NOVPUBRyan had been trying hard to focus, but no matter how much he tried, his thoughts would not let him.
Again and again, his mind returned to one thing —Arwen.
How he failed her.
How he lost the only chance he had to make things right.
If only he hadn't been selfish …
If only he had made her his priority, just once …
Maybe then, he would have something —anything —to hold onto. Something that would allow him to lift his head and say he loved Arwen the way no one else could.
But now?
He couldn't even look at himself in the mirror without shame creeping into his chest.
Brenda's words were ringing in his ears —relentless, unforgiving —reminding him just how undeserving he was of Arwen.
Unable to escape the growing storm within, he rubbed his hand over his face, frustration thick in every breath.
"Why? Why? Why?" he whispered hoarsely, over and over again, as though the repetition could dull the ache in his chest. "Why couldn't I make even one right decision when it came to her? Why did I lose her … completely? Why?"
His fingers tangled in his hair, fisting it cruelly. But even that pain did nothing. The regret remained —bitter and heavy, clawing at his insides.
A knock at the door of his office broke through his spiralling thoughts.
His brows jutted in a frown as he glanced at the door, allowing the person in.
It was no one else but Zenith, who stepped in, pushing the door open.
"Sir," she called cautiously before looking the hs face, searching for anything that she could. "Is everything alright?"
Ryan paused for a second as if considering the option of sharing his pain and regret with her. So that there could be someone he could confide in. But in the end, he just couldn't bring himself to.
Shaking his head, he nodded, responding to her. "I am good. But why are you still here?" He checked the time on his desk and his frown deepened, noticing it was already past the work timings. "It's late. Shouldn't you have left already?"
Earlier, when he asked her to leave, he thought she must have gotten off work already.
It was only now that he realized, he wasn't alone in the office. She had been there as well …
Zenith didn't defend, saying she was waiting for him. Instead, she simply let her lips curl in a faint smile. "I am still not done with my work. And since I don't want it to become a burden tomorrow, I thought to complete it before leaving."
Ryan's frown still remained between his brows. But knowing how diligent his secretary has always been, he couldn't bring himself to chide her.
"Try to complete it during your work hours itself. Don't let it drag you here this late. You need rest too."
His words did nothing but warm Zenith's heart. Her smile deepened, and she nodded, "I will try my best the next time."
Ryan nodded back.
A second passed … and then two …
He expected her to leave, but when he didn't see her moving, he asked, "You have something to say?"
Zenith nodded, but then hesitated to speak. "Sir, it's already late —almost close to dinner time. I was ordering myself a takeout. Should I order something for you too?"
Without even giving it a thought, Ryan refused, "No need. Order for yourself. I won't have anything."
"But why?"
The question slipped out before she could catch herself and wrap it in formal distance.
Ryan's brow arched slightly, and his expression tightened with mild displeasure.
Noticing her misstep, Zenith quickly added, "I mean … you haven't eaten anything all day. It's already night. If you skip dinner as well, your stomach ache will only get worse."
Stomach ache.
Only when she mentioned it, Ryan realize there was a stomach ache —a dull pain that had been building steadily, hidden beneath his heavier burdens. He had ignored it completely.
He stared at her, not saying anything.
Zenith felt a little uncomfortable under his gaze like that. His gaze was squinted at her, and it only made her feel like she was being calculated under his gaze.
Trying to explain, she quickly said, "I saw you uncomfortably shifting on your chair again and again, and even your hand is moving, trying to ease the ache … so I guessed it. I didn't mean —"
"Thank you, Zenith."
Before she could explain any further, Ryan said, cutting her off.
He hadn't uttered anything about it, yet she noticed. Her attention only made him feel warm at that moment.
Zenith was taken aback. She blinked, trying to grasp those words.
Given the displeasure she noted on his expression earlier, she thought she would be upbraided. But little did she expect him to say a thank you.
"I … It's my job, sir," she almost stammered before quickly adding, "I will order a takeaway then."
With that, she turned and quickly left to make the order.
Ryan stared at her before reverting his gaze back to the pile of papers he had in front of him.
These weren't important. Nothing needed to be done immediately. He was just trying to find an escape … but even that doesn't seem to be helping.
***
Meanwhile, back in Winslow Residence —
The lights in the master bedroom were turned off, but the room was still looking bright due to the soft moonlight that was slowly seeping in through the large window.
On the bed, Arwen lay nestled under Aiden's arm, no longer burdened by anything.
One look at her, and anyone, and anyone could tell —she was having a peaceful sleep —the kind she hadn't had in ages.
Aiden gazed down at her, his lips curling into a satisfied smile.
All he had ever wanted was this —her, in his arms, sleeping just like how she was sleeping now.
What more could a man want than to see his woman so unguarded, so at peace, lying in his arms?
