This time, Natalie didn’t intervene. Perhaps, for Garrett, alcohol was the best balm for his wounds. “I thought setting her free would bring her back when she realized her true desires,” Garrett murmured. His bloodshot eyes stared into the bottle before taking a hefty swig. “I never imagined she’d leave and never return. I regret it. I shouldn’t have let her go!” Witnessing his friend’s agony, Brandon empathized and joined him in a drink. “Why not seek her out and get some clarity? It might not be as dire as you think.”

Garrett shook his head, disheartened. “I considered that. | planned to find her last night, but… I couldn’t face her. I fear the loathing in her eyes, the possibility that she no longer loves me…” As his words trailed off, Garrett’s gaze grew distant and tears welled up. He lifted the bottle and drank deeply. Men seldom wept so openly.

Natalie’s heart ached witnessing Garrett’s despair.

She had seen their journey from acquaintances to lovers and everything in between. Never had she anticipated this outcome, with their relationship disintegrating so completely.

Brandon, unable to tolerate his friend’s desolation, challenged him with a steely tone, “Can you truly let go of Laney and your newborn daughter? If you can’t, then fight for them! Moping here, drowning in alcohol and tears won’t solve a thing.”

Garrett froze for a moment before slamming the bottle onto the table. “You’re right! I won’t surrender so easily! I’ll win her back! Laney belongs to me, and only me!”

Meanwhile, Natalie took a more thoughtful stance. Having seen the hardships

Laney faced within the Harding family, she cautioned, “Even if you manage to win Laney back now, if you can’t ensure she’s free to pursue her desires, you’ll inevitably part ways again.” Though heavily inebriated, Garrett sobered up slightly at Natalie’s words. With earnest resolve, he declared, “I’ve come to understand that love means supporting her wholeheartedly. If Laney returns, no matter her aspirations, even if she aspires to the presidency, I’ll back her.”

Natalie’s eyes gleamed with amusement. “Really? Didn’t you say that you marry her out of pity?”

“Ridiculous!” Garrett slammed the table, his voice escalating. “I love her! There are countless pitiable souls in the world; why wouldn’t I pity and love them too? I love only Laney! I love her!” Ultimately, Garrett slurred “I love Laney” several times before collapsing onto Brandon’s shoulder.

Brandon, repulsed, shoved Garrett away and turned to Natalie, impatience clear in his voice. “Are you done interrogating him? Did Laney catch all of that?”

progress. “How did you know I was phoning Laney?” she inquired. It turned out that shortly after entering the private

to miss. Only someone as drunk as Garrett wouldn’t have seen it.” Since her trick was exposed, Natalie stuck out her tongue in embarrassment

what to say. “I don’t

should

Laney couldn’t deny that she was indeed deeply moved by what

wonder if he had fallen in love with someone else while they

been concealing in her heart

think,” Laney said. Noticing a hint of wavering in her words, Natalie

to Garrett to make him realize his true feelings?” Natalie

take off my ring and stop wearing it. 1 was wondering why he was

open in surprise, Natalie asked, “What’s going on then? Garrett said

separate from him for

something and went to see if her ring was still there, and was shocked to find that it was missing. Frowning deeply, she said, “I don’t know what’s going on, but I will find out who sent those things to him in my name.” Concerned, Natalie

a serious tone, “Don’t worry, I’ll be careful. As

say the same things to me when he is sober. Right now,

can work it out, nothing else matters. Alright, I won’t disturb you any longer. We need to help Garrett get home. He’s passed out

their appetite after the

kept yelling, “Laney, I love you!” He would then burst into tears and cry

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