Hidden truth, intricate love

Li Hao's emotions were indescribably complex when he heard that Lin Yue was doing well. He was happy for her, but even more so, he felt a deep sense of self-blame and regret. He realized that Lin Yue had completely emerged from the shadow of the past, while he himself was still stuck in it.

One day, he sat in his office, a pen in hand, the documents before him unreadable. Lin Yue's smile, tears, and cold back kept replaying in his mind. His heart felt torn apart, the pain choking him.

"Lin Yue..." He murmured in a low voice, his heart full of despair.

At this moment, the assistant knocked on the door and said hesitantly, "Mr. Li, Miss Gu is downstairs and wants to see you."

Li Hao was stunned, his brows furrowed. He had made it clear countless times that he no longer wanted to have anything to do with Gu Yao, but she kept appearing in his life, leaving him feeling annoyed.

"Tell her I'm busy and don't have time." He said coldly, continuing to stare down at the documents on the table.

The assistant left, but less than ten minutes later, Gu Yao appeared at the door of his office. She walked straight in with a forced smile on her face and a stubborn look in her eyes.

"Li Hao, I have something to tell you." Her voice trembled slightly, but revealed a firmness.

---

Li Hao raised his head and looked at her coldly: "Gu Yao, haven't I made it clear? Our relationship ends here, what else do you want to do?"

Gu Yao's expression turned ferocious, and a hint of madness flashed in her eyes. She slowly approached Li Hao, her tone filled with suppressed anger: "Li Hao, do you think I will just let you go like this? I've given so much for you, and you treat me like this? Don't you think you've gone too far?"

Li Hao stood up and said mercilessly: "Gu Yao, I don't need your dedication. Your so-called care and dedication are nothing but your own self-conceit. I hope you can understand that there is no possibility between us anymore."

Gu Yao gritted her teeth, her eyes filled with resentment: "Li Hao, do you think you can get rid of me so easily? If you don't want to come back to me, I won't let you have an easy time!"

Li Hao's face darkened and he said coldly, "Gu Yao, if you continue to pester me, I will take legal action. Stop wasting my time and stop challenging my bottom line."

Gu Yao's face turned pale instantly. She knew that Li Hao was true to his word, but the anger and resentment in her heart prevented her from giving up. She glared at Li Hao fiercely, turned away, and secretly vowed in her heart that she would never let him get away from her easily.

---

A few days later, Li Hao's company suddenly received an anonymous letter of complaint alleging that he had abused his power and had financial problems, along with some vague "evidence." Although these accusations had no actual basis, they still caused an uproar within the company and even prompted an investigation by higher-ups.

Li Hao quickly realized that Gu Yao was behind all this. Her madness and vengefulness filled him with indignation, yet at the same time, he felt helpless. He knew Gu Yao wouldn't let him off easily, and even if these accusations didn't shake his position, they would still cause him immense trouble.

At the same time, the atmosphere within the company became tense and oppressive, and his colleagues' attitudes towards him gradually changed subtly. Team members who once supported him began to avoid him, and some even privately discussed whether he really had problems.

Li Hao felt isolated, and the pressure and pain in his heart became heavier. He tried again and again to quell the rumors, but Gu Yao's secret manipulation made the situation more complicated.

---

One night, Li Hao was sitting alone in a coffee shop downstairs from his company, looking lonely and tired. Just then, he overheard two young men sitting next to him talking about Lin Yue.

"I heard that Lin Yue has been performing very well in his new company recently and even led the team to win a major project."

"Yes, she is indeed very capable. I heard that the company's top management thinks very highly of her and seems to be planning to promote her."

Li Hao's coffee cup trembled slightly when he heard these words, and a complex mix of emotions welled up in his heart. He was pleased with Lin Yue's achievements, but even more so, he felt endless regret and pain. He realized that Lin Yue had long since emerged from his shadow, while he was still trapped by regret and loneliness.

He suddenly had a strong urge to see Lin Yue again, apologize to her in person, and tell her about his regret and pain. However, he was afraid that his presence would disturb her new life and make her hate him even more.

---

Just when Li Hao was struggling, his cell phone suddenly rang. It was Zhang Kai calling.

"Haozi, you know what? I just saw Lin Yue in a restaurant. She looked fine and was having dinner with some colleagues."

Li Hao's heart trembled, and his hand holding the phone trembled slightly: "Lin Yue is here?"

Zhang Kai paused on the other end of the phone, then whispered, "Yes, but Haozi, are you sure you want to see her? I think she's in good condition now. Maybe you should let her continue with her new life."

Li Hao was silent for a long time, and finally whispered: "Zhang Kai, I just want to see her and won't disturb her."

Zhang Kai sighed: "Okay, I'll send you the address, but don't do anything to embarrass her."

---

When Li Hao arrived at the restaurant, he spotted Lin Yue through the glass window. She was chatting happily with several colleagues, a relaxed smile on her face. He hadn't seen her with such confidence and composure in a long time, and she looked more dazzling than ever.

Li Hao stood outside the window, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He wanted so badly to go in, apologize, and tell her how sorry he was, but reason stopped him. He knew that Lin Yue no longer needed him in her life, and his presence would only bring back those unbearable memories.

He just stood outside the window, watching her quietly, and didn't even step into the restaurant until she left. When Lin Yue disappeared from his sight, his heart seemed to be empty, and his eyes were slightly moist.

Li Hao murmured softly: "Lin Yue, I'm sorry... I'm really sorry for you."