Chapter 78
Myra couldn’t help but cry out in agony as a wave of sharp pain surged through her, cold sweat forming on her forehead. “Have you lost your mind, Sean Chase?”
Sean’s eyes were dark and menacing, like a hellhound emerging from the depths of hell, his chest heaving with uncontrollable fury. With a bitter sneer, he snapped, “I was wondering why you’ve been avoiding my calls lately, and now I find out you’ve been hanging out with Elliot Samson! You really are something else!”
Earlier, he had been having dinner with a business representative to discuss a project when he received Lyla’s phone call. Without hesitation, he had rushed out, abandoning the meeting. At first, he had been skeptical about Lyla’s intentions, but now, seeing it with his own eyes, he knew there was no mistake.
“Myra Stark, didn’t you say you loved me? Is this your version of love? Acting all affectionate with another man?” His rage was evident in his face, his eyes so cold it seemed like he wanted to tear her apart. “Your love is truly cheap!”
Myra’s eyes widened in disbelief. She stared at the man in front of her, his words cutting deeper than any physical pain. I’ve always loved him unconditionally, she thought, but why does he keep trampling on my heart like this?
“Let go of me!” Her voice trembled, but she didn’t want to show any weakness in front of him. Instead, she sneered, trying to mask her hurt. “Sean Chase, if you really hate me so much, why would I keep foolishly loving a man who doesn’t love me back? And as for your accusation, it’s absurd! Do you really want me to count how many women you’ve been involved with these past two years?”
It was as if all the years of one-sided love, the despair she had kept bottled up, finally came pouring out with those words. Even though she knew they wouldn’t change anything, especially since he didn’t care about her anymore, she had to speak her truth.
For a moment, Sean stood frozen. The coldness around him seemed to melt, his usual icy demeanor faltering. He hadn’t expected Myra to say such things, and her words about no longer loving a man who didn’t love her hit him harder than he would admit. Despite himself, a hint of panic washed over him, though he couldn’t understand why.
“I…” He faltered, conflicted. He wanted to say something—anything—to stop the growing distance between them, but the words got stuck in his throat. His gaze darkened again, and he tightened his grip on her wrist. “Stop changing the subject! I thought you were sincere with me, despite your flaws, but now I see you’re just with Elliot Samson!”
Myra had not anticipated the sudden increase in force. The pain surged through her again, causing her face to turn pale, but she bit her lip, holding back tears. With a mocking laugh, she managed, “You think I’m not sincere enough?”
Sean’s intense stare didn’t waver, and Myra felt more helpless than ever before. “So, who’s sincere enough for you, then? Lyla Fisher?” She pointed at the woman standing beside him, her voice thick with despair. “Have you forgotten who stayed by your side all those times? Who supported you when things were tough? Sean Chase, I’ve put up with your indifference for two years because you said you didn’t love me yet. But now, I’m done.”
Her voice broke as she struggled to free her wrist, the pain radiating through her arm. Finally, with sheer determination, she managed to shake him off and sprinted away without looking back.
As she ran, Sean stood motionless, watching her retreating figure. A strange emptiness began to fill him, a hollow feeling he couldn’t shake. Just as he was about to follow her, Lyla’s soft voice stopped him.
“Sean…” A hand reached out to tug at his sleeve, but he pushed it away, his frustration boiling over.
“Ah!” Lyla fell to the ground with a thud as he shoved her aside, scraping her elbow in the process. The pain was sharp, but she didn’t let out a sound. She stood up quietly, her head hanging low, and the only visible trace of her hurt was the puddle of tears on the ground.
“Sean… I know you hate me,” she began, her voice shaky. “I didn’t want to tell you, but… I saw Myra and Elliot kissing. I know you have feelings for her, so I didn’t want to tell you because I thought it might hurt you… I know what kind of woman she is, but I didn’t dare say anything before. I… I love you… If you want her, I’ll beg her. I’ll beg her to stay away from Elliot.”
Her words broke through the silence, her voice full of desperation. As she moved to leave, Sean’s hand shot out, grabbing her arm with force, his grip strong enough to make her gasp. Despite the pain, Lyla didn’t flinch. She looked up at him, surprised, her face still streaked with tears as she stammered, “Sean… Sean…”
“Forget it.” Sean’s tone was colder than ice. He had seen Myra with Elliot before, and now the realization hit him all at once. The cold, biting truth sank in: How foolish I’ve been to think she loved me. I’ve seen her true colors at last!
“Sean… Don’t be sad,” Lyla continued, her voice now more soothing, “I’ll always be by your side… Even if your mother comes looking for me again—”
Before she could finish, Sean grabbed her hand with a vice-like grip. “What did you say about my mother? Why did she seek you out? Did she contact you before?”
Lyla’s face paled as panic washed over her. She took a step back, trembling. “I… I can’t tell you anything… Go after Myra. She must be upset…”
“Tell me what’s going on with my mother. Why did she seek you out?” Sean pressed, his voice demanding.
Lyla’s resolve crumbled, and she bolted away, fear in her eyes. Sean didn’t hesitate. He immediately pursued her, his mind racing with questions.
Meanwhile, Myra had reached her white BMW, the weight of the night’s events crashing down on her. Her expression was bleak, but she refused to let herself cry. Maybe it’s because I no longer expect anything from Sean, she thought. The pain is there, but one day it will fade.
As she opened the car door, preparing to slip inside, she lifted her gaze and saw Tony’s tall, solid figure waiting by the car. He seemed to have been there for some time, and the discarded cigarette butts at his feet suggested as much.
“Director Hart…” She quickly wiped away the sorrow in her eyes, trying to hide her feelings. Surprised by his presence, she remembered then that she was supposed to drive him home.