Chapter 1

"Sebastian, do I look beautiful?" Roxanne Sawyer asked.

She stood there in a pristine white gown, her graceful figure accentuated by its elegant fit. Her already stunning face was enhanced by delicate makeup, radiating charm and allure.

Today was her engagement to Sebastian Hayes.

Sebastian sat on the couch, his tall frame impeccably poised. His features were so perfect as if carved by God himself. He exuded a natural air of authority, a presence so powerful that it was impossible to ignore.

He lifted his gaze. His cold, piercing eyes revealed no emotion. Before he could speak, the phone on the table rang.

Roxanne's heart clenched. "Don't pick up…"

"Hello?" Sebastian answered the call.

She was too late.

Whatever was said on the other end made Sebastian's expression darken. His tall frame rose from the couch in an instant. "I'll be right there."

He ended the call and grabbed his jacket without hesitation. All he left behind was a cold, indifferent back and an even colder statement.

"The engagement is off."

A sharp pain pierced Roxanne's chest, as if a knife had been driven straight through her heart. She wanted to stop him. But her feet felt like they were made of lead, refusing to move even an inch.

The heavy slam of the door echoed through the room.

She stood motionless in front of the mirror. Moments ago, her face had been brimming with happiness. Now, all that remained was a pale, shattered reflection.

Just then, her phone buzzed. It was a message from Liana Halesworth.

"I won."

A bitter smile tugged at Roxanne's lips.

Yes, Liana had won. She had always been Sebastian's first love, the one he kept in his heart like an untouchable dream.

For seven years, Roxanne had stayed by his side, loving him and warming him. She had been hoping that he would see her one day. In the end, she was nothing but a joke.

One call from Liana, and Sebastian would drop everything—her birthday, their anniversary, and the plans they had made.

And now, he could abandon even their engagement party without a second thought.

Did Sebastian not realize that leaving her like this would utterly humiliate her and turn her into a laughingstock?

Of course, he knew. He just didn't care.

A single tear slipped from the corner of her eye.

The overwhelming pain consumed Roxanne. At the same time, there was also a sense of relief.

Roxanne had held on to this relationship for seven years. She had been enduring neglect and humiliation. She had long reached her limit.

Tonight's engagement party was the final chance she had given their relationship. And clearly, Sebastian didn't care.

Roxanne took a deep breath. She pulled up her chat with him and typed, "We're done."

She blocked his number the moment she hit send.

Dragging her suitcase toward the elevator, she suddenly heard a whistle behind her.

Roxanne's brows furrowed. She had loathed that sound for seven years. It was Sebastian's cousin, Mick Hayes.

Mick worshiped Sebastian the most. In his eyes, the "godlike" Sebastian deserved only the best. Roxanne was just a country bumpkin who would never be worthy.

Over the years, Mick had never missed a chance to torment her. Now, he strolled up with a smug grin.

"The engagement got called off, huh? That's embarrassing. Are you running away now? Don't worry. I wouldn't let you leave so easily. Everyone, come out now!"

He clapped his hands.

Instantly, six of his lowlife friends emerged. Their cameras were aimed at her, ready to capture her humiliation.

Mick grinned, shoving an imaginary microphone in her face.

"So, Roxanne, how does it feel to be dumped before the engagement party?"

Laughter erupted around her, their eyes filled with mockery.

Roxanne felt nothing. She had lived through this for seven years. Crossing her arms, she met Mick's gaze with icy amusement.

"How does it feel? Honestly, it wasn't great. But I bet it's still better than how a bastard like you feels every day. Right, Mick?"

With just one sentence, the laughter died instantly.

The air went still. Mick's face turned ashen.

Although he was Sebastian's cousin in name, there was no real blood connection between them. Mick was the product of his mother's affair. That was his deepest shame.

For years, because he was part of the Hayes family and acknowledged by Sebastian as his cousin, Roxanne endured all of Mick's taunts and humiliation.

But now, she didn't even want Sebastian anymore. Why would she put up with Mick?

Mick's fury exploded. "You bitch! You're asking for it!"

