Chapter 1:
“Stephen, the German engine subsidiary is facing bankruptcy. This was your hard work; can’t you just…” Savage’s voice wavered.
Back then, Stephen’s innovative car engine doubled the entire group’s profits. When he was offered the position as president of the German subsidiary, his girlfriend, Diana, had pleaded with him not to leave, so he stayed in Washington.
“Alright, I’ll go,” Stephen replied calmly.
Savage, momentarily stunned, sounded excited. “You’ve thought it through? Wonderful! When you return, a promotion is certain! Don’t worry about a thing!”
“Alright. Thank you, Savage.”
After hanging up, Stephen looked quietly at the flickering candles on the cake. It was already 11 p.m., and Diana was nowhere to be seen at his door.
Instead, she appeared in a post on her junior Wayne’s social media.
In the photo, Diana was tutoring Wayne. Their faces were so close that they were almost touching, and she wore a gentle, unguarded smile.
The image felt like a stab in Stephen’s eyes.
“Stephen, let’s get engaged on your 25th birthday.”
“Alright.”
Years ago, they had made that promise. And today was his 25th birthday.
They had met at five and were the quintessential childhood sweethearts.
At twenty, she confessed her feelings, tearfully promising to be with him forever.
At twenty–two, she decided to pursue her Ph.D., so he gave up further studies, going to work early just to earn more to support her education.
Yet, no matter what he did, it never seemed to be enough. It was never enough.
Now, Diana spent more time at research seminars and on her thesis, growing increasingly distant.
The last message he had from her was a lie she had sent that afternoon:
“Working on revisions tonight. I’ll be home late.”
Stephen forced a bitter smile.
Diana wasn’t too busy. She just preferred to spend her time getting close to her junior.
Enough was enough.
Despite the heartache, Stephen still wanted to finish this birthday.
He lit the candle, the warm glow reflecting in his eyes, solidifying his decision.
Once, he had imagined countless futures with Diana, but now those dreams faded like smoke.
Watching the candle burn down, Stephen closed his eyes slowly.
“Twenty–five. Leave Diana. Leave her for good.”
He blew out the candle.
Diana finally returned past midnight.
The night was deep. She opened the door to find Stephen sitting on the couch, silently smoking.
The table was spotless, and the candle on the cake had long been extinguished.
Diana frowned as she changed her shoes, speaking carelessly:
“Why are you smoking again? Put it out and open a window. How am I supposed to stay here with this smell?”
“Today’s your birthday. I was too busy, so let’s celebrate later, okay?”
Stephen’s face, half–shrouded in shadow, was calm, though his heart was far from it.
Exhaling a ring of smoke, he spoke in a low voice.
“What were you so busy with?”
