The Red Rose of Manhattan Chapter 23

Ethan gazed at her face hungrily, as if to carve her image into his soul.

He struggled to lift his hand without the IV, wanting to touch her, but seeing the clear distance in her eyes, let it fall weakly.

"I'm sorry..." His voice was hoarse, full of endless regret. "Lily... I'm sorry... I know... no amount of sorry... can make up for... what I did to you..."

He began pouring out everything—being deceived by Serena initially, later realizing his feelings but refusing to admit them out of pride and stubbornness, then the pain and regret after losing her...

He apologized repeatedly, professed his love repeatedly, even setting aside all dignity and pride, humbly begging:

"Lily... I know... I don't deserve you... I know I deserve death... but... please... one more chance... just once... let me spend the rest of my life making it up to you... atoning... without you... living... is no different than being dead..."

As he spoke, tears slid from the corners of his eyes, disappearing into his graying temples.

Lily listened quietly without interrupting. Only when he'd exhausted himself, voice trailing off, leaving only ragged breathing and hopeful eyes, did she slowly speak.

Her voice was soft but exceptionally clear, each word like the most precise scalpel, dissecting everything between them:

"Ethan Frost, thank you."

"Thank you for saving me this time."

"I'll remember this life-saving grace."

Hope kindled in Ethan's eyes.

But Lily's next words completely extinguished it:

"But love isn't gratitude, and it certainly isn't guilt."

"We're long over."

"When you broke my wrist without hesitation for Serena; when you used your connections to throw me in that cell where I was tortured; every time you chose to believe her and hurt me without hesitation... we were completely finished."

"The wounds are too deep to heal. My heart died long ago."

She looked at the light in his eyes gradually extinguish into dead emptiness, continuing calmly: "Ethan Frost, let's... leave it at this."

With that, she stood, not sparing him another glance, turning toward the door.

"Lily..." Ethan used his last strength to call out weakly, his voice breaking with desperate tears.

Lily's steps paused at the door but she didn't turn back.

She reached out, pulled the door open.

Outside, Ryan stood there, gaze tender and firm as he looked at her.

Lily walked to his side. Ryan naturally took her hand, gripping it tightly.

Side by side, they walked away from the room without looking back, disappearing down the corridor.

Ethan lay in the hospital bed, staring at that empty doorway, at her resolute departing figure. Tears finally poured out, streaming down his temples, soaking his pillow.

He knew—this time, he truly... had lost her forever.

Lost that woman who'd once burned bright as flame, illuminating his gray existence, whom he'd personally pushed away, personally extinguished—his red rose.

Time passed. Another year went by.

This year, Lily's career reached new heights.

She starred in an epic film directed by an internationally acclaimed director, playing a woman who maintained faith and love through wartime, her performance stunning and powerful.

At the ceremony considered cinema's highest honor, when they announced Best Actress—"Lily Sterling"—the entire venue erupted!

Lily wore a pale gold gown symbolizing hope and rebirth, rising gracefully, embracing Ryan—moved to tears beside her—then walking with elegant steps toward that world-watched stage.

Under the spotlight, she held the trophy representing cinema's highest achievement, her smile gentle yet powerful.

She gave her acceptance speech in fluent English, thanking the crew, family, friends. Finally, her gaze looked lovingly at the man who'd never stopped watching her:

"Finally, I want to dedicate this honor to my fiancé, Ryan Chase. You made me believe love could be this beautiful, gave me courage to become better. Ryan, please guide me through the rest of our lives."

The camera immediately focused on Ryan. He'd already stood, eyes filled with proud, happy tears, making an "I love you" gesture toward her onstage.

The room erupted with sustained applause and congratulatory cheers. They gazed at each other across the distance. The image of their loving connection broadcast worldwide, overflowing with happiness.

A week later, a low-key, intimate wedding was held at a private estate.

Only their closest family and friends were invited.

Sunshine, lawn, flowers, white veil... Lily wore a simple yet elegant wedding dress hand-crafted by her designer friend, walking arm-in-arm with Ryan down a petal-strewn path, her face radiating genuine, brilliant happiness.

Ryan looked at her, his eyes thick with undissolvable love.

Their wedding invitations were also sent to some old acquaintances.