Dorian pushed the door open and locked eyes with L who was still lying weakly in the hospital bed. L''s dark, clear eyes quietly regarded him.


    She had seen various versions of Dorian.


    The one who shone like starlight under the spotlight, the one whoughed and conversed with investors, the one who wasposed and strategic in his dealings, and the one who, despite his low status in the past, was ernest and striving for improvement.


    Each version of him carried a unique calmness and elegance.


    But now, he looked disheveled. Although he still wore the same suit as usual, perhaps due to his urgency, the cor of his shirt was damp with sweat, showing a color that varied in shades, giving him a somewhat awkward appearance.


    His expression was no longer the high and mighty demeanor he usually held.


    Was he in such a rush to speak up for Zara? Or was he here to seek justice? L felt no desire to speak to him.


    She also realized how ridiculous she had been to argue about Zara''s right or wrong with Dorian.


    Hadn''t she already suffered enough in the past two years?


    When had Dorian ever stood on her side?


    Seeing her turn away without any desire to talk, Dorian felt a sh of panic.


    But he quickly reassured himself that it was fine. She was injured and understandably upset.


    He was there to apologize today, and it was only right for him to speak first. "L," he began, his voice hoarse.


    "If you''re here to argue about whether Zara did anything wrong, then you don''t need to say anything. I will investigate the matter myself. If she is innocent, I will keep my word."


    "L, don''t be like this."


    Dorian felt a tightness in his chest due to her indifference. "I came today just to worry about you. How is your injury?"


    The thought of the bracelet she had knelt on thousands of steps to wish for, which he had easily given away, made it impossible for him to feel anger toward her.


    L was momentarily taken aback, then frowned slightly.


    Her pale face still showed little expression. "We''ve already broken up. I don''t need you to worry."


    Her tone was so t that it made Dorian''s heart feel heavy.


    "I didn''t agree to it. We haven''t broken up."


    She looked at the magnolia tree outside the window, the sound of cicadas buzzing somewhat jarring.


    She refused to engage with his words.


    Dorian looked at her already small face, which appeared even more gaunt due to her weakness.


    "It must have hurt a lot back then." His voice grew hoarse.


    L looked at him in confusion. "What?"


    He opened his mouth, taking a moment before saying, "Mrs. Foster said you


    climbed Mount Shasta, kneeling with each step to wish for my recovery.


    "That sandalwood bracelet, I didn''t know it came from that. I sent it away thinking..."


    L interrupted him with a chuckle. "To you, it was worthless. A broken bracelet could help Zara out of a tight spot. That was its greatest use."


    His throat tightened, and his body swayed slightly. "L, don''t say things in anger.


    I know I handled this poorly. I''ll go get another bracelet for our rtionship, and


    from now on, I''ll keep it close to me. Let''s not fight anymore, okay?"


    "Shall we get married? Do you want to do it this year or next year?" he continued, lost in his own thoughts.


    "Dorian, why am I lying here?"


    Her voice was calm and cold, her shallow gaze devoid of any emotion.


    "You know what I want, don''t you?"


    Dorian felt his back stiffen at her words and slowly clenched his fists. "Can we not mention anyone else anymore? I just want to be with you."


    L was already utterly disappointed in him, and she thought that nothing he said would make her emotions fluctuate anymore.


    Yet unexpectedly, his words made herugh.


    It was too ridiculous.


    Wasn''t it he who had allowed Zara to intrude between them?


    "Dorian, during the New Year this year, you pushed your schedule for a week and didn''t contact me. Where were you during that week when you vanished?"


    The sudden question jolted him, and after a moment, he replied, "I was too tired and needed to rest."


    L let out a lightugh, raising her hand, her fingers looking pale and weak. Her delicate fingers covered her eyes, trying not to appear too ridiculous.