Cersei couldn’t understand Louis’s pain. Just as three years ago, she couldn’t understand why, despite their love, he would destroy their promises for a woman he had known for barely three months. And then, when everything was irreparable, he came crying about his regret, trying to hold onto someone who had already left.

“But I never wanted a divorce!” Louis shouted. “Cersei, I know you objected to Violet’s presence. I’ve fired her and banished her from New York. I promise, no company under the Harris Group will hire her again. Please, don’t fall for someone else. Please, give me another chance.”

Hearing Violet’s name from Louis after three years gave Cersei a moment of disbelief. Who would have thought? The arrogant woman who once claimed she would replace Cersei and repeatedly attempted to take her life had now been kicked out of New York. The Harris Group’s comprehensive blacklisting ensured that all smaller companies dependent on the Harris empire would reject her. Even any larger company with a background check would be cautious in re-hiring her. This meant her future would be difficult indeed.

But what did that have to do with Cersei? She remained unmoved by his emotional breakdown, eventually letting out a soft laugh. Just as he thought this might signal her relenting, she shook her head.

“Louis, if you had done this three years ago, perhaps we wouldn’t have reached this point. But have you forgotten? You personally created this situation.”

It was Louis who had kept Violet by his side. He was the one who allowed Violet to cross boundaries and gave her the courage to provoke her. And look—he clearly knew how to handle Violet when Cersei didn’t like her. But before their story ended, he had never bothered to act.

Louis froze. He wanted to explain, to tell her it wasn’t true. But then dejectedly realized Cersei was right. Yet he wouldn’t accept it. He refused to just walk away.

“Louis, you say you never wanted a divorce. But have you asked your own heart if it ever wavered? What were you thinking back then?”

“You were thinking you had one hundred chances to hurt me.”

As the final word fell, Louis was rendered completely speechless. Unwillingness churned and battled in his chest, screaming at him to step forward and stop Cersei from leaving. Yet his legs felt heavy as lead, impossible to lift.

“Cersei, I’m sorry…” Louis didn’t know what else to say. But not all apologies are forgiven. Cersei had never forgotten her struggle and pain during that period. She won’t let it all go because of a simple apology.

“If you really feel sorry, then don’t come after me again. That would be the best apology you could offer.”

With that, she walked past him without stopping. Dark clouds gathered in layers overhead, creating an oppressive atmosphere that made it hard to breathe. Louis remained standing there. Raindrops began to fall, hitting the ground and landing on him. His expensive tailored suit was completely soaked, his hair wet and hanging in strands. Passersby from the same neighborhood glanced at him, stunned by his appearance.

No one approached to greet him, but the entire upper circle soon knew about it. The president of the Harris Group was seemingly heartbroken over love, standing in the rain for an entire day. The news spread like wildfire, soon reaching Hurley’s ears. Looking at the photograph being frantically shared in group chats, he couldn’t help but sneer.

“Pretending to be deeply sentimental.”