Chapter 279
Her tone was calm.
It was as if all the past had vanished into thin air.
Ethan's chest felt tight.
The harder he tried to hold on, the faster he lost.
He had once destroyed the garden she loved.
Now he had returned it to her in full bloom.
But she no longer lingered.
"If you don't like it, we can change locations."
"No, I like it very much." Sophia looked directly at him. "These flowers are beautiful. Anyone would be moved by them."
"But if this is just your tactic to win me back."
"Then it's a disservice to their beauty."
"And I won't accept that."
Ethan was stunned. "I just wanted to apologize."
"Let the past stay in the past." Sophia said softly. "You put so much effort into this. You should have planted it for yourself, not for me."
"Your life should be filled with happiness."
"Not messing yourself up over a relationship that shouldn't continue."
"Ethan, we are independent individuals."
"Each with our own path in life."
"We walked together for a while. Now we've parted. If we meet again, it should be with mutual well-wishes."
"Perhaps you'll meet someone better in the future."
"Isn't it better to let go of the past and face the future openly?"
Hearing that "Ethan" again after a year.
His eyes stung.
His heart ached with a bitter pain.
"No..."
He wouldn't let go of the past.
He would never meet anyone better than her.
"Is there really no chance for us?"
Sophia gently shook her head.
Lunch was meticulously prepared.
All her favorite dishes.
It was almost laughable.
When they were together, he never remembered.
Now that they were apart, he remembered every single one.
"Try this. You used to love it."
Ethan kept serving her food.
He barely touched his own plate.
"Thank you. That's enough."
"Okay." He forced a smile.
Sophia enjoyed the meal thoroughly.
The food tasted excellent.
The ambiance was comfortable.
The long window faced the flower field.
The rice was her favorite Wuchang rice.
It was a feast for both her taste buds and her eyes.
"...I'm full."
She put down her chopsticks.
Ethan's gaze was tender. "Would you like to rest? The rooms are all ready."
Sophia raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
"Of course!"
This didn't sound like something he would say.
"Reminding you, there are six hours until sunset."
"I know." He said softly. "You get sleepy in the afternoon if you don't nap in winter."
Sophia was silent for a moment. "I want a separate room."
The man smiled bitterly. "It was prepared for you."
"I wouldn't be that shameless."
Bitterness filled his eyes. "Last time at the villa... I was too impulsive."
"You were gone for days without a word."
"I missed you too much."
"And I wanted to scare you into coming back."
Sophia's expression was complex.
There was confusion, and also pity.
Pity for this man who didn't know how to love.
He still had many detours ahead.
And she was just the starting point.
Fortunately, just the starting point.
The housekeeper led her to the second floor.
It was the same room as before.
Even the vase she had picked out was still on the windowsill.
"Please rest, Miss Sullivan."
The housekeeper gently closed the door.
Sophia napped for forty minutes.
When she came downstairs, she saw Ethan sitting on the sofa.
The tea in front of him was untouched.
He was lost in thought.
He only snapped back to reality when he heard her footsteps.
"Sophia? Is the room not suitable? I'll have someone—"
"No need." Sophia interrupted him. "I'm rested. Where to next?"
Ethan was stunned.
He had thought she would sleep until evening.
Sophia met his surprised gaze. "I keep my word."
The man smiled.
"Then... shall we go?"
Sophia nodded gently.
He took her to the mall they used to frequent.
The bar they often visited.
The club they enjoyed.
And her favorite sunset viewing platform.
The platform was on a mountain north of the city.
It required a twenty-kilometer drive on winding mountain roads.
The road was narrow with sharp turns.
Sophia used to come here when she was upset.
Standing high up and looking over the entire city.
It always made her troubles seem small.
Not worth worrying about.
After the breakup, Ethan came here often too.
He used to come to pick up a sulking her and take her home.
She would always feel better after spending a few hours here.
He never imagined that one day he would become a regular here himself.