I arrived at the grand lobby of Hoai Corporation exactly on time—not early, not late. My high heels echoed steadily on the polished marble floor, each step like a quiet drumbeat warning me of the looming confrontation between me and fate.
The receptionist bowed slightly, eyes filled with unease. She still remembered clearly all the times the original Hoa Tu had come storming in here—crying, begging, threatening to die just to make Hoai Trach take her back. I smiled at her, just enough to unsettle her, as if to say: "I'm not the same anymore, but you don't know what I'll do next."
The VIP elevator took me straight to the top floor. I stood alone in the closed space, soft background music playing as if trying to soothe my nerves. But my heart refused to be calm.
Soon, I'd meet him—Hoai Trach. The cold, arrogant male lead who had once crushed Hoa Tu without a second glance.
The elevator doors opened. His assistant led me into the main office. Floor-to-ceiling windows revealed the city skyline, glittering under the morning sun. He was standing there, back turned, hands in his pockets, tall and composed under the slanted light. The silhouette alone was enough to steal a breath.
"You're on time. That's rare," he said.
His voice was deep, steady, devoid of warmth. Just like he was stating a fact about the weather. I didn't respond. Any word at this moment could be twisted against me. I stood firm, letting my silence speak for me.
He turned around.
His dark eyes locked onto mine—deep as an abyss. I didn't see anger or curiosity, just cold indifference. Like I was nothing.
"Sit down."
I pulled the chair and sat, hands on my lap to stop them from trembling. I couldn't let him see fear. Once Hoai Trach sensed fear, he would crush it without mercy.
"I didn't call you here because you behaved at the party," he began, eyes sharp. "I just want to know—what the hell are you up to?"
I smiled faintly. "If I said I just want to live with a little more dignity, would you believe me?"
He frowned. "You're not that kind of person."
"And you're not someone who trusts easily," I replied calmly, not breaking eye contact. "But Hoai Trach, people change. Even you've changed for someone before, haven't you?"
He paused. Just for a second. Then he smirked coldly. "You think you're that person?"
I didn't answer. He was testing me—waiting for me to mess up like the old Hoa Tu. But I wasn't her. I was the new LAM HOA TU, and I was rewriting my ending.
"I didn't come here to beg or make a scene," I said clearly. "I just wanted to tell you—from now on, I won't bother you anymore. I don't need your love. I just want to live in peace."
A flicker of surprise crossed his face—but it vanished quickly.
"Confident, aren't you?" he said slowly. "But let me warn you—don't think you can just walk away that easily. You barged into my life and left a mess behind. Don't expect me to let you go quietly."
I smiled, stood up, and adjusted my dress. "Then let's see who disturbs whom first."
I turned and walked out, each step ringing through the silence. I knew the real battle had just begun.
I didn't want to take him from anyone. I just wanted to survive. But if Hoai Trach insisted on dragging me down...
Then this time, the one who would be obsessed—Would be him.