Zane had prepared a whole script in his head—words of comfort, promises, vows. He never expected Darcy to agree so readily. Marrying him had been Darcy's long-held wish. They had been together since college—seven years this year. Seven years was a long time. It was the entirety of many people's youth. Over such a long period, even his mother had advised him to get married sooner, which was why Zane had proactively brought up the engagement himself. There had been no proposal. Just a casual comment over a meal. "Maybe we should get engaged this year, married next year?" Darcy had been as excited as a child receiving a beloved toy, nodding emphatically. "Okay!" But now, he said to call it off, and Darcy's response was, "Okay, I have no problem with that." There was no expected breakdown, no hysterical sobbing. Just a calm reply. Zane had to admit, in that moment, he panicked. He stepped forward and pulled her into a tight embrace, as if trying to press her into his very bones, murmuring softly into her hair, "I'm sorry, it's just—" He hadn't even gotten the words "temporarily call off" out when his phone rang from his pocket. He pulled it out. It was Zora calling. Darcy saw the caller ID too. She pushed him away, her voice cold. "Someone's looking for you." Zane answered the phone, covering his mouth, his voice low. "Hello?" Whatever Zora said on the other end made his expression instantly tense. "Stay right where you are. I'll handle it." Hanging up, he turned back to Darcy. "There's an emergency at the company. I have to go." Without waiting for a response, he sprinted to the elevator and disappeared downstairs without a backward glance. It wasn't until Zane was in his car that he realized how harsh his actions had been. He'd just told Darcy he was calling off their engagement and left without any attempt to console her. But Darcy loved him so much. She would understand. While waiting at a red light, he thought about it and sent Darcy a message, "I'll explain everything in person once I'm done." ... With Zane gone, Darcy stood in the corridor, turning toward the window as tears streamed down her face without a sound. It's for the best. This day had to come eventually. She took a few deep breaths, wiped her tears away with the back of her hand, and waited a moment longer before going to buy the water. By the time she returned to the room, her composure was restored, no different from when she had left. Ione looked behind her, seeing she was alone. "Where's Zane? Did he go back?" Darcy made a sound of affirmation and stepped forward to tuck the blankets around her mother. Ione took her hand. "Have you been crying?" Surprised by her mother's sharp observation, Darcy paused, then smiled. "No. A small bug flew into my eye by the window." Ione looked skeptical. "You and Zane... there isn't a problem, is there?" Darcy desperately wanted to tell her mother it was over. But remembering the doctor's warnings, she decided to keep it to herself for now. "No, there isn't. You should rest." Ione pressed, "Is the engagement still on?""Just sleep," Darcy deflected. Seeing her daughter didn't deny it, Ione felt relieved. "Good. Don't hide things from me." ... When Zane arrived at the scene, Zora was being yelled at, a man pointing his finger in her face. Zane immediately pulled Zora behind him. "Let's talk this through properly. Yelling at a woman isn't very impressive!" The man, seeing him protect Zora, assumed he was her partner and his bluster diminished slightly. "Your woman hit my car! I just picked it up today!" Zane followed his gaze. The brand-new BMW had a large dent in its rear bumper. A rear-end collision. Is that all? Zane frowned. "Have you called the police? Wait for them to determine fault. She'll pay for whatever damages she's responsible for."The BMW owner put his hands on his hips, still full of attitude. "I already called them. They'll be here any minute." Zora tugged on Zane's sleeve. He turned and reassured her in a low voice, "Don't be afraid. Once the police determine fault, we can leave." "I'm so sorry, Zane. I haven't been back in the country long. I'm still not used to the roads here." She looked at him apologetically. "It's fine," Zane reassured her. He then called Rex, sent him the address, and told him to get there quickly. Soon, the police arrived. The responsibility was clear, no one was hurt, and there was no dispute about the accident, so the process was swift. Seeing how shaken Zora looked, Zane felt a pang of concern. He instructed Rex, "Stay and help handle the rest." Then, he and Zora got into his own car and drove away. Rex, left standing on the curb, fell into silence. He called me out late at night just to handle Dr. Moss' fender bender? I'm just a tool to him! ... In the car, Zora was profusely apologetic. "I'm so sorry. It's such a minor thing, but I made you come all the way out here."