It was solely the anguish in Mitchel's heart that Raegan had genuinely felt herself, and recognized as so challenging to mend.

Mitchel lowered his gaze to her and gently reassured, "No, it doesn't hurt anymore. That pain subsided long ago."

However frequently he repeated these words, Raegan's heart only grew heavier with each utterance. It was as though her heart had been forcibly wrenched apart, leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable.

She had long held the belief that Mitchel was an indomitable figure worthy of admiration, yet she never entertained the notion that he, too, could succumb to imperfection.

She enveloped him in a tight embrace, summoning a strength she never knew she possessed.

At this moment, she came to a profound realization. Her love for him ran deeper than she ever imagined. All her attempts to distance herself from him crumbled effortlessly. The mere thought of him enduring the scrutiny of others in solitude shattered her heart.

She buried her face into his chest, tears streaming down her cheeks as she yearned to express her feelings to him. She felt like telling him that her love for him endured.

"Mitchel..." she choked out.

At that moment, the door was gently pushed open.

Raegan hadn't closed the door properly upon entering, so it yielded easily to a light knock.

It was the conference hall's secretary who addressed Mitchel, "The meeting is about to commence..."

The scene before the secretary rendered her speechless. Was this truly the aloof, cold-faced man she knew? The downward gaze directed at the woman in his embrace was undeniably affectionate! It appeared that beneath his stoic exterior, he harbored depths of warmth and affection.

The secretary lingered at the doorway, torn between entering or quietly slipping away.

Raegan dared not lift her gaze, her discomfort now palpable. With a shudder, she belatedly realized the awkwardness of the situation.

Mitchel's brow furrowed slightly as his gaze fixed on the figure by the door, the warmth draining from his eyes. "I'll be there on time."

The secretary swiftly departed, ensuring the door clicked shut behind her.

Raegan attempted to disentangle herself from Mitchel, but he held her waist steadfastly.

With nerves palpable in her voice, Raegan ventured, “Shouldn't you attend the meeting?"

Mitchel said, "I have a spare moment."

Traces of tears lingered in Raegan's eyes, her cheeks flushed.