Chapter 9
“Germany! Germany…”
Diana clung to this as her last hope, frantically searching through her phone for any information.
Finally, she found a clue about Stephen’s connection to Germany.
Two years ago, he was about to be sent there for work, but she’d asked him to come back to be with her because she couldn’t bear to be apart.
Now she realized that Stephen had been in charge of a high–stakes, billion–dollar international partnership involving luxury sports cars and had even been lined up for a CEO role.
He’d given up so much…
Realizing what she had done, Diana was filled with guilt and rushed to the airport like a woman possessed.
Germany.
Berlin in winter didn’t seem much different. The suburbs were as cold and quiet as always.
The head office had arranged an apartment for Stephen and assigned him a German assistant, Rachel, who was also a student there.
“People always have to get used to new things,” Rachel comforted him. “When I first arrived, it was tough too, but it gets easier with time.”
“Once this project is finished, you’ll be promoted to Vice President. Keep going.”
Stephen nodded.
This was a major international collaboration, and the new engine development was in the G3 phase. If he could solve the power issues, production could start in six months.
His mind was completely focused on engines, barely noticing the goodbyes.
With a rumble, the bus took Rachel away.
As the warm exhaust dissipated, a thin figure slowly walked toward him from across the street.
Huh?
Stephen was puzzled.
When he saw who it was, he felt only a mild surprise, then calmness returned.
Diana looked disheveled–her hair and face were a mess, and she was wearing only a thin layer, barely fit for the weather. It was hard to imagine how she had made it here alone.
“Stephen…”
Her eyes were full of emotion, and her voice was hoarse.
“I’m sorry!”
Stephen didn’t move, his hands in his pockets, standing silently as he watched her.
“I’m so sorry, Stephen. My fault.”
2
She took a few quick steps toward him, almost ready to hug him but stopped, frightened, watching his reaction.
Stephen didn’t move, his gaze still distant and calm.
“What do you want?”
His voice was as impersonal as a stranger’s.
“I came to apologize…”
Before she could finish, he turned and started walking away.
She quickly followed, her heart pounding.
They walked one behind the other, like they used to on their way home.
Only this time, he didn’t warm her cold, red hands with his chest or put his coat over her shoulders.
After a moment, Stephen entered a restaurant, and Diana followed him in, feeling like a guilty child.
To her surprise, he ordered two servings of veal steak.
Stephen passed one plate to her, his gaze never meeting hers.
“Finish this meal, and then go back.”
Diana froze, then pleaded, “Stephen, we’ve known each other for twenty years. I really can’t live without you.”
“We’re already broken up.”
Chapter 9
His voice was calm.
Still unwilling to give up, she replied, “We could get back together. I know I made a lot of mistakes, but please give me another chance.”
Stephen cut his steak in half with a single stroke.
“Give me a reason.”
A reason.
Diana was at a loss.
Only now did she realize she had no real reason to offer.
Their happiness had always been based on his love for her.
He had given so much, but she had no foundation to give anything in return.
She fell silent.
He said nothing either.
When the meal ended, Stephen stood up and left without looking back. Diana didn’t follow this time.
She simply stared at his retreating figure, tears in her eyes, as if making a vow.
“Stephen, I will repay everything I owe you, tenfold.”
