud hanging over Leah dissipated.
She sucked in a breath to regain control of her emotions and said, “I’m starving. Let’s get some food,
Ron.”
“Sure thing.” Ron smiled eagerly, eyes blazing. “What are you feeling? I’ve got money.”
Leah was amused by his behavior and grinned widely as she answered, “Spicy chili beef.”
Ron was taken aback. “…Ah?”
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