Chapter 184
Sean turned, the burning cigarette in his hand casting a steady stream of smoke into the air. Next to him, a trash can was littered with discarded butts. He let the principal’s question linger in the air for a moment, his gaze clouded by a mix of emotions. After a long pause, he finally exhaled a cloud of smoke, his voice cold and distant. “We’ve been divorced for a while now.”
The principal blinked, stunned. “Why?” he asked impulsively, then quickly realized his mistake. The awkwardness hung in the air as he saw the look on Sean’s face. “I didn’t mean to be too forward. I just… remember how Myra pursued you back in the day. When I saw you both get married, I was happy for you. I never thought…” He trailed off, not sure if he should finish the sentence, though his thoughts were clear—they didn’t expect you to divorce.
The principal felt a pang of sympathy. “Is it true what the entertainment articles said? Was it really over something like that?”
Sean’s expression hardened as he gazed off into the distance. But there was something in his eyes—something that told the principal the truth wasn’t as simple as it seemed.
“Back then…” the principal murmured, thinking back. He had witnessed Myra’s devotion, how she’d silently supported Sean, even when it wasn’t easy. “Do you really feel nothing about what happened? Did you just agree to the divorce without trying to save the marriage?”
The principal shook his head as memories of Myra flooded his mind. How could someone like her be so selfless? He recalled how, not long ago, he had seen Myra at a dinner, a woman now far removed from the young, innocent girl he had known—now the Young Lady of the Stark Family, yet she had chosen to remain humble, pursuing her career. He saw how she worked tirelessly for her company. If only Sean had noticed sooner.
The principal’s voice softened. “You know, I ran into Myra at a dinner recently. She told me she was still focused on building her career, even after everything. She never seemed bitter.” He paused. “You might not have seen it at the time, but she always chose the same classes as you in school, hoping to be near you. Did you ever notice?”
Sean stood there, silent, the weight of the words slowly sinking in. His mind wandered back to those days—how Myra had quietly supported him, never once asking for anything in return.
“She told me,” the principal continued, his tone gentle, “that she was content just by watching you from afar. She had no intention of standing in the way of you and Miss Fisher. And yet… she did everything for you. Honestly, I told her to let it go, but she refused to listen. I don’t think I’ve ever met someone so foolishly devoted.”
Sean’s heart clenched as he listened. He had been so absorbed in his own world, chasing after Lyla, that he never noticed the quiet girl who had always been there. She had cared for him in ways he never realized. His lips curled into a faint smile, a hint of warmth lighting up his gaze for the first time in a long while. How had he missed all of this?
The principal clapped him on the shoulder, his voice low but sincere. “Some people, Sean, don’t realize what they have until it’s gone. If you still care about her, don’t let regret be your only companion. Myra deserves everything you can give her. If another chance comes, don’t let it slip through your fingers.”
The principal’s words lingered in the air, but before Sean could respond, he noticed someone approaching. His smile faltered as he turned to see Tony standing behind them, exuding an effortless, commanding presence.
“Director Hart,” the principal greeted, his surprise evident. “What brings you out here?”
Tony, who had been quietly watching the conversation unfold, flicked the cigarette from his hand. His face was a perfect mask of cool indifference, but his eyes carried a quiet intensity. “Just getting my lover,” he said, his voice low and casual, but his stature radiated a certain authority.
The principal’s face broke into a grin, knowing Tony’s announcement wasn’t just a simple statement. “Ah, congratulations, Director Hart,” he said, clearly eager to flatter. “I haven’t had a chance to congratulate you properly. When you have your wedding reception, I’ll definitely attend. It would be a great honor.”
Tony raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a subtle smile. “Are you being sincere, Mr. Jones?”
The principal hesitated, then quickly nodded. “Of course. You’ve donated three buildings to the university, along with a brand-new modern library. We’re all deeply grateful. I’m sure everyone will be thrilled to see who the lucky woman is.”
Tony’s gaze shifted to Sean, whose expression had darkened at the mention of the wedding. Sean was already turning away, clearly not pleased. Tony’s eyes narrowed slightly, but his voice remained steady. “You know her too, Mr. Jones. It’s Myra Stark. She used to study at your school.”
The principal’s smile faltered, confusion spreading across his face. “What did you say? Myra Stark?”
Before he could process the words, Sean had already tossed his cigarette to the ground and stormed off. The principal looked between the two men, his thoughts racing. Did Myra start seeing Tony right after her divorce? That doesn’t make sense… He glanced at Tony, who had already turned to leave, but he couldn’t help but feel unsettled by the situation.
Tony took a final drag from his cigarette, then crushed it beneath his heel. His expression was unreadable as he began walking away, his pace slow and deliberate. “We’ll send you an invitation when the time comes, Mr. Jones,” he called over his shoulder, not waiting for a response.
The principal stood in place, watching as Tony left. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something important was shifting between the two men. But for now, there was little more to do than continue his work.
Tony wasn’t in a hurry. He strolled down the path he had taken earlier, the rows of maidenhair trees lining the walk in a sea of green and yellow. He was perfectly composed, his tailored suit and leather shoes making him the center of attention among the students. He didn’t seem to notice, or perhaps he simply didn’t care.
But as he walked, his mind was elsewhere—thoughts of Myra flooding his mind. She was his, and he was determined to make that clear, no matter what it took.
“Excuse me, Mister.”
A voice interrupted his thoughts, and he stopped, his eyes narrowing as he turned toward the source.