Forsaking the Years of Longing
Forsaking Billionaire 117

Chapter 41

Since the aquarium visit, Daphne had fully regained her memories of the past with Matthew.

Meanwhile, the business rivalry between Jonathan and Matthew had dragged on for months, leaving both sides battered. Daphne decided it was time to meet Matthew one last time and lay everything out in the open.

When she called him, Matthew's voice was filled with astonished joy, trembling slightly as he answered almost immediately. "Daphne... You. you thought of calling me?"

"Let's meet tomorrow," Daphne said, her voice cool but resolute.

Hearing her tone, Matthew was momentarily struck-this was the Daphne from before her memory loss.

"Alright," he replied.

The next day, Daphne arrived early at the café and waited patiently.

When Matthew entered, his eyes lingered on her, a surge of complex emotions swelling within him.

He sat down slowly, their eyes meeting, and for a fleeting moment, it felt as if they had traveled back to a simpler, carefree time.

"Matthew, I've regained my memory," Daphne said, her words as cold as ice, freezing the air around them.

Matthew's hand trembled, nearly spilling his coffee, but he fought to remain composed, his gaze fixed on Daphne.

"Daphne, you..." His voice was laced with nervousness and unease.

"I came to ask you to stop the business war with Jonathan.

Continuing like this benefits no one. I'll be speaking to him as well," she said firmly, her tone unwavering.

Matthew lowered his head, his brows furrowed with pain and regret. "Daphne, what I did to you in the past.. I'm so sorry." "You didn't wrong me; you wronged yourself."

Her voice was calm but carried a maturity and release that Matthew found hard to bear.

Looking up, he met her gaze, his eyes filled with remorse and longing.

"Daphne, I know I made so many mistakes, but please, give me another chance to make it right," he pleaded.

Daphne remained silent for a moment, her gaze drifting to the window.

Sunlight streamed through, bathing her in a golden glow that seemed to set her apart from the rest of the world.

"Do you remember what you wrote on the ribbon you tied to the wishing tree that year?" she suddenly asked.

Matthew's heart clenched as memories flooded back.

"Of course I remember. I wrote that I wanted to be with you for eternity..."

"And do you remember what wish you made that day at the chapel for Charlotte? Do you remember what day that was for us?"

Her voice carried a faint bitterness that was difficult to detect but impossible to ignore.

Matthew's face turned ashen, drained of all color. He couldn't run from the shameful past she had brought up.

Tears welled in his eyes as he realized the full extent of what he had destroyed with his own hands.

"Daphne, I don't ask for your forgiveness, but please, let me spend the rest of my life making amends," he choked out through his sobs.

Daphne smiled faintly, her expression as serene and fleeting as a blossom in spring.

"I don't blame you. When you loved me, it was real. Even a garden of Juliet roses, when withered, still proves it once bloomed."

Her voice was light and calm, but a single tear traced down her cheek.

"Thank you for coming into my life and loving me so fiercely,"

she continued By now, Matthew was crying uncontrollably, his head bowed in shame and heartbreak.

"Daphne, please... don't leave me."

Large tears rolled down his face, and in that moment, he truly felt her slipping away forever.

"I hope you live well, Matthew. Let's not meet again," she said softly.

With that, she picked up her coffee, took a sip, and stood.

Without looking back, she walked out of the café.

Matthew remained seated, tears cascading down his face like pearls from a broken string, utterly alone.