In the research lab, Millie leaned against the wall, her gaze fixed on the data-processing equipment in front of her. In her hand, her phone streamed live news coverage.While social media buzzed with mixed opinions, the livestream was flooded with comments praising Winston's looks."Putting everything aside, Winston is seriously handsome!" someone gushed."This man is flawless from every angle. He looks incredible, no matter how the reporters capture him. Even in high-definition, he's stunning!"Another viewer wrote, "His looks are second to none! If he entered the entertainment industry, he'd definitely be a big name. Too bad he has a scandalous past. Haha!"Annoyed, Millie quickly disabled the comments.With the eyes of numerous reporters on him, Winston got into his car. They then started to summarize the incident. Millie found it dull and decided to stop watching the livestream.Moments later, social media erupted with screenshots of Winston's latest update.One user pos
Damien hummed in response. "The expenses are only going to increase from here. If someone with real influence wants to join us, why not take the offer?""Who is it?" Millie asked."You'll find out tonight," Damien answered with a smile. "I came here just to let you know."Though he didn't say it outright, the unspoken message was clear. He didn't want Millie to turn him down. After all, he had come all this way just to see her.Millie fell silent, an uneasy feeling settling in her chest. "Is it Winston Greer?" she asked, testing the waters.Damien hadn't expected her to be so sharp. "If it's him, he—"Before he could finish, Millie cut him off. "Mr. Callister, whatever Mr. Greer is investing, I'll double it."She didn't need Winston investing in the lab."Millie, don't act so rashly! Winston's willing to fund our research, and that's a huge opportunity for us!" Damien argued.But Millie shook her head. She didn't see it that way."Mr. Callister, I trust you're thinking this t
With that, Damien led Natalie out.The more Millie thought about it, the more her frustration grew. But at the end of the day, Damien was still the head of the lab. If Layla had been here, Millie was sure Damien wouldn't have made things difficult for her grandmother. In fact, Layla would have taken the initiative, always prioritizing what was best for the lab.Millie shook her head. All she wanted now was to finish the research as soon as possible and disappear.If Terrence's company needed her, she might consider taking over. If not, she'd follow her original plan of studying abroad and switching to jewelry design.But as the thought settled in her mind, her anger only intensified.Millie pulled up a chair, sat down, and grabbed her phone. With a quick swipe, she unblocked Winston and dialed his number.The call went unanswered. Frowning, she tried again, but still nothing.Just as she was about to hurl her phone in frustration, it rang. It was Winston calling.Millie's exp
It wasn't until Millie finally grew tired of lashing out that the other end of the line fell silent.Winston then asked, "Are you done?""I'm done!" Millie shot back, her teeth clenched."Have a sip of water," he suggested.Millie chuckled in exasperation upon hearing that. "Winston Greer, you really are something else!"But he interrupted her. "It wasn't my idea to invest. Damien was the one who approached me."Millie was momentarily speechless, and Winston continued, "Mr. Callister mentioned that the lab's expenses would increase significantly in the later stages. If I could invest, the research could continue."But, Millie, if you don't want me involved, I won't join. I thought my participation could help you. I'm sorry."He spoke with genuine sincerity, clearly prepared to step back if his involvement was unwelcome."Are you saying this wasn't your idea?" Millie questioned.Winston quickly answered, "Not at all."Frustration bubbled up within her at that revelation. "So,
That evening, Millie arrived at Stratus Kitchen, wearing a white dress layered under a dark coat and carrying a limited-edition handbag.She became the center of attention the moment she stepped into the restaurant. Every gaze seemed to naturally gravitate toward her presence.There was something undeniably elegant and poised about Millie. When she recognized familiar faces, her lips curved into a faint smile. She thanked the server softly as they led her to the table, winning over the crowd.Since Joanna's arrest, it felt like everyone was beginning to see Millie in a new light.From across the room, Millie noticed Winston and Damien. They were engaged in what seemed to be a lively conversation, with Damien laughing heartily.Millie pressed her lips together, took a deep breath, and strode confidently toward them."She's here," Damien stated, spotting her first.Winston turned just as Millie was handing her coat to a nearby waiter. She then rolled up her sleeves and took a seat
Damien smiled as he listened to their exchange. "Indeed, everyone says Mr. Greer is wealthy, but I think the one who knows best is actually Milie."Millie's expression turned icy, and she shot back, "Sorry to disappoint you, Mr. Greer. I really don't know how much you have. After all, I've never spent a single penny of yours in those three years of marriage. You've never treated me well or told me how much you have either."Her words hit Winston like a bucket of cold water, instantly silencing the room.Damien cast a cautious glance at Winston. He was fully aware of the disrespect in Millie's statement, especially given his presence at the table.Yet, Winston endured her sharp retorts with surprising patience. "Perhaps you should consider marrying me again, Ms. Caldwell—""What for?" Millie fired back, cutting him off. "Once wasn't enough? Do you want me to get hurt all over again? Winston Greer, do I look like someone who's easily fooled?"Her fierce response stunned Winston, bu
