Yana Quinn's eyes were lifeless.

Just a few days ago, she lost a child. It was Yvonne Sung's. She'd heard that it was due to her health, and the baby couldn't be saved.

When Yvonne Sung found out, he didn’t show the concern she’d imagined. After she had rested for a few days, he broke up with her.

"Yanyan, you deserve someone better. I can’t give you the life you want right now. You should find a good man," he told her.

Hearing those words, Yana Quinn felt a deep sense of desolation. She didn’t care about Yvonne Sung’s current circumstances. She would have stayed by his side if he’d only asked. But in reality, he never intended to spend his life with her.

The fire in Yvonne Sung’s eyes when he looked at her was long gone. She knew then that there was no going back for them.

Somewhere along the way, their relationship had changed.

After their amicable breakup, she went to find Lauren Shaw. Before leaving, she wanted at least to see her one last time.

She went to Lauren Shaw’s studio, and happened to run into Yancy Shaw as well. When Lauren Shaw saw her, her gaze was calm and indifferent.

Yana Quinn said she wanted to have a talk with Lauren Shaw, but Lauren Shaw didn’t see what there was still to discuss.

"Don’t worry, I’m not here with any bad intentions. I just wanted to have a simple conversation," Yana Quinn said. The hostility she used to wear on her face was gone, replaced by a weariness.

Lauren Shaw looked at her blandly, with none of the satisfaction Yana Quinn had imagined.

The two of them went to a café near the studio, with Yancy Shaw tagging along.

"Looking at me like this, you must be really happy, right?" Yana Quinn asked with a self-deprecating smile.

Lauren Shaw replied serenely, "However you turn out is none of my concern. I’m not interested in keeping track of whether you’re doing well or not."

Lauren Shaw was enlightened now. As long as she lived her own life well, that was all that mattered.

As for the past, it was best left forgotten.

Yana Quinn laughed wryly. "Don't you blame me for ruining your engagement with Yvonne Sung back then?"

She couldn't believe that Lauren Shaw felt no hatred toward her.

"Why would I blame you? Actually, I have you to thank. If not for you, I’d never have gotten out of that one-sided infatuation in time."

Yvonne Sung only loved himself. He pretended to be deeply in love just to make others believe he could love, but it wasn’t real.

Yana Quinn stared at her in surprise, doubting what she'd just heard.

Lauren Shaw found the whole situation oddly amusing. Who would have thought they’d one day sit down and talk so calmly?

Yana Quinn gazed at Lauren Shaw for a moment before giving a relieved smile. "I’m planning to leave this place. I wish you happiness."

Lauren Shaw looked over at Yancy Shaw, not far away, and smiled. "Thank you."

Yancy Shaw had been hovering nearby, worried Yana Quinn might try something. He stood at a distance, watching, always alert.

Yana Quinn could see Lauren Shaw was in a much better place now. Yancy Shaw was clearly nervous about her, frequently glancing her way.

A smile lingered on Lauren Shaw’s lips as she got up from her seat. "My husband’s waiting for me. I’d better go."

With that, she walked toward Yancy Shaw.

Yancy Shaw quickly came over and took her hand. Whatever she said to him, his tense expression relaxed a little.

The look they shared was brimming with love. Watching them, Yana Quinn felt a pang of realization: so this was what it felt like to be loved.

She thought that perhaps it was time to let go. What didn’t belong to her shouldn’t remain in her life.

----

At the wedding, Lauren Shaw sat next to Yancy Shaw. She could sense someone staring at her—Yancy Shaw's grip on her waist tightened.

Claire Xu and Henry Mills had also arrived. Seeing Lauren Shaw, Claire Xu took a seat beside her, stealing a glance at Yvonne Sung before leaning in to whisper, "Shengsheng, Yvonne Sung hasn't taken his eyes off you all night."

Lauren Shaw could feel it too—not just her, even Yancy Shaw felt it.

Yvonne Sung had come to the wedding specifically to see Lauren Shaw, knowing she’d be there.

Watching someone ogle his wife like that made Yancy Shaw furious. He wanted to hit someone, but since it was a wedding, he had to hold back.

During dinner, Lauren Shaw excused herself to the restroom.

Her morning sickness flared up the moment she looked at the food, and she ran to the restroom to throw up.

She glanced in the mirror afterward. Because she was pregnant, she went out without makeup, and after vomiting, her face was even paler than usual, making her look frail.

She sighed softly and stepped out—only to see Yvonne Sung, standing outside smoking.

Instinctively, she covered her nose and mouth and tried to hurry past.

But Yvonne Sung blocked her way, his expression complicated. "Shengsheng."

The sharp smell of smoke assaulted her; she couldn't stand it.

Yvonne Sung stubbed out his cigarette. Lauren Shaw frowned, her tone chilly: "What do you want?"

Her stomach churned again. She felt sick, on the verge of vomiting.

Noticing how pale she looked, Yvonne Sung asked, "What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

As he spoke, he reached out to grab her hand—but before he could touch her, Yancy Shaw pushed him away.

Lauren Shaw covered her mouth and rushed into the restroom to retch.

Glaring at Yancy Shaw, Yvonne Sung snapped, "Can’t you see Lauren Shaw’s not feeling well?"

"That’s my wife you’re talking about. Show some respect," Yancy Shaw replied icily. Nothing hurt him more than seeing Lauren Shaw struggling with morning sickness.

Yvonne Sung thought Yancy Shaw didn’t care about her at all—even now, when she was ill, he couldn’t be bothered to show concern.

After retching for a while, Lauren Shaw emerged from the restroom, looking much better.

Yvonne Sung stepped over, concern written all over his face. "Shengsheng, where do you feel sick? Let me take you to the hospital."

Lauren Shaw shot him a frosty look and moved closer to Yancy Shaw. "I’m fine."

Yancy Shaw peeled a preserved plum candy and handed it to Lauren Shaw. She popped it in her mouth, and the sour taste soothed her queasiness.

Even an idiot could see what was going on now, and Yvonne Sung’s expression grew even bleaker.

Lauren Shaw regained her composure. "Yvonne Sung, I’m unwell because I’m pregnant, so my appetite hasn’t been great."

She’d put it plainly enough—whether he understood her meaning was up to him.

Yancy Shaw held Lauren Shaw’s hand and shot Yvonne Sung a sidelong glance. As they walked away, he asked, "Didn’t eat enough, huh?"

"No appetite," Lauren Shaw replied weakly.

"I’ll make you something delicious when we get home."

"Okay."

The two walked off together, chatting as they went. Their easy affection made Yvonne Sung feel utterly like a fool.

Just then, a hand landed on Yvonne Sung’s shoulder. He turned to see Hugo Pierce behind him.

Noticing the desolation in his eyes, Hugo Pierce patted his shoulder and said earnestly, "Lauren Shaw’s living a good life now. It’s time to let go. Don’t keep bothering her."

"Was I really that wrong?" Yvonne Sung muttered. Hugo Pierce could only sigh. Some things, once missed, are missed forever—regret can’t change that.