Chapter 282
Be my girlfriend.
Keep your distance.
Do not get close.
This is better for both of them.
Sophia Sullivan put away the documents.
She turned to leave.
The man's low voice reached her.
"I still consider you a friend."
Sophia did not look back.
She walked away directly.
Ethan Roscente watched her retreating figure.
He picked up his coffee.
Took a small sip.
Bitterness spread across his tongue.
His expression remained unchanged.
His thumb stroked the rim of the cup.
His gaze fell on the coffee cup opposite him.
She always added milk.
Because she feared bitterness.
Ethan reached over and took her cup.
Took a small taste.
It was indeed very sweet.
They had been together for six years.
Not six days.
Not six months.
A full six years.
How could he not understand her?
He knew her better than anyone.
So...
Ethan narrowed his eyes as he looked out the window.
He would never give up.
Sophia Sullivan had to be his.
She was his in the past.
She was not now.
But she would be in the future.
He finished the remaining coffee.
He used to only drink unsweetened Americanos.
Since she didn't like it.
He would change.
It wasn't difficult.
Just look at Sebastian Evans.
Why wasn't Sebastian rejected?
Because he knew how to hide.
How to pretend.
Using subtle methods.
Slowly infiltrating her life.
Like spring rain.
Fine and continuous.
Nourishing the soil.
Letting love grow wildly.
He retreated to advance.
Sophia felt no pressure.
Naturally, she let her guard down.
Allowing him to get close.
Sebastian could do it.
Why couldn't he?
Last night's alcohol made him drunk.
But clarity came in an instant.
In that moment, Ethan understood.
Winning Sophia back couldn't be rushed.
The more he pressured her.
The more she would hide.
His past actions had made her defensive.
To get close now.
He first had to make her believe he had truly moved on.
Only then would he have a chance.
Judging from Sophia's reaction just now.
The effect should be good.
At least she was no longer impatient.
...
Fiona Valentine passed the coffee shop with a classmate.
She had a full schedule of classes today.
She wanted to buy a coffee to perk up.
"Do you want one?" she asked her companion.
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the man by the window.
Her gaze flickered.
Her companion nodded. "I could use one."
"Wait a second—" Fiona stopped her.
"What's wrong?"
"Xin Xin, did you forget your package?"
"Oh! I almost did!"
Fiona smiled. "I'll get your drink. You go get your package?"
"Okay, thanks. A coconut latte, iced, no sugar."
"Got it. Hurry along."
Confirming her companion had left.
Fiona pushed open the coffee shop door.
She pretended to just notice Ethan.
Feigning surprise. "Hello~ Fancy meeting you again."
She walked to his table.
"Is this seat taken? May I sit?"
The man said nothing.
His face was expressionless.
Fiona wasn't angry.
She smiled brightly. "Since you're not saying anything, I'll take that as a yes."
She sat down gracefully.
Ethan had no desire to engage.
They'd met a few times.
But they weren't close.
Fiona asked naturally, "Are you okay? Sitting outside the school gates for so long yesterday, you didn't catch a cold, did you?"
Ethan remained silent.
Fiona continued.
"You come here for coffee too? This place is good. Better than nearby spots. I've tried many flavors. What you have is the signature iced Americano, right? Aromatic but a bit bitter. It's better with a pastry."
Ethan looked at her.
His eyes held a mocking glint.
A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched his lips.
Fiona felt a chill.
She struggled to maintain her smile.
"W-What are you looking at? Is there something on my face?" She touched her cheek.
Suddenly, Ethan spoke—
"Do you like me?"
He had seen too many women.
He was familiar with this look.
Even though she tried hard to conceal it.
It couldn't escape his eyes.
Fiona hadn't expected him to be so direct.
Her mind went blank.
Her face flushed.
Her voice softened. "I... Is it that obvious? You could tell?"
She admitted it outright.
He had met many women like her.
Beautiful ones.
Charming ones.
Every type imaginable.
Ethan felt bored.
He rubbed the rim of his cup.
His voice was cold and calm. "Then you should know, I have someone I like."
Fiona wasn't surprised.
She nodded. "I know. I've known for a long time. Sophia Sullivan is my classmate. We're in the same graduate year."
Ethan's hand paused.
He laughed softly. "Classmates?"
Fiona watched his thin lips curve.
That faint, mocking look in his eyes.
Rogue and unrestrained.
It made her heart flutter.
His voice sounded again. "Would you be willing to do me a favor?"
Fiona was stunned. "What favor?"
Ethan said, word by word, "Be my girlfriend."
He knew Sophia was highly guarded.
She held deep reservations about him.
Only by letting her know he had completely moved on.
And fallen for someone else.
Would she possibly let her guard down.
And allow him back into her life.
Even if just as a friend.
It just so happened Fiona was her classmate.
He could use Fiona.
To reasonably appear by her side.
Fiona's heart raced.
The man's words were like a demon's whisper.
Tugging at the desires in her heart.
She felt a sliver of hope and joy.
But looking up and seeing the indifference and calm in Ethan's eyes.
It instantly died down.
Smart as she was.
She immediately guessed his intention.
She was merely a tool for him to pursue Sophia.
A stepping stone.
Fiona fell silent.
Ethan stirred his coffee.
He spoke lightly. "You play along with me. In return, I'll help you financially."
"Of course, if you're unwilling, forget I said it."