Brandon stared at me intently, as if memorizing this new Anna Chapman who had completely slipped from his control.

"I'll have my lawyer deliver the new divorce agreement tomorrow. After all our years together, you shouldn't walk away with nothing."


The tip of his nose was red, matching his reddened eyes.

Tears continued to well up.

This vulnerability was so unlike him—in my memory, Brandon had always been cold and controlled in all situations.


Even when Old Master Shaw died, he had stabilized the family within months, never showing such raw emotion.

"I was wrong, and this is my punishment. I'm sorry, Anna."


My heart ached as beautiful memories of our years together flooded back.

Seeing his pain, my resolve began to waver.

I bit my lip hard and turned away, refusing to look at him.

Brandon wiped away his tears and turned to the visibly anxious Brian.

"As for courting her... may the best man win. But Brian, remember Anna's words, and remember my limits."

With that, he turned and walked away with straight shoulders, rejoining the party crowd.

Brian watched his brother leave before rushing to kiss me eagerly.

After the kiss, he gazed at me intensely.

"I'll do my best, Anna."

Then, leaning heavily on his cane, he limped away from the corner that had both rekindled his hope and wounded his pride, each step labored and unsteady.

My world finally fell silent again.