They Regretted it After I Left

olden hue over the skyline, but he felt none of its warmth. Instead, a chill settled in his bones, a familiar sensation that had accompanie

family business for another decade, a feat that would go unnoticed by those who mattered most. His wife, Claire, and his sisters, Lily and Sarah, were too

ve, Jason, had returned to town, Ethan had quietly ensured that the man's influence would not disrupt their lives. When Lily's reckless spending threatened to drown h

lcomed into the family, showering them with affection and praise. Ethan was just the man who kept the lights on, the one who made sure the bills

an empire for them, but now he felt like a prisoner in his own life. The family he had devoted himself t

l be there, right?" Her voice was bright, filled with excitement, but he could hear the underlying impatience. She

plied, forcing a smile into his v

that new suit I bought you. You know

gh she couldn't see

their friends, the same people who had no idea of the sacrifices he made for the family. They

usband, and smile through the pain. But deep down, he knew that something had to change. He could no longer be the silen

of their enemies, the ones who threatened their empire, and then he would leave. He would walk away from

, adjusting his tie, and for a moment, he barely recognized the man staring back at him. The tailored fabric hugge

through the space, mingling with the clinking of glasses. Claire was the center of attention, her radiant smile captivat

im. She rushed over to him, her excitement palpable. "You look amazing! Everyon

lur, a collection of acquaintances and friends who had no idea of the turmoil brewing beneath his composed

standing nearby. "Mark just landed a huge deal with that tech star

n his stomach. He could feel the weight of their expectations pressing down o

in conversations, her laughter ringing out like music, while he stood on the periphery, a silent observer. He caught snippets of conversations about

ng him back to the present. "Come

forcing himself to

ice laced with enthusiasm. "You r

on at bay, to ensure that the past remained buried. But here he was

d, his tone neutral. "Nic

t's great to see you. Claire has told me so much about you. You're the man

htened. "Someth

ing in slightly. "You're the unsung

hero in the shadows? He forced himself to maintain his composure, but th