The Light I Lost, The Love That Stayed

Claire Sterling, the daughter of the Sterling family, and Ethan Quinn, a bodyguard within the Sterling Group's underworld operations, came from entirely different worlds, yet their love burned fierce and unstoppable.

During a violent clash with a rival faction, Ethan risked his life to shield Claire.

Back then, Claire had been held tightly in Ethan's arms. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him firing with cold precision, while his other hand covered her ears, shielding her from the deafening shots.

Her heart had pounded wildly, and she found herself unable to look away from those deep, unfathomable eyes.

To escape the marriage arranged by her family, Claire decided to run away with Ethan.

But after waiting through an entire night in the rain, the only ones who came were the bodyguards sent by her father, forcing her into a marriage she never wanted.

Claire had jumped from a moving car to escape, breaking three ribs. The moment she woke in the hospital, she called Ethan and sent ninety-nine emails…

Every single message disappeared into silence.

In the end, she forced herself to let go, and they went their separate ways.

Five years later, when Claire returned home, she discovered that the CEO of her new company was none other than her ex-boyfriend.

Ethan had transformed into the man in control of Quinn Group. On the surface, he mocked her at every turn, meeting her with cold hostility, yet behind the scenes, he shielded her from every harm.

She thought her heart had long gone still, yet under his relentless pressure, it began to race out of control once more.

......

In the elevator, Claire was shoved into the far corner, her back pressed against the cold metal wall.

It had been less than three hours since she got off the plane. Her luggage was still at the hotel, yet she had already been rushed over to report to her new job.

She glanced down at her wrinkled suit skirt, creased from the crowd, and let out a bitter smile.

Five years ago, she had been the cherished daughter of the Sterling family. Now, she was nothing more than an ordinary employee.

As Claire was nearly knocked off balance, an arm suddenly appeared across her path, cutting through the chaos.

A faint scent of cedar settled over her, and a low voice sounded above her head. "Move."

The voice wasn't loud, yet it struck her like thunder. Her body trembled almost imperceptibly.

The crowd fell silent at once, stepping back instinctively and clearing a space for her in the cramped elevator.

She looked up.

It was Ethan.

He wore a perfectly tailored black suit, his broad frame imposing, his gaze cold as ice.

After five years apart, this was how they met again.

Claire pressed her lips together, forcing herself to stay composed. "Thank you."

He finally glanced at her, his eyes sweeping over her face, a mocking curve tugging at his lips. "You can't even stand properly