Chapter 5

Cheyenne's fingers trembled. She hadn't expected Nolan to come back. Forcing back the turmoil swirling in her chest, she responded casually, "Didn't you say you wanted to take me to see the Northern Lights? The airline just called to confirm the trip." Nolan hesitated, as though the memory of their conversation had just resurfaced. Despite the bandage on his forehead and his pale complexion, his features remained as striking as ever. "I was injured and hospitalized a few days ago," he said, his eyes locking onto hers. "I called and texted you. Why didn't you answer?" Cheyenne looked down, her voice calm and steady. "My phone got lost. I'm still in the process of getting a new SIM card." Without another word, she turned and walked back to her room. Seeing her aloof demeanor, Nolan's brows furrowed. He couldn't help but call out to her, "Don't you have anything to ask? Aren't you curious where I'm hurt or how I'm holding up?" Cheyenne stopped. Deep down, she knew exactly what Nolan was hoping for. He wanted her to act like she used to—to ask about his injuries, to carefully tend to his wounds, and to care for him with the same attentiveness she always had. When he had stomach pains, she would brave a blizzard to bring him medicine. When he came home drunk, she would make chicken soup to help him sober up. When he lost someone dear, she would stay by his side. Still, Cheyenne wasn't naive. She had loved him wholeheartedly back then because he had once returned that love with the same sincerity. But now that his heart belonged to someone else, that love had become tainted. Perhaps it was time for them to simply let go. "You always accused me of being too controlling, didn't you?" Cheyenne turned to face him, a faint smile playing on her lips. "I've thought it over. From now on, I'll give you all the space you want. I won't pry into what you'd rather not share, and I won't push you into anything you're uncomfortable with." Nolan's pupils constricted, as if she had struck him with a physical blow. He tried to speak, yet nothing escaped his lips. The truth was, those were the very words he had once said to her. The silence between them grew heavy. In the end, Nolan found himself stepping into the bedroom after her. He stood in the doorway, watching her pack her luggage. Suddenly, an inexplicable tightness gripped his chest. "Your birthday was two months ago," he said stiffly, trying to steer the conversation away. "I was away on a business trip and couldn't be there with you. "A new collection of jewelry just arrived at the auction house. They have pieces I know you'd really love. Let me take you to pick one out. Consider it a belated birthday gift." Cheyenne didn't even glance up. "That won't be necessary." Nolan, however, wasn't about to accept her refusal. Without hesitation, he led her out the door. Soon, they were at the auction house. Though the jewels she once loved sparkled all around her, Cheyenne's heart no longer stirred. Sensing her mood, Nolan didn't press her. Instead, he simply raised his paddle again and again. "30 million." "50 million." "80 million." He placed his bids without hesitation, sweeping up nearly all the most expensive pieces in the room. After each victory, he turned toward Cheyenne, searching her face for even the faintest sign of joy. Meanwhile, she remained composed, her expression giving nothing away. All around them, murmurs spread through the crowd. "Isn't that Mr. and Mrs. Pierce from the Pierce Group? They really are as loving as the rumors say." "I heard Mr. Pierce had a close female friend before he got married. It almost caused a breakup." "Well, men are like that. Who hasn't had their wild, carefree days? In the end, he still came back to his wife, didn't he?"