Chapter 493

Sophia Lowell forced a smile. "I shook him off and ran out."

Sebastian Valdemar's Adam's apple bobbed as guilt clouded his eyes. "I'm sorry for causing you trouble."

She blinked. "What does this have to do with you? Ethan Roscente is the unreasonable one."

His gaze lingered on her swollen eyes. His chest tightened as if crushed by boulders. "You've been crying."

Sophia managed a weak smile, fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her shirt.

She refused to show vulnerability in front of others.

"My emotions got the better of me. I'm fine now."

Sebastian studied her reddened eyelids but didn't call out her pretense. "Let me drive you home."

Sophia waved her phone. "I'll call a ride."

"Taxis are scarce here." He glanced at the ominous sky. "If not for yourself, think of the baby."

Her hand instinctively cradled her abdomen. After a hesitation, she finally nodded. "Thank you."

The car door clicked shut.

Not far away, knuckles cracked audibly inside a black sedan.

The driver shivered, stealing a glance at the rearview mirror.

Ethan Roscente's dark eyes burned into the vehicle ahead.

"Sir, should we follow?"

"Keep tailing them." His voice dripped ice. "I want to see where they're going."

Tires rolled over damp pavement. The cabin was so quiet their breathing echoed.

Only when turning onto her street did Sophia break the silence.

"Sebastian...do you think I'm pathetic?" Her voice cracked. "Even though he's getting married, I still..."

His grip tightened on the steering wheel.

"Don't say that." His tone softened. "Ethan's the one who won't let go."

Her nails dug into her palms.

"But I initiated it." A bitter laugh escaped her. "In that kind of relationship..."

"You knew each other before, didn't you?" Sebastian suddenly asked.

Sophia's breath hitched.

"How did you know?"

As the car glided into the complex, his profile looked especially gentle under streetlights.

"The way you look at him is different." He spoke softly. "Our first meeting was actually in Seattle."

Sophia turned sharply.

"That summer, you came to my house with your mother." Nostalgia flickered in his eyes. "You were spacing out in the yard while I watched from the second-floor window."

Her pupils dilated.

"You wore a white sundress and smiled up at me." His voice lowered. "It was a forced smile, but...memorable."

Raindrops began pattering against the windows, blurring the neon lights outside.