Chapter 21
Anthea’s voice remained eerily calm throughout, as if she were recounting a stranger’s story.
As she finished speaking, she saw the mix of guilt and regret flicker across Lance’s face
There were so many things Lance wanted to say to her, but all that came out was a hoarse whisper.
“I’m sorry…”
Sorry for deceiving her when she loved him so deeply.
Sorry for lying to you, as if it was nothing.
Sorry for knowing she was hurt but not caring.
Sorry for still wanting her when she no longer cared.
His apology had finally reached Anthea, after spanning two lifetimes.
She wanted to appear magnanimous–to smile at Lance and say it didn’t matter anymore. But as soon as she opened her mouth, she tasted the salt of her own tears.
Seeing Lance’s panicked expression, Anthea touched her face, only then realizing she was crying.
But why should she be sad? She didn’t love him anymore, did she?
Anthea couldn’t understand her own reaction, but she wouldn’t search for answers either.
Shortly after his discharge from the hospital, Lance formally invited Anthea to meet, saying he wanted a proper goodbye.
After some consideration, she agreed.
When her plane landed and she spotted Lance at the terminal, she was visibly surprised.
He was wearing the same outfit he’d worn years ago, when Fred had forced him to take Anthea on that date.
Chapter 21
Her startled expression made Lance smile softly. He instinctively reached for her hand, then remembered their current status and pulled back. “Shall we go?”
The car he’d brought was the same Maybach as before, but the interior had been transformed from Hedy’s preferred pink to Anthea’s understated elegance. Even the music playing was from Anthea’s favorite playlist.
She said nothing, just closed her eyes and pretended to doze.
Lance paused, then quietly adjusted the temperature higher.
For lunch, they went to Anthea’s favorite Italian restaurant, ordering all her preferred dishes.
Throughout the meal, Lance attentively served her–refilling her wine, offering bread, anticipating
her needs.
His thoughtfulness caught the attention of a woman at a nearby table, who nudged her husband. “See how attentive he is! Why can’t you be more like that?”
Anthea turned to the woman with a gentle smile. “He’s not my husband. He’s my ex–husband.”
“Oh…” Embarrassment flashed across the woman’s face before she smiled awkwardly. “Sorry…”
Anthea shook her head and returned to her meal.
Lance, meanwhile, showed no reaction whatsoever.
After dinner, he took her to a movie.
He used to take her to the movies often, but back then, Hedy was always around. So whenever they bought tickets, he would pick movies Hedy liked, with Anthea’s preferences being irrelevant.
Even when Hedy wasn’t physically present, Lance and Anthea had never watched a complete film together–he would either stand her up for Hedy or leave midway through.
This was the first time they stayed for the entire movie, one that Anthea actually enjoyed.
By the time they emerged from the theater, night had fallen, with stars dotting the dark canvas above.
Halfway through the drive, Lance suddenly pulled over. Before Anthea could react, he was out of the
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Chapter 21
car and opening her door.
“What’s going on?” she asked, confused.
Instead of answering, Lance simply gestured toward the sky.
Suddenly, fireworks burst into bloom one after another.
The dazzling display stopped passersby in their tracks, and even Anthea found herself captivated.
She stepped out of the car and walked to the riverbank, gazing up at the spectacle.
The fireworks were beautiful but fleeting.
In their final moments, they formed Anthea’s initials before fading into darkness.
She remained transfixed, suddenly understanding what Lance was doing.
Years ago, Anthea had loved anything sparkly, with fireworks being her absolute favorite.
Back then, Lance had still doted on her and promised fireworks displays for her birthdays.
But when the final display revealed someone’s name, Anthea had discovered they were actually meant for Hedy–she was merely an incidental spectator.
Being young then, she couldn’t hide her feelings and would cry, asking Lance why. He would apologize, promising that Hedy just happened to like fireworks too, and next time he’d arrange a display just for Anthea.
But after countless “next times,” her personal fireworks show never came.
Now that they were divorced and she no longer loved him, his exclusive display finally arrived.
Just like Lance’s love for her–only offered when she no longer needed it.
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