Chapter 95
Sophia Roscente stuffed a potato chip into her mouth.
She tilted her head to look at Marcus Hill beside her.
"Kindred spirits?"
She blinked, her face full of curiosity.
"How are we alike?"
Marcus Hill chuckled softly.
His gaze drifted into the distance.
"I ran away too."
He shrugged, a hint of helplessness in his tone.
"My family is forcing me to do something I don't want to do."
"I could only hide in San Francisco for some peace."
Sophia's eyes widened immediately.
"Really?"
She leaned in excitedly.
"I ran away too!"
"What was your reason?"
Marcus made a shushing gesture.
"Arranged marriage."
He lowered his voice.
"My family insists I marry someone I don't love."
"I had to escape."
"Don't you dare rat me out."
Sophia nodded solemnly.
"Don't worry!"
She handed him a bag of snacks.
"My lips are sealed!"
She sighed.
"Arranged marriage sounds terrifying."
"I would be absolutely miserable."
The streetlights stretched their shadows long.
Seeing her mood dip, Marcus quickly changed the subject.
"Hungry?"
He pointed ahead with a smile.
"Let me take you out for a proper meal."
Sophia brightened up instantly.
"Okay!"
Her eyes curved into crescents.
Her smile was as radiant as sunlight.
The restaurant was bathed in warm lighting.
They ordered a table full of dishes.
Sophia ate with great relish.
"This place is amazing!"
She praised between bites.
"We should come here often."
Marcus agreed.
"Anytime."
He waved his phone.
"Just call me when you want to eat."
He was bored alone anyway.
Having a lively little sister around was nice.
Sophia immediately stuck out her pinky.
"Pinky promise!"
Her eyes sparkled.
"No take-backs!"
Marcus found it a bit childish.
But he hooked his finger with hers anyway.
"No take-backs."
He couldn't help but laugh.
After they finished eating, Marcus checked the time.
"Time to head back."
He remembered Adrian Sinclair's warning.
He couldn't keep his cousin out too late.
Sophia nodded obediently.
"Let's go back to the hotel."
She picked up her bag and stood.
....
The night sky over New York was stained crimson by neon lights.
Anna Ross leaned against the car window.
She watched the bustling scene outside.
Skyscrapers stood tall.
Shopping malls were brightly lit.
Pedestrians hurried along.
A soft melody drifted from a tea house.
The entire city was a blend of hustle and romance.
This was New York.
The city of countless dreams.
Chloe Valentine suddenly let out a light laugh.
"Is this your first time in New York, Executive Assistant Ross?"
Her tone carried a hint of mockery.
Adrian Sinclair shot her a cold glance.
Anna silently withdrew her gaze.
The car window slowly rose.
It shut out the noise of the city outside.