He raised his hand high and aimed a slap at Roxanne's delicate face. She didn't flinch. Instead, she swiftly dodged and kicked him hard in the stomach.

Mick staggered back, falling to the ground. He looked up at Roxanne in disbelief.

"How dare you hit me! Aren't you afraid I'll tell Sebastian?"

Roxanne gave him a cold, piercing look.

"Go ahead, you brat! I only put up with you before because of Sebastian. Now that I don't want him anymore, why would I care about you?"

She couldn't be bothered to waste another second on him and started to drag her suitcase away.

Mick's voice turned shrill with rage.

"Fine! If you've got any guts, don't ever come back! Don't you dare cry to Sebastian begging him to take you back!"

Roxanne paused for a moment.

A smug grin spread across Mick's face.

"Regretting it already? You shameless simp. If you don't want me ratting you out, get on your knees and lick my shoes. Maybe then, I'll be kind enough to forgive you."

Roxanne chuckled. She noticed one of Mick's friends still filming the scene. She calmly turned her gaze to the phone.

"I, Roxanne Sawyer, am done with Sebastian Hayes. I will never marry him in this lifetime. If I break this vow, may Sebastian die a horrible death!"

Chapter 2

Sebastian returned to the villa early the next morning. He sank into the couch, rubbing his temples. A hint of exhaustion showed on his cold, handsome face.

"Roxanne, come give me a massage," he ordered.

After he spoke, there was no response for a long time.

In the past, the moment he got home, Roxanne would rush over with a bright smile and shower him with concern. She would massage his shoulders and try to cheer him up.

He glanced around the large, empty villa. There was no sign of Roxanne.

Instead, Lucy Carter stood hesitantly by the kitchen doorway. "Ms. Sawyer hasn't come back since yesterday…"

A flicker of impatience crossed Sebastian's face as he rubbed his brows again.

He knew that Roxanne was angry because he had called off their engagement party the day before. She was throwing a fit again.

He pulled out his phone and opened their chat, seeing the breakup message she had sent him.

His lips curled into a cold smirk. A breakup? She would never leave him.

Standing up from the couch, he grabbed his coat and contacted his chief personal assistant, Nathaniel Olson.

"Nathaniel, book a flight to Arland. We need to attend the MA1 conference."

Feeling sorry for Roxanne, Lucy stepped forward and said in a low voice, "Mr. Hayes, Ms. Sawyer hasn't been home all night. Aren't you worried?"

She was hinting at Sebastian to at least comfort Roxanne. After all, it was hard for any woman to accept a huge event like the engagement being called off last minute.

Sebastian understood her meaning perfectly. He smirked. "I have no time to comfort her."

With that cold remark, he left immediately.

The conference in Arland would take a week. He would give Roxanne a week to calm down. By the time he returned, she would definitely come back to him on her own.

…

Roxanne took a flight back to Riverton, spending the night at the airport before catching a cab home.

Looking at the two-story small villa in front of her, it was filled with childhood memories that warmed her heart. This sense of belonging was something she hadn't felt during the seven years of extravagant life in Valoria.

Just as she was about to open the door, she saw someone rush out of the house next door. He was heading in the opposite direction. His footsteps were anxious, urgent.

Roxanne recognized him immediately.

"Shawn!" she called.

In a rush, Shawn Riley startled when he heard the familiar, soft voice. He turned and saw Roxanne smiling at him.

"Rox, you're back?"

She nodded. "Yeah, I'm back, Shawn."

Shawn had watched her grow up. He was like an older brother to her, and their relationship had always been great. But over the years, she had been focused on Sebastian in Valoria and hadn't had the chance to return.

Shawn was shocked for a moment before his eyes lit up with immense joy. He quickly walked over to her.

"Rox, I need a favor."

"What kind of favor?"

"Marry me."

Roxanne instinctively took a step back.

What kind of favor was this? It was ridiculous.

Shawn realized his request was too abrupt. He quickly explained, his voice tight with emotion, "Hayley ran into trouble in Jorland. She left behind a child, and I have to bring them back. But Jorland's policies require me to be married in order to adopt. I have no other options.

