Adrian stood frozen in front of the men’s clothing boutique, the shirt in his hand slipping to the ground without him noticing. His gaze was empty, locked on Deviana’s back as she walked away with firm, unwavering steps.
As if she had truly left him.
Truly forgotten him.
Anger and frustration surged in his chest like crashing waves against a cliff. But among all those emotions, one stood out the most—loss.
“I won’t let you walk away that easily, Deviana!” Adrian shouted, his voice hoarse and trembling with raw emotion.
Several passersby turned to look, but Adrian didn’t care. The pride he once wore like armor had shattered—now lying in ruins in the middle of the street.
He was about to chase after her, but suddenly he froze.
He saw someone.
A man.
Tall. Composed. Wearing a tailored black suit that screamed luxury. A sleek metallic-gray car was parked beside him. And the most devastating sight of all—Deviana walking toward him with a soft smile on her lips.
A smile that once belonged to Adrian.
His heart sank.
“Who is that man?” he whispered.
His steps halted, fists clenching so tightly his knuckles turned white. His eyes narrowed, burning with a rage that slowly turned into something else—jealousy.
Deviana stood close to the man. The stranger opened the car door for her, then respectfully bowed and lightly placed his hand on her back as she stepped in.
That small gesture pierced Adrian’s chest like a dagger.
“No way…” he breathed.
His chest tightened. His throat went dry. He had never felt intimidated by anyone—until now. And this man, this stranger, had just taken control of something Adrian believed would always belong to him.
With swift steps, Adrian stormed toward Syam, who was waiting by the car a few meters away.
“Did you see that man?” Adrian asked sharply.
Syam, who had been watching the entire scene, swallowed hard before answering. “I’m sorry, Sir. I haven’t had the chance to look into it yet. But he doesn’t seem like an ordinary man. From his style, the car, the way he treated Miss Deviana… they seemed very close.”
“Close?” Adrian’s voice rose. “Are you sure they’re close? How close? How long has she been with him?!”
“I... I’m not sure, Sir. But… they looked comfortable. Possibly... more than just friends.”
Adrian slammed his hand against the car hood, the loud clang echoing in the air. His face flushed with rising fury.
“How can she look that happy… without me?”
He took a deep breath, trying to rein in the storm building inside. But his mind was spiraling. The image of Deviana smiling at another man was burned into his thoughts—and it drove him mad.
“She’s just trying to make me jealous. This is all an act! Deviana couldn’t have moved on that fast! She couldn’t forget me that easily!” Adrian shouted, trying to convince himself.
But the more he spoke, the more it sounded like a hollow excuse.
The luxury car pulled away slowly, taking Deviana and the stranger out of his sight. Adrian’s eyes followed it, as if trying to pierce through the tinted glass and drag her back to his side.
But in reality, he stood there—defeated.
Syam spoke softly, “Sir, would you like me to investigate who that man is? We can get detailed information.”
Adrian nodded slowly, his jaw still clenched. “Find out everything. His name, his background, how he knows Deviana. I want to know it all.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Adrian climbed into the car with a harsh slam of the door, his face still shadowed by unrelenting emotion. Inside, he leaned forward and rubbed his temples.
Why does this hurt so much?
He stared at his reflection in the car window. The eyes that once held so much confidence now gleamed with rage, jealousy, and uncertainty.
“Have I… really lost her?”
The question echoed within him, like a terrifying whisper that wouldn’t go away.
The car rolled forward, leaving behind the street that had just witnessed the crumbling of Adrian’s pride. But his thoughts remained—anchored to Deviana… and the stranger who now stood where Adrian once did.
As they drove, Adrian stared out the window, his eyes cold and sharp.
“If you think showing off another man will make me give up, Deviana... you’re dead wrong,” he muttered under his breath.
And in a voice lower, deeper, filled with unyielding resolve, he whispered:
“I will take you back. And no man will stand in my way.”