Chapter 20 Another three years lapsed . Sebastian spent all of them in that quiet northern town - through obsession , desperation , begging , despair - until only an ash - grey calm remained . He watched as Elena's career soared , her name shining across the global stage of sustainable design . Her life ran full , steady , peaceful . Gabriel was there - a constant , quiet counterpoint . They never married , at least not publicly , but the understanding and quiet harmony between them shattered every last illusion he had once clung to . She had completely let go of the past . She no longer hated him - and no longer loved him . To her , he was just a closed , ugly chapter in her life , no longer worth remembering . And in those three years , Sebastian finally understood that nothing could ever be undone . He retained the best divorce attorney and executed a new agreement - ceding over half his personal estate : a substantial block of Langford Enterprises shares , multiple properties , liquid funds - all in her name . It was the only form of atonement he had left . He waited in his hotel like a man awaiting final judgment . Days later , the lawyer returned with news : Ms. Hartley had signed . She hadn't hesitated , hadn't even skimmed the staggering list of assets . She simply signed the name Elena in steady handwriting . Sebastian sat on the sofa for a long time , before letting out a sound somewhere between a laugh and a sob . She hadn't even spared him her hatred . He requested one final meeting . The place was a small café beneath her studio . He arrived early , choosing a table in the corner . He watched her come in , bathed in sunlight , her steps unhurried , her presence calms She sat across from him and ordered a glass of water . She didn't look at him . " I've signed , " she said first , her voice even , unshaken . " Thank you , but it was necessary . " Sebastian's chest constricted as if bound with wire , the pain so sharp he could barely breathe . He stared at her face hungrily , as if trying to carve it into his soul . " Vivienne ... " His voice frayed . " I'm sorry . I know those words are far too light ... I She raised her eyes , cool and clear , cutting him off : " It's past , Mr. Langford . " Mr. Langford . That single , formal title severed the last fragile thread of hope he had been clinging to . Everything he had prepared - his apology , his confession - caught in his throat and turned to dust . Chapter 20 100.00 % W WebNovel 4.3 * FREE Google Play OPEN I knew you were trouble when you walked in After a long silence , he finally managed to speak , each word dragged from the depths of his chest : " I'm letting you go . I'm sorry . Be happy . " Then he stood , did not look back , and walked out of the café . Step by step , he left her world , disappearing from her life completely . He returned to Sterling Heights , but he was no longer the same man . He handed day - to - day control of Langford Enterprises to Mason and the senior executive team , and withdrew from public life . Rumors spread : the once ruthless , commanding head of the Langford family had become a recluse , rarely seen , living alone in a secluded lakeside estate . He never married again . In his study , there was only one photograph - a blurry candid Elena had once secretly taken of his profile , the same one he used to scoff at . On the back were faded words in her handwriting : [ God be wi ' thee . ] Beside it sat an old , worn charm bracelet the same one he had crushed in anger years ago , on the night he broke her heart . As the sun sank , an aging Sebastian sat alone in his rocking chair , hair silvered , eyes clouded . His bony fingers trembled as they traced the outline of the charm . Outside the window , the sunset was red as His lips moved in a whisper , as if speaking to someone who would never return , or perhaps only to himself . " If ... if only I had learned sooner ... " A single tear slid down the deep lines of his weathered face , vanishing silently into his collar . Dusk fell , extinguished the last of the light . Until his final breath , Sebastian lived with the memory of her and the weight of his regret - repaying with his entire life the 199 wounds and the single , searing fire that had driven her away . Far away in northern Europe , Elena stood in front of the newly completed sustainable art center she had designed , smiling as she accepted applause and interviews from the press . The sunlight bathed her figure in a warm glow , her expression serene and strong . Gabriel stood beside her , smiling as he handed her a glass of water . She accepted it with a soft thanks , her gaze lifting to the bright , clear sky above - peaceful , unburdened , utterly free . Never meeting again . Never forgiving Perhaps , for him , this was the only ending he deserved . Chapter 20 In "Someone Loved is Never Lost" by CrushReel, readers are immersed in a captivating CEO drama that explores the intricacies of love, loss, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of corporate power struggles and personal relationships, this ongoing novel delves deep into the lives of its characters as they navigate the complexities of both the boardroom and the heart. Themes of ambition, betrayal, and resilience intertwine with complex character dynamics, making for a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. CrushReel's unique storytelling style brings a fresh perspective to the CEO genre, offering a blend of emotional depth and strategic intrigue that sets this novel apart from others in its category. What makes "Someone Loved is Never Lost" special is its ability to seamlessly blend high-stakes corporate drama with heartfelt human connections, creating a story that resonates on multiple levels. Available to read at CrushReel, this novel promises a literary experience that will leave readers eagerly anticipating each new chapter.