"Rox, just help me get the marriage certificate. Once I bring the child back, I'll divorce you right away."

It was an unreasonable request. After all, by the time they were done, Roxanne would be considered a divorcee.

But right now, Shawn had no other option. There was war in Jorland, and chaos was everywhere. Hayley Chapman was dead, and he had to bring the child back.

Roxanne's heart ached. She seemed to sense the bad news, her face turning pale and her voice trembling. "What happened to Hayley?"

They had kept in touch. She knew Hayley had been in Jorland. When the war broke out, Roxanne urged her to return quickly. But Hayley never replied.

A tear slipped down Shawn's cheek. "She's gone."

Roxanne's legs nearly gave out.

Hayley had taken care of her like an older sister when they were kids. She was a warm and strong friend. And now, her only blood relative was in such a dangerous place. They had to bring the child back.

Roxanne immediately said, "Wait here. I'll grab my documents. We're going to the city hall."

Marriage was an easy thing. Both parties would go to the city hall, make a vow, and get a stamp. That was all it took to get a marriage certificate.

She had been with Sebastian for seven years but was never able to complete such simple procedures. Just before their engagement, he had even called it off. It was so ridiculous.

But at least she was still young. It wasn't too late to turn things around. Her life was still long ahead of her.

Shawn took the marriage certificate, thanked Roxanne, and hurried to the airport.

Time was tight, and every second counted. The longer he waited, the greater the danger to the child.

Watching him disappear into the distance, Roxanne pressed her hands together in silent prayer. "I hope Shawn and Hayley's child will return safely."

She didn't notice the faint white light shimmering around her as she spoke.

Chapter 3

A week passed quickly.

Sebastian returned from Arland, and his private car was already waiting at the airport. As he got into the car, he glanced at the time. It was just around dinnertime.

He turned to Nathaniel and said, "Nathaniel, contact Roxanne and ask her to join me for dinner at Starlight Restaurant."

Nathaniel nodded respectfully. "Yes, Mr. Hayes."

He pulled out his phone and dialed Roxanne's number. The phone rang for a full minute.

He furrowed his brows and told Sebastian, "Mr. Hayes, Ms. Sawyer didn't pick up."

Sebastian frowned. In his hand, he held a delicate jewelry box containing a diamond necklace he had won at an auction in Arland.

It was shaped like the sun and sparkled brightly. The moment he saw it, he thought of Roxanne. She was like a little sun.

He knew canceling the engagement party had been wrong. He owed her an apology. But now, she wasn't answering his calls, and he wasn't pleased.

Sebastian disliked her acting spoiled and throwing tantrums. He was busy and had no time to coax her.

Expressionless, he snapped the jewelry box shut.

"Take me straight to the villa," he said.

"Yes, Mr. Hayes," Nathaniel replied.

The Maybach pulled up at the villa entrance. Sebastian stepped out of the car, his face cold.

The villa was full of housekeepers, all busy with their own tasks. Only Lucy was inside the villa.

Sebastian took off his coat and asked Lucy, who was busy in the kitchen, "Where's Roxanne?"

A worried expression flashed across Lucy's face. "Ms. Sawyer hasn't returned since that day. I've called her many times, but she hasn't picked up. Mr. Hayes, I'm really worried. What if she's been feeling down because of the engagement cancellation?"

Lucy was the only one truly concerned for Roxanne. She feared the cancellation of the engagement party might have driven her to do something foolish.

Sebastian's sharp brows knit together, but his voice remained firm. "She won't."

Roxanne was always a little sun, optimistic and positive. She wasn't the type to fall apart over something like this. She was probably just really upset about the engagement party being canceled.

Sebastian sighed, pulling out his phone to text Roxanne.

"Come back. I'll throw an even bigger engagement party for you."

The message was sent, but all he got in response was a single gray checkmark. Roxanne had blocked him.

Sebastian couldn't help but laugh.

Roxanne had thrown tantrums before, but she had never blocked him. This time, she seemed to be quite worked up.

