"Manfred... I wish you happiness."
August didn't look back. His voice was low, almost a whisper carried by the wind. Without hesitation, he stepped into the black Spyker and shut the door firmly behind him.
He didn't dare to turn around—not when he knew that one glance at Manfred's reluctant eyes might make his resolve crumble.
He couldn't afford to go soft. Not now. Not anymore.
Janet belonged to Charles now.
But August still held a selfish hope in his heart.
He hoped the woman who once warmed his soul might also be the one to save Manfred's shattered heart.
From the very beginning, it had always been Manfred protecting him.
But now, there was no longer a chance to repay that kindness.
Manfred stood motionless, eyes fixed on the road as the car disappeared from view.
He felt… relieved.
Maybe this was how it should be.
He and August—two people who had once walked side by side—finally returning to the separate worlds they belonged to.
His role had ended.
