Recalling the scene from that day, Annabelle Linton sighed.

She froze for a moment before quickly collecting herself, reminding herself what she needed to say.

Looking into Aaron Wyatt’s expectant eyes, her heart ached with a pang of bitterness. She forced a smile and softly uttered two words: "No regrets."

’No regrets. I can’t have regrets, and there’s no reason to have them.’

"And you?" she asked in return.

’Will you regret it? Marrying a woman who isn’t pure, who doesn’t even love you?’

Aaron Wyatt understood the implication behind her question, but he simply smiled gently. "Marrying you is the greatest honor of my life."

He smiled, content, then took the ring and slid it onto her finger.

Annabelle Linton also took his ring and slowly slid it onto his finger.

’So be it. From now on, I’ll be with him. We’ll build a good life together.’

’It was time to say goodbye to the person I used to be.’

Smiling, Aaron Wyatt pulled her into his arms and, amid a wave of applause, kissed her on the forehead.

He had once told her he was saving their most meaningful kiss for the most meaningful moment—their wedding day.

Annabelle Linton looked up at the deep affection and happiness in his eyes, then lowered her gaze, a faint smile touching her lips.

’You silly fool... As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters. In this life, let it be my turn to make it up to you.’

The engagement ceremony went smoother than she could have ever imagined.

...

It was raining.

A large screen at the hotel entrance was broadcasting footage of the engagement ceremony.

Annabelle Linton, dressed in a white gown, moved through the crowd on Aaron Wyatt’s arm, a polite smile fixed on her face.

A surprising number of people had come, mostly old classmates from her time abroad. They shared a bond forged through thick and thin; they didn’t see each other often, but an occasion this important was not to be missed.

The form-fitting white gown accentuated her perfect figure, and the faint smile on her face was a captivating finishing touch, making it impossible for anyone to look away.

Annabelle Linton radiated an air of unique elegance and nobility.

Leona Grant stood in the rain, wearing a hospital gown.

The rain soaked through his clothes. His pale face was devoid of expression as he stared at the screen, at Annabelle Linton’s radiant, smiling face. His own expression was veiled, as if by an impenetrable fog.

He stood rooted to the spot, witnessing the entire engagement ceremony.

He watched them laugh, watched them exchange rings, watched her respond to congratulations after congratulations on Aaron Wyatt’s arm. Finally, the corner of his mouth lifted.

’Annabelle Linton, is this your answer?’

’I’m alive. The very first thing I did when I woke up was come looking for you. And this is the answer you give me?’

Leona Grant took out his phone and called Annabelle Linton.

Annabelle Linton didn’t have her phone on her; a classmate brought it over.

Seeing the caller ID, her expression darkened. She frowned in thought for a moment before walking into the stairwell to take the call.

The call connected. Silence hung between them.

After a moment, Annabelle Linton asked, her voice devoid of emotion, "You’re awake?"

Leona Grant didn’t speak.

A few more seconds of silence passed.

’Now that he’s awake, everything’s fine. The rest... has nothing to do with me anymore.’

Annabelle Linton took a deep breath and prepared to hang up.

Just as she was about to end the call, Leona Grant’s icy voice came through the line. "Is this your answer?"

’Dragging things out is a shameless thing to do. I refuse to be that kind of person.’

Annabelle Linton’s gaze fell. She leaned against the wall. She knew exactly what he was asking. A single, quiet word escaped her lips: "Yes."

Leona Grant suddenly laughed.

He had imagined this moment, but to witness it firsthand—to see their happiness—felt like a thousand needles piercing the heart he had always believed to be so strong.