He didn't feel any real sense of crisis. He just found it amusing. Anyone could see how much she liked him. Her actions were all just a temper tantrum.

Sebastian turned to Nathaniel, who was standing by the door. "Find out where Roxanne is."

Being the most powerful man in Valoria, Sebastian could easily trace someone's whereabouts. After all, with the real-name system and surveillance everywhere, it was simple.

Nathaniel quickly pulled up the details. "Mr. Hayes, Ms. Sawyer went back to Riverton. She's staying at the Sawyer residence."

Nathaniel showed Sebastian the flight records for Roxanne and footage of her appearing on the surveillance cameras in Riverton.

Sebastian chuckled, shaking his head.

"Was that really necessary?"

He couldn't believe she actually went back to her hometown.

He turned to Nathaniel and said, "Go pick her up."

She was making quite a fuss this time. It would be better for Nathaniel to go personally and handle this.

Nathaniel nodded. "Yes, Mr. Hayes."

…

During her week in Riverton, Roxanne had been living comfortably.

Since no one had maintained her courtyard, much of it had withered. She hired someone to restore it and planted her favorite camellias, as well as a patch of chili peppers. It was her favorite vegetable. In just a week, the place had come back to life.

Lately, Roxanne had been scouting locations in Riverton, planning to open a flower shop. It was something she had always wanted to do. Now, she was finally working to make it happen.

As she watered her plants, a knock came at the door. She'd ordered some nutrient soil, so she thought it was the delivery.

But when she opened the door, she found Nathaniel standing there, impeccably dressed in a suit.

Her lips twitched. She immediately moved to shut the door.

Tall and imposing, Nathaniel reached out and stopped her.

He was Sebastian's chief personal assistant. He was the one she always had to contact if she wanted to reach Sebastian. And just like always, he regarded her with cold indifference.

His face remained expressionless as he spoke without a hint of emotion, saying, "Ms. Sawyer, Mr. Hayes has sent me to bring you back."

Seeing that she couldn't shut the door, Roxanne didn't bother trying. Instead, she folded her arms.

"Kneel and beg me, and I'll go with you."

A rare crack appeared in Nathaniel's cold expression, followed by a flicker of anger.

His words came out with disdain, harsh and without pity. "Ms. Sawyer, you should know by now that you and Mr. Hayes are not equals. The fact that he even sent me here is already a concession. Keep this up, and you'll only make things worse for yourself. You should know your place."

Roxanne raised an eyebrow and looked at him calmly.

Honestly, she was surprised that Nathaniel had come to pick her up. It meant that Sebastian had softened his attitude.

This was the first time over the past seven years.

But did she even want that?

Telling Nathaniel to kneel was excessive. She wasn't the kind of person to act that outrageously. But an eye for an eye wasn't out of the question.

Once, when she had a high fever, the housekeepers at the villa were all on leave. Weak and barely able to move, she called Nathaniel for help.

He told her to contact the housekeepers. When she explained there was no one available, he had arrogantly told her to beg him at a time like that.

For sure, Roxanne had refused. But she hadn't expected Nathaniel to humiliate her so cruelly.

In the end, she had to call an ambulance herself. When she woke up in the hospital, Sebastian wasn't there.

Nathaniel came and mocked her sarcastically.

She later told Sebastian about it. But before she could even finish, he cut her off coldly. He told her that Nathaniel had been running around taking care of her while she lay in bed, yet she was still ungrateful.

Roxanne had been left speechless. She never understood why Nathaniel treated her so badly. After all, he was just Sebastian's assistant.

Only much later did she learn the reason.

Nathaniel had grown up in a remote countryside. It hadn't been easy for him to get where he was now. He owed much of his success to his benefactor—Liana.

Roxanne shot him a cold look.

"I know my place, which is exactly why I left Sebastian. And you, Mr. Olson, should also know your place and get out of my house. Or don't blame me if I set my dogs on you."

Nathaniel's gaze was icy, filled with disdain.

