Chapter 298
Sophia Sullivan paused for a moment.
She looked up at Ethan Roscente.
"There aren't many Chinese restaurants near campus. Running into each other isn't that strange."
That "What a coincidence" from Fiona Valentine grated on her nerves.
What coincidence?
It's perfectly normal to bump into classmates while eating near school.
Their opening lines were identical.
Sophia found it utterly insincere.
Ethan watched her. "Are you angry?"
Sophia raised an eyebrow. "?"
His gaze was intense. "I remember everything you said that day. Shattered glass can't be made whole. Since you've moved on, I should too."
She looked at him.
This was the first time she had really looked at him since the breakup.
Ethan smiled. "Surprised? It's been over a year. I should have figured it out sooner. I was the one who couldn't let go. I caused you trouble. I'm sorry. It won't happen again."
Sophia studied him.
His expression was open. "Time heals all wounds. I believe that now. You were right. We need to look forward."
She frowned.
His change of heart seemed too sudden.
The words sounded sincere.
But something felt off.
It felt deliberate. Meant for her ears.
But his motives were no longer her concern.
Sophia nodded. "I'm glad you understand. I wish you the best."
Ethan's lips curved. "Thank you, Clara."
"Call me Sophia Sullivan. I wouldn't want your girlfriend to misunderstand." She offered a slight smile.
His expression didn't change, but his fingers tightened almost imperceptibly. "...Alright."
"Ethan, let's go." Fiona emerged from the convenience store, smiling as she linked her arm with his.
Ethan took her hand, his arm sliding around her waist. He nodded to Sophia. "We'll be going now."
"Mm."
Sophia looked away and sighed softly.
So exhausting.
Couldn't they just pretend they didn't see each other?
Who made the rule that exes have to make small talk? And with a new partner in tow? Ridiculous.
She hoped they wouldn't meet again.
Ryan Sullivan brought the car around and drove Sophia home.
But Sebastian Evans didn't leave.
He leaned against his car and lit a cigarette. The ember glowed at his fingertips.
Sure enough, Ethan came to get his car.
Their eyes met.
Sebastian wore a mocking half-smile. Ethan's face was blank.
After a silent battle of stares, Sebastian spoke lazily. "Where's your girlfriend? Not seeing her home?"
Ethan narrowed his eyes, then suddenly chuckled. "She lives on campus. She can walk."
"Not even to her dorm?"
Ethan countered. "How do you know I didn't?"
Sebastian checked his watch. "That fast? Shouldn't new love be hard to part from?"
"You and Isabella Langley used to make out for ages at the school gate. Changed your ways?"
Ethan's face darkened. "None of your business."
Sebastian shrugged. "Just curious. You picked this new girlfriend so conveniently. Studying at MIT. Same year and major as Sophia Sullivan. Quite the choice."
Ethan gave a cold laugh. "So interested in other people's girlfriends? Developed a habit of poaching?"
Sebastian laughed. "Don't get so defensive. Just a buddy showing concern."
Ethan's smile was sardonic. "Concern or probing? You know which."
"Oh, caught me?"
Sebastian didn't deny it. He looked Ethan over. "I think you moved on too fast. It feels like an act!"
"Think what you want. Move."
Sebastian raised an eyebrow, momentarily unable to read him.
"This show is for Sophia Sullivan, right?"
Ethan didn't argue. "Think what you want."
Sebastian's gaze sharpened. "Weren't you desperate to win Sophia back before? What happened?"
"Are you interrogating me?"
"Curious."
"I have no obligation to satisfy your curiosity."
Sebastian pressed. "What are you really trying to do?"
Ethan sneered. "Getting nervous, Sebastian Evans? You too? I can't get Sophia back, so you think you have a chance? Naive! I just woke up sooner than you. Met the right person. Save your probing."
"Really gave up? For that Fiona what's-her-name?"
Ethan's face turned icy. "You have a history. I don't want to hear my girlfriend's name from your mouth."
Sebastian saw him defending Fiona. It seemed genuine.
When he mentioned Sophia, there was no flicker. He seemed truly over it.
After a moment, Sebastian spoke flatly. "Just a joke. Don't take it seriously."
Ethan scoffed coldly. "Cut the crap. I know what you're thinking. Sorry to disappoint."
The cigarette burned out. Sebastian crushed the butt and opened his car door. "Leaving."
The engine roared, and the car sped away.
Ethan stood still, his expression cold and full of disgust.
It took immense restraint not to throw a punch at Sebastian Evans.
Trying to trick him?
Pathetic.
...
Inside the car.
Sebastian turned the steering wheel, a cold smile on his lips.
He's improved. Knows how to advance by retreating.
Put on a good act.
Almost fooled me.
But he still slipped up.
Someone truly over it doesn't parade their new partner in front of their ex to say hello.
The moment Ethan walked into that restaurant, saw Sophia, and still came over with his arm around his girlfriend, he exposed himself.
"Heh, getting clever."
The performance was decent. Too bad Sophia couldn't care less.
Whether the act was good or bad was meaningless.