Chapter 256
Charlie froze.
He was confused.
"Was I wrong to break up with Sophia Sullivan back then?"
Ethan's expression was complicated.
"Ethan, you're only thinking of this now?"
Ethan remained silent.
"Sophia is such a good person. If it were me, I would cherish her."
Charlie suddenly stopped.
He quickly explained.
"I don't mean anything else. Just a hypothetical. If I were you, I would never let go."
Good women are always in demand.
Once you miss your chance, it's hard to turn back.
"On my birthday, Sophia came specifically to celebrate. But you broke up with her in public. I was stunned."
"Julian later told me quietly that you would regret it eventually."
I just didn't expect it to be so soon.
I thought you two would still be entangled.
After all, it's been so many years.
Who knew Sophia would be so determined this time.
"Ethan, I understand how you feel now. But Sophia has already..."
"I know I was wrong. I apologized." Ethan lowered his head, the cigarette in his hand crushed tightly. "But she won't forgive me."
"Charlie, tell me. How can I win her back?"
Charlie was stumped.
He knew Sophia too well.
Winning her back was absolutely impossible.
But how could he say that?
Seeing Ethan so distraught, he couldn't bear to be blunt.
"Ethan, there are plenty of good women. Why not look forward? Maybe there will be a pleasant surprise."
Ethan chuckled softly. The cigarette shattered in his palm, tobacco scattering. "Yes, there are plenty of good women. But Sophia Sullivan, there's only one."
Charlie had nothing to say.
If you knew this would happen, why did you do it in the first place?
"Who's the designated driver for license plate ending 5593?"
"Me!" Charlie responded immediately. "Ethan, I have to go. You..."
He paused.
"Try to think positively."
Charlie got in the car and left.
Ethan stood in place, his eyelids lowered.
The warm yellow light fell on him, yet it emitted a sense of coldness.
...
The next day, the weather was clear.
The sun was warm, and a gentle breeze brushed by.
Last time they visited the Louvre. This time, David Sullivan wanted to tour a garden.
The popular gardens required reservations and weren't suitable for a spontaneous trip.
"...Then let's go to Atlante Gardens!"
Atlante Gardens was rumored to be the private garden of the Atlante family.
It was originally the Ming Dynasty Yong Prince's summer retreat. During the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Qianlong gifted it to Fu Heng, who later gave it to his daughter as a dowry.
After several changes of hands, it was bought by salt merchant Winston Atlante during the Republic of China era and renamed "Atlante Gardens."
Before the war in Peiping, Winston Atlante often brought his family here to escape the summer heat.
After the reform and opening up, the garden was returned to the Atlante descendants.
"...And then?" Isabella listened intently, a thoughtful look in her eyes.
"That's it." Sophia stood before the last information panel.
The panel documented the history of Atlante Gardens.
From ancient times to the modern era, its changes and ownership were described in detail.
Even the successive owners were clearly listed.
Isabella: "Who was the most recent owner?"
Sophia looked again and shook her head. "It doesn't say."
Isabella walked over and stood beside her daughter. "It says it was returned to the Atlante descendants after the reform and opening up. Since it was returned, it should be private property."
If it's private property, why is it open to the public?
And without charging admission, like a charity.
Very strange!
But Isabella didn't dwell on it. The family of three continued east.
The garden was vast. They walked for over ten minutes before reaching the next pavilion.
Next to the pavilion was a small bamboo grove, with a bluestone path winding deep inside.
A winding path leading to a secluded spot.
The wind blew, rustling the bamboo leaves.
The wind carried the scent of bamboo.
The three followed the signs. David Sullivan took pictures as he walked, exclaiming repeatedly—
"So beautiful!"
Passing through a small courtyard and a narrow gate, their view suddenly opened up.
At the end of the flat ground stood an imposing mansion.
Ornate beams and painted rafters, dignified and magnificent.
A plaque hung in the center, with two characters in regular script—Main Hall!
The interior wasn't open; only the exterior could be toured.
Isabella slowly approached, stopping outside the yellow line. Suddenly, fragments flashed through her mind.
Too fast to grasp!
She looked around blankly, the feeling of déjà vu growing stronger.
Had she... been here before?
Sophia was admiring the scenery. She turned and saw Isabella standing still, looking puzzled.
"Mom?" she called. "What's wrong?"
David Sullivan also looked over. "Is the sun too strong? Do you need to rest?"
Isabella smiled and shook her head. "It's nothing. I just think... this place is truly beautiful. It would be so pleasant to live here."
Sophia laughed. "People did live here before. The previous owner lived here long-term with his family. Back then, the garden hadn't been handed over. It was private property; outsiders couldn't enter."
Along the way, Sophia noticed many buildings bore traces of habitation.
Several times, she saw childish graffiti on pillars and railings.
Marked by the erosion of time, left by some innocent child long ago.
But soon, Sophia couldn't smile. On the return trip, they didn't take the original path but chose another route, and then—
They got gloriously lost.
The rockeries and courtyards all looked similar. The bamboo groves and pavilions were also nearly identical.
The signs were gone!
"Mom... I think we took a wrong turn..."
"Wrong? No, I remember the exit is this way..."
Wait!
I remember?
The words slipped out.
Isabella was stunned.
She had never been here before. Why would she remember?
Sophia didn't notice her wording, only wanting to find the way out quickly.
Isabella simply walked ahead, leading the two through twists and turns, miraculously arriving at a small gate.
Outside was the main street!
Just like that... they were out?
Sophia looked at Isabella with surprise and doubt. "Mom..."