Chapter 20

The case against Violet for intentional harm concluded quickly. With substantial evidence, she readily admitted her guilt. Beyond that, she also confessed to her previous wrongdoings: hiring kidnappers and pushing Cersei overboard on the yacht. With multiple charges combined, Violet was sentenced to five years in prison.

The news stirred up a lot of online discussion. Some said Violet had committed too many wrongs for such a light punishment, while others wondered why incidents from three years ago were only being prosecuted now.

Only Louis, seeing this news, stood completely stunned. Memories he had nearly buried resurfaced. The yacht auction scene replayed before his eyes, freezing on her disappointed face as she looked at him.

Why hadn’t these incidents come to light back then? Because he had stopped them. Back then, she had said Violet pushed her into the sea and wanted to call the police. But he hadn’t believed her. He had forcibly taken her phone, canceled the report, and hung up. He had trusted Violet’s words, even providing an alibi. He claimed Violet had been with him the entire time, with no opportunity to push her.

As past events flooded his mind, Louis’s face turned pale. He finally realized how absurd his past actions had been. Regret, like a surging tide, threatened to drown him. But it was all too late. They could never return to how they were before. Cersei hadn’t heard from Louis for a long time. But soon after, she began to regret that thought.

Seven Years of Obsession: Now I Don’t Even Remember Your Name 96.7%

Chapter 20

Indeed, sometimes one shouldn’t think too much, otherwise that ominous feeling will prove to be true. As she sat across from Louis, she sighed and asked, “What brings you to me today?”

“I went to see Violet.”

Cersei remained silent, stirring the coffee in front of her and taking a small sip. The rich flavor of the coffee lingered with a hint of bitterness that spread across her tongue. She frowned and placed the cup back down, not picking it up again.

Louis noticed her reaction. After a moment’s pause, bitterness flashed in his eyes. He had clearly failed her—just as he had forgotten three years ago that she had a sensitive stomach and couldn’t eat spicy food; now he didn’t even know what kind of coffee she liked. He lowered his gaze, finally forcing out a self-deprecating smile. “I just felt I still owed you a proper apology.”

In truth, during this period, he had already apologized many times. But Louis felt it was never enough. He still owed her a formal apology for everything he had done in the past.

Cersei blinked in surprise, raising an eyebrow. “You came here just for that?”

He nodded. “Whether you accept it or not, this is what I owe you.”

Cersei didn’t dwell on the matter. She stood and walked toward the exit. “Since you’ve said what you came to say, I’ll be on my way.”

Louis watched her retreating figure until she completely disappeared from sight before finally looking away. The bitterness and loss in his eyes were so intense they seemed almost tangible, but he could do nothing except watch her leave. She would never forgive him again. For the first time, Louis realized he had lost her forever. Unwilling to accept it, yet powerless to change it.

Seven Years of Obsession: Now I Don’t Even Remember Your Name 97.0%

Chapter 20

The moment Cersei walked out of the coffee shop, she saw Hurley leaning against a railing not far away. The autumn sunlight had lost summer’s scorching heat, leaving only warmth. She crept up behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist, inhaling the sunshine scent of him. She felt at peace for the first time in a long while.

Hurley seemed to appreciate this show of dependence. His chest vibrated slightly with silent laughter. Then he gently ruffled her hair with his hand, mercilessly muss[ing] her hair. His grip firmed around her waist as she tried to pull away in protest.

“My parents asked me to find out when you’ll be free. They want to arrange a meeting with your mom to discuss the wedding date.”