Nuan's home was quiet too quiet.The moment she stepped inside, the world outside… disappeared.Here no one watched her.No one judged her.She could laugh if she wanted.She could cry if she wanted.
And no one would ask why.That was exactly why she preferred it.Nuan leaned back against the door after closing it, letting out a slow breath.Her expression… changed.
The calm mask she wore all day faded.
Because Nuan didn't like showing emotions in front of people.If she looked sad people would think she was weak.They would offer sympathy… and then talk behind her back.
If she looked too happy people would try to break that happiness.
Humans were simple cruel in small ways.
So she chose the easiest path show nothing.She walked slowly toward the table, her fingers brushing lightly against its surface.A thought crossed her mind.
I said something harsh…Her brows furrowed slightly.Maybe… too harsh.For a brief moment regret flickered.But it disappeared just as quickly.
" No…"
She shook her head." I just said the truth."
Her voice was calm.
" Life isn't a storybook."
" No one loves someone forever."
" And I'm not foolish enough… to ruin my life for anyone".Her lips pressed together and neither should he.But this time it felt heavier.Without realizing it her eyes had filled with tears.A single drop slid down her cheek.
" …Why?"
" Why did it hurt?
She had already decided long ago not to feel.Not to expect.
" I already apologized…"
" I don't love him."
" So I don't owe him anything."
Her tone hardened again.With that thought
she turned off the lights and went to bed.
The next morning everything was normal again.Or at least it looked that way.Nuan got ready, dressed neatly, and left for the office as if nothing had happened.
At the same time inside his office Yuxuan sat quietly.His eyes were unfocused.
His mind replayed her words.
>" You're someone I can leave… without regret."
His jaw tightened. " …She's right."
" I love her.But she doesn't feel anything for me.So forcing it… is just a burden."
He leaned back in his chair.
" …I won't do that."
Something in him shifted.Not broken but colder.Outside the office was anything but calm.
Whispers filled every corner.
" Did you see the news?"
"Of course! That girl with Zihan—"
"It's her, right? It's definitely her!"
" Wow… she's lucky."
"Lucky? You think that's luck? That's skill."
" Imagine working here and secretly dating a top star…"
"Maybe that's how she got her position."
Laughter.
Low.
Judging.
But Nuan knew none of it.Or maybe she simply didn't care.She walked in.
Confident.
Calm.
Wearing the same dress.The same one from the photos.And that alone confirmed everything for them.The whispers grew louder.But Nuan didn't even look at them.
She walked straight to her desk.Removed her outer layer calmly and headed toward Yuxuan's office.
Knock.
" Come in."
She stepped inside." Sir, today's schedule"
She began professionally." You have a meeting with Linyue, followed by a PR discussion. In the evening, you also have a family dinner "
A pause.
Then yuxuan spoke." Okay… Miss Nuan."
Silence.
Nuan froze for a fraction of a second.
" Miss… Nuan? "
That word felt strange.She looked at him.
His expression was calm.As if nothing had ever happened between them.Something inside her shifted slightly.But she didn't show it.
" Sir… I wanted to say something—"
" Yes, say it, Miss Nuan."
Again.
That word.This time she stopped herself.
" No. Everything is fine."
She turned.
" I'll take my leave."
And walked out.Behind her Yuxuan remained still.His eyes lingered on the door after she left.
" …So this is how it is."
He let out a quiet breath.Meanwhile Linyue arrived.Nuan noticed immediately.She picked up her phone and called Yuxuan.
No answer.
She called again.
This time he picked up." Sir, Linyue has arrived. I'm sending her to your office."
Her tone was neutral.Yuxuan paused.
He had expected something else.Something softer.But there was nothing.
" Alright, Miss Nuan. Send her in."
Call ended.
Moments later Linyue entered.And Yuxuan closed the glass walls.From outside Nuan saw it.Her eyes lingered for a second.
He never used to do that a strange feeling rose inside her.
Uncomfortable.
She looked away. " …It doesn't matter."
Just then her stomach growled.She blinked.
" Oh… I didn't eat."
She let out a small breath.
"…This meeting will take time."
Without thinking much she headed to the cafeteria.
Then turned away.Inside the office—
Yuxuan sat across from Linyue." I hope the arrangement was comfortable for you."
Linyue smiled slightly.
" I didn't expect the CEO of VANTHÉ Entertainment to be so… polite."
Yuxuan gave a faint smile.
"Business requires flexibility."
But Linyue didn't continue the topic.Instea
she leaned back, crossing her legs casually.
Her gaze sharp observing.
" President Yuxuan… can I ask you something?"
" Go ahead."
" That girl in the rumors… your assistant, right?"
For a split second Yuxuan's expression stiffened.But he recovered instantly." You seem very interested in company matters."
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
" That girl…your assistant."
" I knew it was her," Linyue continued.
" She's wearing the same dress today."
Yuxuan's gaze turned cold." You're mistaken.She was just meeting an old acquaintance."
But Linyue smiled. " I don't think…"
She leaned forward slightly." You don't know her."
Yuxuan's brows tightened." What do you mean?".Linyue tilted her head.You've been working with her… yet you don't know anything about her?.Her smile deepened.
" It may be that she doesn't know me…"
" But I know her very well."
Silence fell.
Heavy.
Yuxuan's expression changed.For the first time uncertainty appeared clearly in his eyes. " What does she know…?And more importantly…"
What I don't know?
The room suddenly felt smaller and colder.