Chapter 280 After I came back to Edinburgh , I threw myself into the world I had once loved , which was fashion design . With the experience I had accumulated and a sharp sense of the market , I co - founded a small studio with a close friend . From the very first project , we poured our hearts into every detail . " When our debut design unexpectedly won an industry - leading award , major clients began seeking us out and several of our projects were chosen for high - profile campaigns . Our studio's reputation soared almost overnight . " I poured nearly all my energy into my work , often staying up late . Fortunately , Mark never complained . He simply appeared at the studio door every evening , waiting to drive me home without fail . After a particularly successful celebration party on one weekend night , Mark got drunk for the first time since I had known him . He slumped onto the sofa , his usually composed demeanor slipping away . His cheeks were flushed and his deep , steady eyes were now hazy and vulnerable . I had just finished tidying up when he suddenly reached out and pulled me into his arms . His chin rested lightly on the top of my head and his voice came out low and hoarse , like a wounded child . " Lilian ... do you really hate me ? " " I froze , caught off guard by the rawness in his tone . Before I could respond , he continued , his words muffled against my hair . You're so busy every day , always working late ... you don't even spend time with me anymore . " Seeing him being so unguarded , my heart softened . I lifted my hand and gently patted his head , a small smile tugging at my lips , " Absolutely not , it's just I want to get these projects done well . " " Mark suddenly lifted his head , while his eyes went bright as he looked at me hopefully . " His voice trembled slightly , cautious , almost pleading when he asked me , " So ... do you like me ? " > Instead of answering , I leaned forward and pressed a light kiss to his lips . His eyes widened in surprise . I couldn't help but laugh softly . " Guess . " Mark tightened his arms around me , pulling me into a deeper kiss . That night , with our breaths mingling and hearts beating in sync , we officially began a new chapter of our lives together . " Three months later , Mark held a wedding for me in Edinburgh . This time , there were no business deals and no ulterior motives . Only love . The ceremony was small and intimate , attended only by our closest friends . The sea breeze moved my white veil gently as the wedding was ongoing . Mark stood before me in a white suit. His hand was warm and steady as it held mine when the sun set . He looked at me gently as he said , " Lilian , I will walk beside you every day , no matter where life takes us from today onward . " } After that , we kissed as our closest friends surrounded us with blessings . **** Back in London , Brian had just been discharged from the hospital . " The injury he sustained that night had left lasting damage . It was a persistent cough , a frail body and a pale face . " When he heard from a friend that Mark and I were getting married , he didn't react at first . He simply sat in silence . But on the day of the wedding , he quietly drove to Edinburgh without telling anyone . " This time , Brian didn't step into the ceremony . Instead , he stood in the shade of a distant tree , watching me in my wedding dress . I was holding hands with Mark who looked happy . Brian's chest tightened with a sharp , unbearable ache . It was as if the wound in his body had opened again , deeper this time . He stayed only a few minutes . After that , he drove back to London . " In the days that followed , Brian would never appear in my life again . " After our marriage , life gradually settled into a peaceful rhythm . I continued to pursue my beloved design work with Mark encouraging me at every step . " On weekends , we would walk hand - in - hand along the beach as we stepped on the sea water . At night , we curled up on the sofa to watch movies or simply enjoying the quiet comfort of each other's presence . Little by little , the wounds of my past faded into distant memories . And now , each day felt bright and free . ( The End )