Chapter 7

Back in the city, Edward went straight to his office. He locked himself inside, closed the curtains, and let the darkness wrap around him. He sat behind his desk, frozen, staring blankly ahead, lost in guilt and regret.

Just then, Eric knocked softly on the door and slipped in, his voice respectful. "Mr. Lane, Ms. Shaw is here. She's waiting outside."

Edward rubbed his temples, his voice heavy with exhaustion. "Send her in."

A moment later, Megan walked in casually, wearing a bright red cocktail dress, her makeup perfect, her heels clicking on the hardwood floor as she walked toward him.

She leaned in, her voice sweet and flirty. "Edward, you haven't called me in days. I was so worried. Are you still mad at me?"

Edward looked at her—and suddenly, she felt like a stranger. A wave of confusion and disgust washed over him. Did he ever really love her? Or was she just a distraction, a way to escape his failing marriage?

He took a deep breath, his voice cold. "Megan, we need to talk."

Megan grinned, slid onto his lap, wrapped her arms around his neck, and her tone was playful. "Talk about what? Did you finally leave that boring housewife? I've been waiting for this day forever."

Edward tensed up, pushed her off his lap, and his gaze was sharp with irritation. "You knew I was married. From the very beginning, you knew I had a wife and a family?"

Megan blinked, then shrugged, her smile carefree. "Of course I knew. You had a wedding ring on your finger the first time you came to the photoshoot. But honestly? I didn't care. I like you—that's all that matters."

Edward frowned, his voice getting harder. "Why would you want to be with a married man? Why would you put yourself in this position?"

Megan gave him a sly grin. "Why not? You're successful, you're handsome, and you treat me well. Your wife? She's just a boring stay-at-home mom, stuck in the house with kids all day. She's not right for you, Edward.

"With everything you have, you deserve someone like me—someone exciting, someone who can keep up with you."

Edward stared at her, his eyes darkening with anger. "Don't you dare talk about her like that! Who are you to judge her?"

Megan shrugged, looking unconcerned. "I'm just being honest. Come on, Edward—you can't tell me you still have feelings for her. If you did, you wouldn't have been with me for three years."

Edward stood up, walked to the window, and pulled the curtains open wide, filling the room with bright daylight. He stared out at the busy traffic far below, his mind completely chaotic.

After a long pause, he slowly turned to face Megan, his tone sharp and serious. "Megan, I need you to be honest. Do you truly love me, or only the wealth and luxury I can give you?"

Megan's expression faltered. A flicker of panic flashed in her eyes before she forced a bright, hollow smile. "What kind of question is that? Why are you asking me this all of a sudden?"

Edward held her gaze, his voice steady and firm. "I just want the truth. If I lost everything tomorrow—my company, my money, everything—would you still stay by my side? Give me a straight answer."

Megan hesitated, her eyes darting nervously around the room as she tried to find the right words. She slipped her arm through his and softened her tone with a flirty smile.

"Come now, you'll never end up with nothing. You're smart and really successful. You'll always make more money."

Edward frowned deeply. "It's a what-if scenario. Stop avoiding the question. If I had nothing left, would you still love me?"

Megan paused for another second, then gave in, clearly unwilling. "Of course I would. We've been together for three years. How could I ever leave you? Don't overthink silly things."

Edward studied her closely, and at that moment, everything made sense. He finally understood. Megan had never loved him.

She only wanted the life he gave her: the nice high-rise apartments, expensive cars, designer clothes, and endless material comfort. But Helen... she had married him when he was broke and struggling to get his business going.

He'd worked day and night, stumbling home tired, late at night, but she never complained once. She always had a warm meal waiting and greeted him quietly after every long day.

When his company almost failed and he was drowning in heavy debt, Helen had quietly sold every piece of nice jewelry she owned to help him get through it. No complaints, no anger—only quiet faith.

All she'd said was, "I believe in you. No matter what happens, I'm right here with you."

He'd thrown away the only person who'd loved him unconditionally, all for a woman who only cared about his money and status.

The truth weighed heavily on his chest, and Edward made a final, firm decision. He looked directly at Megan, his voice cold and determined. "Megan, it's over. We're done."

Megan's eyes widened in disbelief. "What did you just say? Say it again. I must have heard you wrong."

The office dimmed under the warm amber overhead lights, and the heavy silence was broken only by the steady tick of the wall clock. Edward sat stiff behind his desk, his expression hard and unwavering.

Megan stood frozen across from him, her fingers clutching his arm tightly, overcome with panic and confusion.

Edward gently pulled her hands away, his tone low but final. "I'm breaking up with you. Our relationship ends today."