Chapter 7 Two more years passed . I was transferred back to headquarters as a senior executive - a major leap in my career . All the hardships , the storms I had weathered , had become the soil that nourished my growth as a professional woman . I was no longer the same person . Back at HQ , some of my old colleagues didn't even recognize me . They greeted me nervously : " Good morning , Ms. Cooper . " I smiled slightly . Ms. Cooper . I liked the sound of that . " " You can just call me Ava , " I replied calmly . During a strategy meeting , I was surprised to see Liam among the attendees . He looked more mature now , with weariness behind his eyes , but still stood tall . Our eyes met across the table . He visibly froze , then offered a conflicted smile . After the meeting , he waited for me outside the conference room . " Congratulations , Ava , " he said , voice sincere , tinged with regret . I nodded politely . " Thank you . " We walked side by side down the hallway - like we had years ago , only this time , everything was different . " I've been waiting for you to come back , " Liam said quietly . " These past years , I haven't gone a single day without regret . " I stopped and turned to him . " Liam , it's over . " " No , it's not . " His voice rose , suddenly strained . " I've tried . I really have . But I can't move on . Ava , can we please start over ? " 1 looked into his eyes , at the pain and hope mingling there - and felt nothing but peace . " Do you know how I made it here , Liam ? " He shook his head . 14 Because of that joke . " I smiled . " I should thank Chloe . That so - called joke forced me out of my comfort zone . It made me realize I could live just fine on my own . " " Love isn't everything . Work is . Chapter 7 W WebNovel 4.3 FREE Google Play OPEN You think I'm gonna fall for Winston ? 100.00 % You taught me that - remember ? " Liam stood still , emotions flashing across his face . Finally , he gave a bitter smile and nodded . " Yeah . I said that ... Didn't expect you to learn the lesson so well . " Three months later , headquarters hosted its annual gala . As a new executive , I had to give a speech . The hall was packed . I spotted many familiar faces - including Liam . When I finished , the room burst into applause . I smiled and thanked everyone . My gaze swept across the crowd , and then stopped on a young woman I didn't recognize . She was staring at me with awe and admiration , the same way I must've looked at others when I first joined the company . Later , during the dinner , she mustered the courage to approach . " Ms. Cooper , I'm a new intern . May I ask you a question ? " I nodded , smiling . " Of course . ' " What do you think is the biggest challenge for women in the workplace ? " I paused for a moment and glanced toward Liam , who was deep in conversation not far away . " The biggest challenge , " I said , " is making sure your life doesn't revolve around a man . The girl tilted her head , trying to understand . Liam must have felt my gaze . He looked over just as I raised my glass to him . Then I turned back to her . " Remember this : Your worth doesn't need to be defined by anyone else . Not even by someone you love or trust . " Her eyes lit up . She nodded hard . " Thank you , ma'am . I won't forget that . " Liam started walking toward us - but his phone rang halfway . He picked it up , listened for a moment , and his face changed . Without a word , he turned and left . The next day , I found out the call was from the hospital . Chloe had attempted suicide . Word was , she'd been living a hard life for years . She had reached out to Liam for help many times , but he always refused . Chapter 7 W WebNovel 4.3 FREE Google Play OPEN You think I'm gonna fall for hrsion ? 100.00 % A week later , I was surprised to receive a copy of Liam's resignation letter . He was leaving the company to start a business in the south . Before he left , he stopped by my office . " I'm heading out , " he said evenly . " Manchester . " I blinked . " What made you suddenly decide to quit ? " " That phone call ... it made me realize a few things . " Liam gave a wry smile . " I always thought the person I wronged most was you . But I was wrong . I wronged Chloe too . " " She ended up where she is now ... and I played a part in that . But I can't keep trying to fix things the wrong way . " He looked at me , his gaze clear and steady . 22 " You taught me something important , Ava everyone has to be responsible for their own choices . Chloe and I ... I'll deal with it the right way . " I nodded . " I wish you all the best . " Liam walked to the door , then turned back one last time . " Ava , just once more ... I have to ask - is there any chance for us ? " I gently cut him off . " Do you remember what you once told me ? " " The biggest mistake in life ... is looking back . " He froze . Then slowly , he smiled . " You're right . I did say that . " He turned and left . I walked to the window and watched his car pull out of the company gates , fading into the distance . My phone buzzed . It was a reminder for a new project kickoff meeting . I picked up my notebook and headed for the conference room . Outside the window , the sun was shining . Chapter 7