Looking at Julian Keaton like this, Cecilia Lynch felt her heart tighten.

Hearing his apology, she felt even worse.

He had done nothing wrong to her, truly nothing!

Despite Julian Keaton’s tired gaze, it was filled with intense sincerity, his thin lips slightly parted: "The harm caused to you over the past two years, and during this period, I am deeply sorry. From today onward, you are free, you are officially free! From now on, I will never appear before you again, and no one will know of our relationship."

After pausing for a moment, Julian Keaton continued: "You... you can find a man who truly cherishes you, loves you, and can give you the life you desire. If someday we happen to meet on the street, you can pretend not to know me, even your gaze needn’t linger on me for an extra second. You can... completely forget me..."

Tears fell unconsciously, Cecilia Lynch looked at the tall and formidable man in front of her, choking up: "Julian..."

Suddenly, what had happened to him?

"Cece!" Julian Keaton felt a pain in his chest, hastily raising his hand to wipe Cecilia Lynch’s tears, "Don’t cry, it’s my fault. I should have let you go long ago. Cece, don’t cry."

Seeing Julian Keaton’s face full of compassion and sorrow, Cecilia Lynch cried even louder.

She hated it so much, hated that she wasn’t born into a wealthy family.

She wasn’t even considered to have been born into an ordinary family.

She hadn’t received much education, and her family bore such a heavy burden.

How could someone like her dare to expect Julian Keaton to do anything for her?

She was useless!

It was all her fault!

Julian Keaton leaned in to kiss Cecilia Lynch, but stopped himself as he approached her. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

Breathe in her unique scent, a fragrance unmatched by any perfume.

He yearned for her warmth, yet had to keep his distance.

"I almost forgot, Cece." Julian Keaton’s hands clenched into fists, his handsome face full of profound pain, "You don’t belong to me anymore... you never belong to me again..."

After Julian Keaton spoke, Cecilia Lynch felt like her world had collapsed, dark and gloomy, without a trace of light.

"Julian!" Cecilia Lynch shook her head, crying.

She wanted to tell him she had always belonged to him.

Even if she was no longer his lover, no longer involved in contractual transactions with him, her heart would always be with him.

No matter if it was ten years, or twenty, or even after a lifetime had passed, she would never forget him.

She would never forget the man who occupied her entire life and mind.

The reason she wanted a clean break wasn’t for herself, but for him!

She didn’t want to end up being a woman who made him feel conflicted or ruin his family.

Letting go early, the more heartless she seemed, the easier it would be for him to let go!

The one person who couldn’t let go was only her!

"In the future, live well. At Chen’s company, he won’t treat you unfairly." Julian Keaton’s voice softened, "Cece, all this time I’ve given you is a departing shadow, this time, let you walk away first, let me watch your departing shadow."

"No!" Cecilia Lynch protested, "I am already accustomed to watching your departing shadow, you leave first! Julian, I’ll wait for you to leave first."

"Listen to me." Julian Keaton’s gaze grew warmer, "You leave first. Cece, this is my... last request for you."

He held his hands tightly behind his back, his large fists clenched, desperately restraining the urge to reach out for Cecilia Lynch, reminding himself to make a clean break with her.