Chapter 3887

Liberty guided Duncan’s wheelchair to the car without waiting for assistance from anyone. She pushed him smoothly, her movements exuding confidence. A bodyguard stepped forward to help Duncan into the vehicle, and soon, the family of three settled in. The sleek luxury car smoothly exited the Civil Affairs Bureau parking lot and merged into the busy traffic. As it disappeared into the flow of vehicles, becoming smaller in the distance, another car parked nearby came to life, slowly pulling out of its spot. The driver of this car was Hank.

He hadn’t planned to interfere with Liberty and Duncan’s marriage; he felt he had no right to stop them, even if he wanted to. However, he also hadn’t intended to find himself here. Initially, Hank convinced himself he was just out for a casual drive, with no particular destination in mind. Yet somehow, his aimless wandering led him to the Civil Affairs Bureau. In truth, Hank had arrived well before Liberty and Duncan. He parked further away, unnoticed among the other cars lining the street. Liberty, now completely disinterested in her ex-husband, didn’t see his vehicle and remained unaware that he had been watching from a distance for nearly half an hour.

Hank himself didn’t fully understand why he was there. He had told his mother he was going out to visit Jessica, yet instead, he found himself loitering outside the place where Liberty would officially move forward with her life. When Liberty finally appeared, her transformation struck him. She looked radiant—slim, poised, and exuding effortless confidence. She reminded him of the sharp, ambitious woman she had been when they first met, before he persuaded her to leave her job to focus on their home life.

Before their marriage, Liberty had been a rising star at work, earning admiration—and even envy—from her colleagues. Hank had felt it too—jealousy gnawed at him as he witnessed her success.

Her professional success had once outshined his, and that jealousy had compelled him to persuade her to abandon her career. First, he asked her to focus on their future family, and later, to stay home full-time after Sonny was born. Over time, Liberty’s life became increasingly limited. Without a professional outlet and weighed down by the demands of motherhood, she lost the vibrant confidence that had once characterized her. She gained weight, neglected her appearance, and became financially dependent on Hank.

For a while, Hank enjoyed the power imbalance, feeling important and superior. However, that pride soon morphed into disdain, which he then used to justify his infidelity. Ultimately, their marriage ended in betrayal and bitterness.

And yet, here she was now—stronger than ever.

Duncan, despite using a wheelchair, exuded an undeniable presence. Dressed in a sharp black suit, he radiated strength and resilience. Even with the scar on his face, his striking features suggested a rugged handsomeness. Hank bitterly thought that if Duncan ever chose to remove the scar, he might attract even more attention.

But Liberty wasn’t interested in just any man; she had chosen Duncan—a man who had stood by her during her lowest moments. When Liberty was at her most vulnerable, Duncan had seen her, supported her, and encouraged her transformation.

Hank couldn’t ignore how different Liberty was now. She emanated the confidence and charm of a mature, successful woman. Every gesture and word reflected the wisdom and strength she had gained through her struggles. She was no longer the woman who had once gazed at Hank with unwavering devotion, trusting him to be the center of her happiness.

As he watched Liberty and Duncan leave the Civil Affairs Bureau, he recognized the strength she had gained through her challenges. She was not the same woman who had once looked at Hank with such loyalty.

Devotion lies in trusting him to be the core of her happiness. As Hank observed Liberty and Duncan leaving the Civil Affairs Bureau with Sonny in tow, he felt a sharp pang in his chest. The sight of Duncan cradling Sonny on his lap, their laughter and interaction resembling that of a father and son, intensified the ache within him.

Hank remained in his car, watching as their vehicle faded into the distance. The small, joyful family appeared complete—a portrait of love and unity. His grip on the steering wheel tightened as a wave of regret and sorrow washed over him. Liberty had moved on, discovering happiness and stability with a man who truly appreciated her for who she was.

Meanwhile, Hank sat alone, gazing at the empty street, his heart burdened by the weight of what he had lost.