"Mr. Greer, didn't you have enough?" Millie asked with a frown.Winston lowered his gaze slightly. He remembered a time back in university when he was swamped with club activities, often staying out late. Millie would always bring him two servings of instant mac and cheese or pack some homemade pasta for him.The weather had been just as cold back then, but their hearts were warmed by each other's company.It had been four years since they had last sat down to share a meal in peace. Winston couldn't help but think back to those times. However, it seemed that Millie had forgotten it all."We've always liked the same things," Winston remarked as he called Eli, asking him to pick them up.Millie smiled, but she turned him down. "That's not necessary. I've got things to do and need to get going."Without thinking, Winston grabbed her arm.Her steps faltered, and she glanced down at his hand, signaling for him to let go. He had promised her he wouldn't cross any lines. "I'm not ove
When Eli pulled up, Millie had just left. But even if Eli had arrived first, Winston wouldn't have forced her into the car.The more you loved someone, the more you respected them. Winston had even begun to notice every glance and every shift in tone from Millie.She had once told him that love often felt like an obligation, yet it was also about cherishing the person you cared for. "Mr. Greer," Eli called out.Winston responded with a soft hum. "Another tough conversation with Ms. Caldwell?" Eli asked.Winston managed a wry smile and replied, "She wouldn't even agree to share a bowl of pasta with me.""Take it slow, Mr. Greer," Eli comforted him.Winston shook his head, feeling the weight of his helplessness. "I just feel so stuck."No one could understand his frustration. He had put in so much effort only to make no progress.Eli sighed before saying with a touch of resignation, "But Mr. Greer, despite everything, Ms. Caldwell has loved you for seven years. A woman can on
While in the hospital, Millie rubbed her arms to keep warm. Then, the person on the bed woke up.Millie turned her head and looked at the person on the hospital bed. Winston's eyes were dull and showed signs of exhaustion. Their eyes met, and neither of them said a word.The nurse entered and saw that Winston was awake, so she patiently asked about his condition.He just kept looking at Millie without saying anything.Millie glanced at the nurse, signaling that she could continue with her work. Winston seemed fine now."You're not allowed to drink anymore," Millie said, her voice calm and indifferent.He closed his eyes, turned his head away, and didn't look at her again.Millie frowned and asked, "What do you mean by turning your head?"Winston remained silent, unable to speak because of the tightness in his throat.Millie poured a glass of water and asked him, "Would you like some water?"He still remained silent.Millie grew impatient and said, "Then I'll call Eli to take
Other than that word, Everly couldn't hear anything else."Dad, I can't hear what you're saying at all." Everly was becoming frustrated.Thomas exclaimed, "I said, Mills!""Yes, you're talking about Mills. And then? What about her?" Everly was extremely confused.She picked up her phone to check the time—it was already 3:00 am.She was about to lose it. From New Year's Eve till now, she did nothing but take care of Thomas."Dad, why don't we just go to sleep?" Everly didn't want to listen anymore.Whatever it was, she would be nice to Millie and not go up against her.She didn't like Millie before, but that was simply because she disliked how obsessed Millie was with romantic relationships."Oh! Ah!" Thomas suddenly started grumbling as he threw back the blanket. "Why can't you understand?"He was getting agitated.Everly was also getting extremely agitated. What exactly did she need to understand?He wasn't even speaking loud enough."I mean your sister! Millie!" Thomas s
Everly, feeling exasperated, helped Thomas off the couch and took him to the bathroom.Thomas lifted his head. His face was flushed, and his eyes dazed over. "My daughter, my daughter, I didn't throw up…"Everly looked at the mess on the ground and felt a headache coming on. Thomas had already thrown up, yet he still claimed he hadn't."You're drinking so much even though you can't handle it!" Everly shouted."What are you saying? It's like you're saying, saying, saying… ugh!" Thomas immediately leaned over the toilet, unable to finish his sentence. It was like he was speaking in tongue twisters, and no one could understand him.Everly sighed. She twitched her nose and turned to go outside to wait for him.Ten minutes went by, and Everly had finished tidying up the house. There was no sound coming from the washroom where Thomas was.Everly furrowed her brows and called out, "Dad?"Fine. It seemed like he was going to end up sleeping on the toilet.Everly walked over and, as ex