"Playing hard to get? Roxanne, you've taken it too far. Do you really think Mr. Hayes cares? If he truly cared about you, he wouldn't have canceled the engagement party. So, go ahead and try to put on a show, but don't go too far."

Chapter 4

Roxanne clenched her fists. Her heart hurt, tightening with each painful beat.

The cancellation of the engagement party had stripped her of all dignity. But she had come to a realization. She could never warm Sebastian's heart.

If he had truly cared about her, Nathaniel wouldn't have dared to treat her like this.

The truth was, she had been the one lowering herself, chasing after him, and making herself insignificant. That was why the people around him had the audacity to treat her like that.

Before loving someone else, she should have learned to love herself first.

Roxanne smiled faintly and pointed to the second floor of her small villa. "Look. What's that?"

Nathaniel looked up. When he saw what was hanging above, his eyes widened in shock.

It was a security camera.

Roxanne folded her arms and smirked. "Tell me. What do you think would happen if I sent a clip of your behavior just now to Sebastian or uploaded it online? You're just a well-paid lapdog. Who gave you the nerve to act high and mighty?

"I'll say this only once. I'm done with Sebastian. I don't want anything to do with him or his people anymore. Leave now, and I'll pretend you were never here. Otherwise, the whole world will see your ugly side."

Nathaniel's face darkened with rage.

He never expected that the usually docile Roxanne would stand up to him like this. And now, she was even threatening him.

His condescending attitude toward her was not a big deal. But if word got out, it could become a real problem, especially if Sebastian found out.

After all, Roxanne was still his fiancée in name. Disrespecting her was the same as disrespecting Sebastian.

Nathaniel shot a glare at the camera and spat out a warning, "You'd better stick to your word and never crawl back to Mr. Hayes. Know your place. You're nothing compared to Ms. Halesworth, and you'll never be worthy of him!"

Roxanne's expression turned cold. "Get out."

She had given up on Sebastian. But hearing Liana's name still made her chest tighten. She knew she couldn't compare to Liana. Otherwise, why would Sebastian always choose Liana over her?

Nathaniel turned and walked away. If it weren't for Sebastian's orders, he wouldn't have come to this deserted place in the first place.

Roxanne followed him to the door with a malicious smile on her face. "Watch out. Don't trip and fall flat on your face."

The words had barely left her mouth when Nathaniel's tall frame lurched forward. He fell in an oddly twisted way, landing face-first on the ground.

Roxanne covered her face. That was a nasty fall.

By the time Nathaniel pushed himself up, his face was already bruised and swollen. He glared at her viciously.

"Damn you, jinx!" He covered his face and limped away.

Roxanne's heart pounded with excitement. Her jinxing skill was back!

Ever since she was a child, she had an uncanny ability. Her words could come true, but only when she spoke ill of someone. If she tried to say something good, it was hit or miss.

People called it a jinxing skill.

Back in Valoria, she had been bold and fearless, saying whatever she pleased. Sebastian hated it. He would scold her for stirring up trouble with her jinxing skill.

Over time, she started to doubt herself and loathe the ability. Her skill vanished just like that.

But now, it had returned. In the past few days, she had been getting a faint sense that it might be coming back. She had just tested it with Nathaniel. And to her surprise, it had come true.

At most, Nathaniel would have just tripped. But since he had been so hostile toward her, the effect had stacked. Now, he was not only bruised but limping as well.

Roxanne spat at his retreating figure, "Serves you right!"

She then returned to her small yard, leisurely tending to her plants.

They couldn't contact her anyway. She had tossed her old phone into the moat when she left Valoria. Her new phone and SIM card were just a random purchase without verification.

Even if Sebastian had all the resources in the world, he wouldn't be able to find her. And honestly, she didn't expect him to look for her, either.

…

Nathaniel dragged his injured body into the car and called Sebastian. "Mr. Hayes, Ms. Sawyer refuses to come back."

There was a long silence on the other end of the line.

Nathaniel cautiously added, "Mr. Hayes, if she doesn't want to return, maybe we should just…"

"Nathaniel!" Sebastian's cold voice cut through the phone line.

Nathaniel immediately fell silent.

