The next few days in Verona passed in a haze of work, art, and unspoken emotions. Lila tried to keep things professional — to focus on the campaign sketches, meetings, and creative presentations — but it was impossible to ignore the quiet gravity that pulled her toward Ethan every time they shared the same space.
There were moments when their eyes met across the table, when a faint smile or familiar gesture would stir something deep within her — memories she wished she could erase. But heartbreak had a cruel way of coexisting with love. It didn't disappear; it simply buried itself under layers of pride.
One evening, after another long session reviewing designs, the Verona branch hosted a gala at an old villa overlooking the city. The place was breathtaking — chandeliers glowing like stars, music drifting through open terraces, laughter echoing through candlelit halls.
Lila looked stunning in a soft lavender gown that complimented her warm skin and dark curls. Ethan couldn't take his eyes off her, though he tried. He stood by the balcony, glass in hand, pretending to admire the view while stealing glances that betrayed his restraint.
Eventually, their paths crossed near the terrace.
"You look beautiful," he said quietly.
She hesitated before replying, "Thank you."
For a long moment, they just stood there, watching the lights of Verona glitter below.
Ethan broke the silence. "Do you ever think about us? About what might've been?"
Lila's throat tightened. "Every time I try not to."
He turned to face her fully, eyes dark with regret. "Lila, I didn't walk away because I stopped loving you. I walked away because I loved you too much to drag you through the chaos I'd caused."
She met his gaze, anger and longing colliding. "You keep saying that as if it makes what you did less cruel. You left me humiliated, Ethan. You let the world pity me."
He flinched, the pain clear in his expression. "I know. And I'll never forgive myself for it."
Tears welled in her eyes. "You don't get to decide what's best for me. That's not love — that's control."
"I was desperate," he whispered. "I thought if I disappeared, I could protect you. But all I did was destroy the only good thing I ever had."
Her heart broke all over again at the sincerity in his voice. She wanted to hate him, to stay angry — but the love that lingered refused to die.
She turned to leave, but he caught her wrist gently. "Please," he said, his voice trembling, "just tell me there's no chance left — and I'll stop hoping."
Lila looked down at his hand, then up into his pleading eyes. "I can't tell you that," she whispered. "Because I don't know if I'm still angry… or still in love."
And then she walked away, leaving Ethan standing beneath the golden light — torn between hope and heartbreak, just like the night he lost her.