Chapter 423

Sophia's fingers paused mid-air as she lifted her gaze to meet Sebastian's. "You think he postponed because of me?"

"Most likely." Sebastian handed her the insulated tumbler.

This thought had crossed Sophia's mind occasionally over the past month.

But she always dismissed it as ridiculous.

If Ethan truly cared, he wouldn't have repeatedly sided with Isabella.

Life had continued its predictable rhythm for Sophia—designing blueprints, inspecting construction sites, attending industry seminars. Only in the silent hours of night did memories of that man resurface.

She sometimes searched for news about Ethan Roscente online.

But all traces had been scrubbed clean. His current whereabouts, his relationship status with Isabella—everything remained a mystery.

On sleepless nights, she still remembered the crushing intensity of his embrace.

A decade of emotions couldn't be severed overnight.

Perhaps it would take a year. Three years. Maybe longer...

Until one day, she could face him with perfect composure.

"Does this arrangement work for you?"

Sebastian's voice pulled her back to reality. Sophia blinked. "What?"

"I said we should go to a proper restaurant." He pointed at her barely touched takeout box. "You're eating for two now. This isn't enough."

"Too far." She shook her head. "The nearest decent place is three kilometers away."

Round trip would take at least half an hour.

"Then order delivery." Sebastian pulled out his phone. "I'll pay extra for express service."

"Don't." Sophia placed a hand over his. "The workers will feel uncomfortable. Just two more weeks."

"You can endure it, but what about the baby?" His brow furrowed. "With this heat and your low blood sugar—"

As he started dialing, Sophia intervened. "How about this—I'll bring homemade meals tomorrow. Nutritious and discreet."

"I'll handle it." His tone brooked no argument. "Letting a pregnant woman cook? What kind of man would that make me?"

Sophia chuckled. "Since when are we so formal?"

"It's a matter of principle." Sebastian straightened with mock seriousness. "If my mother heard I let you near a stove, she'd break my legs."

To Sophia's surprise, Sebastian arrived the next day with an elaborate bento box, fresh fruit, and even portable furniture—a folding table with chairs, a sun umbrella, cooling packs and a mini fan.

For the remaining two weeks, his meticulous care made the grueling site visits almost pleasant.

The construction crew noticed. On their final day, a young worker approached. "Ms. Lowell, is Mr. Valdemar your boyfriend?"

"No." Sophia rolled up her blueprints. "We're just friends."