At the fashion week venue, Yvonne Sung sat quietly in an inconspicuous seat in the back row, his gaze lingering with longing on Lauren Shaw as she spoke on stage.

He had never seen this side of Lauren Shaw before—so full of confidence and poise that it was impossible to look away. Only now did he realize just how exceptional she truly was.

He still remembered the first time they met. She had stood there, nervous and helpless. One casual gesture from him, and she had fallen hopelessly in love. Back then, he’d only thought her foolish.

For a long time, he believed he loved Yana Quinn, and that Lauren Shaw was simply a suitable candidate for marriage. She was obedient, never unreasonable, never angry with him for no reason.

Besides, the Shaw family could help his career; and he happened to need a wife.

She wanted marriage, so that’s what he gave her.

But everything changed when Yana Quinn came back—it all slipped out of his control.

When Yana Quinn first reached out to him, he’d felt surprised, even happy. Three years apart had left his feelings in a mess. He admitted there had always been some selfishness on his part, but he never imagined he would run into Lauren Shaw that day.

He thought that as long as he coaxed her, things would go back to how they’d been. But he was wrong.

She chose, with startling decisiveness, to break off their engagement and cut all ties. He assumed she was playing hard to get, trying to make him compromise by using this as leverage.

At the time, Yana Quinn was in a bad place, and he couldn’t even decide who he actually cared for more.

He decided to focus on Yana Quinn for a while, figuring he’d deal with Lauren Shaw after she cooled off.

But at some point, she changed. The way she looked at him was no longer burning with devotion.

He felt as though something vital was slipping away, beyond his grasp no matter how hard he tried to hold on.

Then he heard she was getting married. First he was shocked, then furious—furious that she would make a mockery of her own future just to get back at him.

Hugo Pierce had advised him: "Don’t get tangled up with Lauren Shaw anymore. All this—everything that’s happened—you brought it on yourself. You can’t blame anyone else."

But how could he possibly let go?

That night, he drank himself into a stupor, calling Lauren Shaw’s name as he fell asleep. He knew perfectly well that it was Yana Quinn sitting by his side, but he was powerless to stop himself from missing Lauren Shaw.

It was in that moment he finally understood just how much Lauren Shaw meant to him.

But what he didn’t realize was that in the process, he had hurt two women beyond repair.

After news of Lauren Shaw’s wedding reached him, he spiraled. He neglected his health trying to win her back—only to find that she wouldn’t even spare him a second glance. Even her words to him were cold and final.

He knew she must still be angry, angry that he hadn’t handled things with Yana Quinn properly. He wanted to tell her that if she was willing, he’d cut all ties with Yana Quinn. But nothing went the way he hoped.

She chose a new life—a life without him. Three years of feelings, cast aside just like that. Why? Was he supposed to pretend those three years had never happened?

He had become accustomed to her, to being treated kindly, to her unconditional devotion. Seeing her in another man’s arms now fueled a jealousy that threatened to consume him.

…

"Excuse me, sir, the fashion show has ended…"

A staff member interrupted his thoughts. He returned to his senses—the venue was empty, only himself left sitting in the back, staring blankly ahead.

Thinking he was searching for something, the staffer approached with concern. "Is there anything I can help you with?"

He gathered himself and shook his head. "No, thank you." He stood and left.

The staff member watched him go, mumbling under her breath at his distracted appearance, "What a strange man."

Striding out of the showroom, Yvonne Sung’s phone rang. It was a call from Zoe Carter. He hesitated a moment, then answered.

But it wasn’t Zoe Carter’s voice on the other end, but a nurse from the hospital.

"Hello, Mr. Su. Your mother’s been missing you a lot these days. If you have time, please come visit her."

Yvonne Sung fell silent for a moment, then replied, "Alright. I understand."

After hanging up, he let out a long breath, his brow etched with weariness.

A year ago, Zoe Carter’s condition had steadily declined—she’d started forgetting who he was. Later, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

Su De’an’s health had likewise been deteriorating. Between aging parents and his own failures, Yvonne Sung felt utterly powerless.

And he knew, deep down, it was all his own doing.

Laughter drifted to him from not far away, and his steps faltered. He turned toward the sound.

Lauren Shaw was blowing soap bubbles, bottle in hand. Shen Mu’an rode on Yancy Shaw’s shoulders. The air sparkled with rainbow bubbles, and the children’s laughter was like music.

"An’an, aren’t they pretty?"

"So pretty!"

Lauren Shaw’s smile was so tender it was impossible to look away.

Yvonne Sung had dreamed of scenes like this—a family of three, so warm, so complete. But for him, this was something he could never have again…

Just then, something nudged his foot. Looking down, he saw a little boy picking up a toy car. The boy glanced up and apologized, "Sorry, uncle."

Before Yvonne Sung could respond, someone called out for the boy: "Qiao Youxi!"

Qiao Youxi responded, clutching his toy and running toward Xavier Quinn.

Nina Shaw had already walked over to Lauren Shaw’s side. The sisters chatted, beaming, wrapped in joy.

Qiao Youxi took Shen Mu’an’s hand, and the two children ran off together, carefree.

Behind them, the laughter of adults rang out.

Yancy Shaw placed an arm around Lauren Shaw’s waist and bent to kiss her forehead. The affectionate gesture was like a stab to Yvonne Sung’s heart. He turned away, alone, and made his way toward the parking lot…

Some people only learn the value of love once it’s lost. Late-blooming affection is the cheapest kind of all.