?


    As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of fiery orange and tranquil purple, Rose and Max stood side by side on the viewing deck, sharing onest sunset together.


    The sun, once a full, glowing orb, gradually slipped away, leaving behind only the persistent glow of twilight.


    "Let''s head back, it''s gettingte," Rose suggested, breaking the peaceful silence.


    "Sure. I''ll drive you," Max replied, their eyes meeting briefly, a calm understanding reflected in both.


    In the car, after Rose answered a call, she turned to Max. "Can you drop me off at Kingswell College? My professor needs to see me."


    "Of course," Max agreed without hesitation.


    As night embraced the sky, Max pulled up in front of Kingswell College. He quickly got out and walked around to open the door for Rose, a gesture of chivalry that didn''t go unnoticed.


    As she stepped out, Rose looked up at him, a hint of something resolute in her gaze. "I''ve done what I promised you. I hope you don''t go back on your word this time."


    Max, unable to resist, reached out to hold her hand, only to find her stepping back, dodging his touch.


    "Anne, I really do regret my mistakes. I sincerely want to start over. Give me another chance, please?"


    A smile tugged at Rose''s lips at his almost pleading tone. "Initially, I didn''t agree to your request. But after giving it some thought, I realized there are things I need to rify. So, I agreed."


    "You must understand my intention isn''t what you think. Granting you a day wasn''t to rekindle anything but to make you realize="


    Max had a sinking feeling he wouldn''t like what wasing next.


    Rose continued, "Some things, once broken, can''t be mended. I hope you don''t waste your time and energy on me anymore. You''re a businessman; you know more about investments than do. A project doomed from the start is better cut loose.


    "It might hurt at first, but only by removing the dead weight can a wound truly heal. All you need is a bit of courage and plenty of time."


    "We''ll be fine. Take care."


    With a wave, Rose turned and strode into the college grounds, leaving Max frozen in ce.


    He had always thought she''d be there, waiting for him to look back. But not this time. She walked away without a backward nce. Max knew then he had truly lost her.


    A sharp pain clenched his heart, the kind that threatened to bring tears to his eyes.


    Staggering back, he copsed onto a nearby bench, lost in his grief.


    After what felt like an eternity, a gentle voice broke through his sorrow, "Hey, are you okay?"


    Looking up, Max found himself


    et


    gazing into a pair of concerned, beautiful eyes. It was Grace, the woman he had seen a few times at the college gates, the one who had picked up the flowers and cake he had discarded.


    But Max just looked at her, ignoring her question.


    Grace frowned slightly, then sat down beside him, cautiously asking, "Does it hurt a lot?"


    Still, Max remained silent.


    et


    Grace didn''t give up, sensing he didn''t mind her presence. "Do you... need a tissue?" she offered gently, hoping to break through his wall of pain.


    UMSThis belongs to N?velDrama.Org.