Sebastian's tone was cold and commanding. "Figure out how to bring her back. Beg her if you have to."

With that, Sebastian hung up.

Nathaniel sat in the car. His face was pale as he gripped his phone tightly. No matter what, he would have to carry out Sebastian's orders.

On one hand, it was because Sebastian paid well. On the other, he needed to stay close to Sebastian to gather information for Liana.

He took a deep breath. He had to endure it.

Roxanne heard the knock on the door again. This time, she thought it had to be the nutrient soil delivery.

But when she opened the door, she was met with Nathaniel's bruised and swollen face. Her mood soured instantly.

"Why aren't you leaving yet?"

Suppressing his anger, Nathaniel put up a polite expression and apologized, "Ms. Sawyer, my attitude earlier was unacceptable. Please forgive me. Mr. Hayes truly cares about you. He's waiting for you in Valoria. Please come back with me."

Roxanne had to admire Nathaniel's ability to adapt. After the humiliation she had just put him through, he could still act this polite.

Indeed, the money of the capitalists was quite something. Of course, his willingness to grovel was for Liana, too.

Roxanne was somewhat surprised. Sebastian was willing to make Nathaniel act so humbly. Was he really so reluctant to let her go?

It was a pity she no longer needed it.

Her relationship with Sebastian had never been equal. Sebastian was indifferent, cold, and heartless. Roxanne had cried, thrown tantrums, and even run away from home just to get his attention.

She had even entertained the naive thought that if he lost her, he would finally cherish her. But at that time, she had stayed in a hotel for an entire month. Not only did he not come for her, but he didn't even call. In the end, she had returned on her own, humiliated.

That was when she realized, once she gave up on Sebastian, their relationship would be completely over.

Now that she had given up, why was Sebastian still coming after her?

She couldn't figure it out. And since she couldn't, she decided not to think about it.

Roxanne slammed the door shut, ignoring Nathaniel.

Yet, he stuck around like an annoying piece of gum, refusing to leave her doorstep.

She was annoyed just looking at him. In the end, she decided to ignore him.

Nathaniel was Sebastian's chief personal assistant. He wouldn't waste time playing this game forever. Sebastian wouldn't keep chasing after her, either.

A few days of cold treatment would be enough.

So, she packed a bag and slipped out through the back door.

After a day of waiting, Nathaniel realized something was off as Roxanne hadn't even left her house. He used Hayes Group's resources and found out that she had already boarded a plane to Cloudia City. At that moment, she had already landed.

Nathaniel didn't expect she had actually run off. His head ached. He had a sinking feeling that things were spiraling out of control.

It was heading in an unpredictable direction.

Chapter 5

Just then, Sebastian called.

Nathaniel answered, "Mr. Hayes."

Sebastian's cold voice came through the phone, "Did you bring Roxanne back?"

Nathaniel swallowed hard. "No. Ms. Sawyer secretly bought a ticket to Cloudia City."

Sebastian fell silent. He ended the call without a word.

His face remained impassive as he pulled up Roxanne's number and dialed. This time, he was making the call himself. This was considered his concession.

But the call rang for a long time until it disconnected automatically. Roxanne didn't pick up the phone.

Sebastian stared at the darkened screen, his expression unchanged. She had quite the temper. Not only did she ignore Nathaniel's calls, but she ignored his calls, too.

Sebastian called his other assistant, Jamie Jones.

"Find out where Roxanne is staying in Cloudia City. Book the earliest flight. I'll go get her myself."

Jamie hesitated for a moment before answering in a polite tone, "Yes, Mr. Hayes."

…

Roxanne had always wanted to visit Cloudia City. The city had stunning landscapes, a pleasant climate, and breathtaking scenery. She planned to travel from there all the way back, taking her time over the course of a month.

The grandeur of the mountains and the clarity of the water allowed her emotional wounds to fade into insignificance. She felt as if her heart had been cleansed in the process.

Compared to nature's vastness, her heartache seemed trivial.

Roxanne joined a tour group to Crystal Lake and admired the most beautiful willow blossoms. After a full day of exploring, she returned to her homestay at 9:00 pm.