"I'll go get your medicine for you. Wait a moment." Millie intended to get the medicine from the bedside table.But then, Winston grabbed her arm. His palms were sweaty, and when he held her hand, it felt so hot it was as if he might burn her.Millie looked down at him.Winston looked up at her face, worried that if he let go, she might disappear.However, he knew very well that Millie wanted to leave, and he couldn't stop her."Millie, do you really have to give up on me?" Winston asked again, seeming determined to get an answer.Millie furrowed her brows, breathing heavily."Do you have to?" He looked at her. "Hmm?"Millie felt her heart tighten, and she just couldn't bring herself to say, "I have to let you go.""Winston," she called to him.Winston had no more strength left in him, as if he couldn't wait any longer to hear those words from her.He suddenly bent over and fell to the ground.Millie paused for a moment, then she quickly crouched down. "Winston?"She immed
Millie tightened her grip on the doorknob and turned to look at Winston.He stood next to the coffee table, his hands dangling awkwardly at his sides. The expression on his face seemed profoundly sorrowful. Although they were close, it felt as if a huge ocean stood between them when he looked at her, making it impossible for him to bridge the gap.Winston made a slight groaning sound, licking his lips and breathing heavily. His body was also swaying a bit. His stomach felt extremely uncomfortable, churning violently as if he might throw up at any moment.What bothered him even more was the comment Millie had just made.She said, "Let's end this."End it? But how would they just end it? Then were her seven years over just like that? Did his guilt and regret count for anything?She could move on from him, love someone else, and marry them. But what about him? He could never forgive himself for the rest of his life…Could they just end it?"Millie. Tell me, how are we supposed to
"Listen." Millie bit her lip but finally mustered up the courage to speak. "Let's end this between us."During those years with him, she caused her family a lot of worry and concern. She no longer wanted her family to worry about her.Or perhaps, she had become scared. She didn't want to gamble with her feelings anymore."Winston, I admit defeat. I don't have the courage to go through this with you again." Millie's voice was choked with emotion as she struggled to hold back her sadness while saying this.Winston instinctively reached for her hand."Millie, you promised me. You said you'd give me a chance. Why?" His eyes suddenly turned bloodshot, and his voice was so hoarse it seemed like he could barely speak."There's no reason. The new year has begun, and I hope you get better. Don't come looking for me anymore." Millie pulled away from Winston's hand, turned around, and got ready to leave.He suddenly hugged Millie tightly and said, "Don't…"Winston's voice seemed to pierce
Millie opened the car door and pushed Winston inside the car.Winston fastened his seatbelt in the dark by himself.Millie got into the car and saw him sitting there quietly, which made her smile and sigh.Millie drove at a moderate speed. The road was busy, with many people out to watch fireworks, while others were heading home.Winston looked to the driver's side, his gaze fixed on Millie.Millie could sense that he was watching her, but she kept avoiding eye contact. Her mind was preoccupied with the messages her dad had sent.Let him go… The question was, could she give up on him?Millie furrowed her brow and rested her hand on her forehead, deep in thought."Did I make you hate me…?" Winston's raspy voice suddenly sounded next to her ear.Millie looked over at him with confusion."Does my drinking make you hate me?" he asked again, just like a child afraid of upsetting Millie."No." Millie shook her head.Despite having drunk too much, he still made an effort to pay at
After the video call ended, Millie placed her phone on the table.Thomas said to Millie, "Hahaha! Mills, look, he can't handle his drink!"Having been the son-in-law of the Caldwell family for three years, I only just found out that he can't hold his liquor."Millie gave a wry smile. This statement seemed to be a double-edged sword. For three years, he hadn't visited the Caldwell family even once. Winston was truly ruthless at that time.Winston quickly explained to Millie, "Millie, I haven't had too much. I can still drink, honestly."His face was completely flushed, and it was clear that his speech was slurred.The two of them had already finished a bottle of vodka.Thomas was even ready to switch to a different type of alcohol.Thomas had spent many years away from home and was quite a heavy drinker. His drinking ability was different from that of Winston.Winston could ask Eli to drink on his behalf if he didn't want to, but if Thomas was trying to win resources for Rach
At the dining table, Thomas and Winston started drinking vodka.The TV was showing this year's New Year Gala while Millie was quietly eating pierogi.She hadn't had homemade pierogi for three years, and they tasted so good. It felt like being back in her childhood, celebrating the New Year with her family. That was what made the festival truly special.Millie looked at her grandparents with a constant smile on her face. She felt happier than she had ever been before.She wished her parents were here too. Oh, those two…Just as she was thinking about this, her phone rang. It was Terrence calling.Millie answered the call without saying a word and pointed the camera toward Thomas.This year, Thomas had no one to drink with, so he turned to Winston for company.Terrence was lounging in the sun when he caught sight of Winston. His eyes widened in surprise, and he immediately set down his juice."Who is that? Am I seeing this right?" Terrence sat up straight, his voice filled with