On the Ruins of His Regret I Soar novel Chapter 287

Jessica’s breath caught in her throat. Faced with his intense gaze, she slowly lowered her head, unable to meet his eyes. No matter how this ended, she knew she had done him a disservice.

A bleak thought crossed her mind: maybe she was incapable of maintaining any relationship—be it with family, a partner, or a friend. After her mother’s death, was she destined to wander through life alone? Why couldn’t she hold on to anyone?

She forced a smile, tapping her fingers lightly on the table. “George, we come from different worlds. But I’m so grateful for these past few months of friendship. You’ve helped me with so much, and I’ll always cherish you as a friend.”

Anthony remained silent, his gaze growing more intense, more probing. “You know I don’t like it when people beat around the bush. Especially you, Jessica.”

Her fingers tightened into a fist. “I promised you a meal, and now I’ve delivered. George, I think this is where we have to stop.”

As the words left her lips, a buzzing filled her ears, as if she had gone deaf. She fumbled for her wineglass and took a large gulp. The bitter taste spread across her tongue. She didn’t look up, didn’t dare to see the expression on his face.

The silence stretched between them.

Finally, he let out a soft, humorless laugh. “You want to cut ties with me?”

“Cut ties.” The phrase was sharp, like a dagger, and seemed to poison the very air with sorrow. She hadn’t wanted to use such a final word.

“George, it’s not—”

“Hmm?”

His hand remained on the cup, lingering for a long moment. “I’ve had your wine, so I’ll honor your words. From now on, we go our separate ways. I will no longer interfere in your life.”

Then, he turned and walked away, leaving his suit jacket hanging in the living room.

The dining room plunged into an unnerving silence, so complete that the sound of a tissue falling to the floor would have been deafening.

Jessica closed her eyes, pressing her hands to her forehead as her vision blurred with tears. Perhaps she really was destined to be alone for the rest of her life.

She silently ate every dish she had prepared, forcing down bite after bite until she felt sick. By the time she was finished, the clock was striking midnight.