When she unlocked the door, she saw a tall, familiar figure sitting inside.

She rubbed her eyes in disbelief. Her eyes widened in shock.

The figure was still there. It wasn't a hallucination.

For a moment, her eyes wavered. Why was Sebastian here?

His commanding presence filled the room. Impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, he exuded authority even while seated.

He was making phone calls.

He lifted his gaze, his face expressionless as he looked at Roxanne standing in the doorway. "Why didn't your phone ring?"

Roxanne froze for a second. She pursed her lips and said, "I threw the old number away."

Sebastian nodded and put away his phone.

"I'll get you a replacement when we return. Now, pack your things. We're going back to Valoria."

Roxanne's lips twitched. She instinctively took a step back. Her bright eyes were sharp and resolute.

"Sebastian, we've broken up."

Sebastian frowned. "Just because I canceled the engagement party? Does it matter that much to you?"

Roxanne pressed her lips together, saying nothing.

Sebastian took long strides toward her and sighed. "I'll make it up to you with a grander engagement party. Don't be mad, alright? Look. I even came all the way here for you."

Roxanne scoffed, retreating further until she reached the hallway. "So what? Am I supposed to be grateful? Do I need to thank you for your generosity?"

A bitter smile tugged at her lips. "I don't want it! I don't want your pity, and I don't want you. We're done."

It was the second time she mentioned that they were done.

Sebastian had originally intended to be patient, but now, his face darkened. "Break up? Could you really do it?"

His voice carried an arrogant disdain. His words were like a blade to her chest.

Yes, Roxanne couldn't bring herself to break up with him. Everyone knew she couldn't. Sebastian knew it, too.

He knew how deeply, passionately, and recklessly she loved him. That was why he never hesitated to hurt her, ignore her, and neglect her.

Even the people around him looked down on her.

It was her fault. She had been too much of a hopeless romantic, lowering herself to the point of insignificance. She had made herself the easiest target.

Taking a deep breath, she lifted her head and met his gaze firmly. "I will, and I can."

Roxanne pointed to the door. "Now, please leave."

Her calm and distant demeanor made Sebastian frown.

For the past seven years, she had always been his bright little sunshine. Even when she threw a tantrum, it was only because she wanted him to comfort her. He would always pat her head, and everything would be fine.

But now, she felt like a stranger. Her indifferent gaze unsettled him.

He felt a pang in his stomach, the pain sharp and sudden. He rubbed his forehead, trying to suppress his growing frustration.

"Roxanne, stop this. You know I'm busy, and I don't have time to coax you right now. Just be good, okay?"

The exhaustion on his face was real. He'd taken a red-eye flight and arrived at the homestay around 10:00 am. He hadn't slept since then and had been waiting for her.

He had already shown his willingness to compromise. She should be satisfied and take the chance to step down.

But Roxanne took another step back. The love in her eyes was gone.

"Sebastian, I don't need you to coax me. You never did before, and I won't need it in the future. This is where we end."

She turned and walked toward the door. "If you won't leave, I will."

As she did, a loud crash echoed behind her.

She turned around in shock.

Sebastian had collapsed to the floor. His tall frame curled up in pain.

A sleek, professional woman swiftly brushed past her and rushed to Sebastian's side.

"Mr. Hayes, are you alright?" Jamie's face was filled with urgency.

She shot a glare at Roxanne. "Mr. Hayes flew overnight to find you. He hasn't had a sip of water since yesterday. Ms. Sawyer, don't you think you're being too heartless?"

Roxanne pulled out her phone and called an ambulance. She calmly relayed the situation before she hung up.

"I've already called an ambulance. That's not heartless, right?"

With that, she turned to leave.

Jamie stared after her, stunned. "Aren't you going to the hospital to take care of Mr. Hayes?"

Roxanne didn't stop in her tracks. "I'm not a doctor. What's the point?"

Sebastian clutched his stomach, pain wacking his body. His blurred vision fixed on her unwavering figure, walking away without hesitation.