Leonora was still set on her decision from the other day. As Taylor hit the brakes, he pulled the car over to the side of the road. Then, he rolled down the window and lit a cigarette. He looked outside, avoiding Leonora's gaze because his eyes were red.
Taylor hadn't expected that when Leonora gave him her final answer, he'd feel this heartbroken. Even though Taylor wasn't looking at her, Leonora could see his emotional state through the rearview mirror—his eyes, red and watery.
The sight took Leonora by surprise. She never imagined that suggesting a breakup would actually bring Taylor to tears. This was Taylor, after all. It had always been him who left her crying. Looking at him now, Leonora swallowed hard, unsure of what to say or how to comfort him.
After what felt like an eternity, she finally said, "I'm sorry." They had been together for over two years. It was always her who felt wronged, her who felt sad. Yet, in the end, she was the one apologizing.
Taylor gave a helpless smile at her apology. He stubbed out his cigarette, took a deep breath, and rubbed his face before finally turning to look at Leonora. "You have nothing to apologize for," he said.
With Taylor's words, Leonora fell silent. Even though Taylor felt like crying, even though his eyes were red, Leonora was still firm in her decision. Throughout their relationship, Leonora had always been self-aware. She knew she couldn't change Taylor and never thought about changing anyone.
Adults should be together if they're compatible, and if not, they should part ways. There's no need to make both parties suffer—that's just too exhausting.
After a moment, Taylor looked at Leonora again and asked, "Are you sure? Have you thought it through?" Leonora nodded, "I have thought it through."
Taylor fell silent once more. After a moment, he spoke again, "I promise you." Then he added, "I'll move out of Southbay."
As Leonora was about to say something, Taylor cut in, "Leonora, don't refuse the house. It was originally bought in your name."
"I wanted to give you something more, but knowing you, you'd probably think I was trying to manipulate you. So, let's not push the house issue back and forth. I know these past two years have been tough on you, and I've wasted your time."
Taylor had always known what he had done. To be honest, even now, he hadn't thought about breaking up, but Leonora was adamant. After cooling off for so many days, she still wanted to split. Taylor was heartbroken, but he didn't insist.
One thing Leonora said that he agreed with was that he didn't want the situation to get worse. He didn't want them to completely fall out. So, he respected Leonora, giving them both one last shred of dignity.
Hearing Taylor's words, Leonora nodded, "Alright, I won't push it away anymore." Then Taylor added, "The two cars in the underground garage are also under your name. If you don't want them, have someone deal with them."

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