Chapter 11
Ethan started the engine.
The sports car roared away, leaving a cloud of dust.
Olivia stamped her foot in fury.
"What an absolute jerk! Trash! Scumbag!"
She grabbed her boyfriend's collar.
"This time, Clara will never look back! Never!"
The young man nodded quickly. "Okay, okay, calm down…"
But was it possible?
That man's tone was so certain, so confident.
He stole a glance at Olivia.
If only she were that devoted to him…
Stop!
He didn't even dare to dream that dream.
…
Inside the car, Ethan's phone rang.
His voice was icy. "Speak."
"Darling, I found an amazing crab place. It's Saturday tomorrow, shall we try it?"
Isabella's voice was sweet and cheerful.
She knew Ethan loved seafood.
He hadn't contacted her since last night. She was panicking.
This unease made her call him first.
Usually, Ethan arranged their dates.
She just had to play hard to get before agreeing.
But things were different now.
He contacted her less and less.
His replies were brief, sometimes he didn't reply at all.
He always said he was busy.
Like now: "I'm busy Saturday."
"Sunday works too…" Isabella gripped her phone, her lips pale.
"I said I'm busy. That's all." Ethan hung up directly.
Isabella stared at the ended call, her panic returning.
No. She had worked so hard to become his official girlfriend. She couldn't lose…
…
The setting sun cast long shadows as Alexander and Sophia bid farewell to Professor Watson.
"Leaving so soon?" Professor Watson glanced at the darkening sky, her eyes full of reluctance. "Stay for dinner?"
Alexander shook his head. "I need to get back to the lab."
Sophia also declined softly. "Another time."
"Alright. Be careful on your way. Visit me often."
This last part was directed at Sophia.
She nodded hurriedly. "I will!"
"Oh, the materials and three books you left are on the table. Don't forget to take them."
She majored in Bioinformatics and had researched algorithms.
Her unfinished SCI paper from before graduation… Her professor had kept it…
Sophia's eyes grew warm. "Professor, I…"
"Enough now, off you go. The lunchbox is washed, don't forget it."
Sophia was taken aback.
Professor Watson chided gently, "You came all the way to my door but didn't come in. Just left a lunchbox. Made me eat too much."
Sophia's cheeks flushed. "It won't happen again…"
On the way back, Sophia knew Alexander was busy.
She felt bad asking him to drive her to her door, so she got out at the MIT entrance.
It wasn't far. She could walk.
Alexander nodded. "Alright."
…
Ethan's heart skipped a beat when he saw the figure by his mansion's gate.
But it sank just as quickly when he recognized who it was.
"Xixi."
"Ethan, you're back?" The girl stood up, delighted, her eyes shining like stars.
"What are you doing here?"
"Waiting for you. You said you were busy on the phone, so I waited until you finished work. I'm not disturbing you, am I?"
She was cautious, a little nervous.
"No." Ethan shook his head slowly.
"Good!" The smile returned to her face, but soon faded. "Ethan, I'm hungry…"
Isabella lowered her head, her cheeks puffed out.
"Let's go. I'll take you to dinner."
"Okay!"
They went to a Western restaurant. Ethan barely ate, but Isabella enjoyed her meal.
Sensing his bad mood, she spoke less.
"Full?"
Isabella nodded. "Mhm~"
"Let's go. I'll take you back to school."
"Okay."
The restaurant was very close to Caltech. They arrived in under ten minutes.
Isabella pushed the car door open, then paused. "Aren't you going to walk me in?"
Ethan nodded. "...Alright."
At the Caltech gate, the evening class had just ended. Many students were out looking for food.
Isabella was the acknowledged campus belle, drawing many glances.
Especially since she was holding the arm of a handsome, imposing man.
Isabella seemed not to hear the chatter. She turned and gave Ethan a radiant smile. "When will you meet my roommates? They're so curious about you."
No, the entire Caltech was curious about the campus belle's official boyfriend.
When that other woman was still around, she didn't dare be so conspicuous.
But it was different now. He had given her status. No need to hide anymore.
Ethan was silent.
He had no interest in meeting roommates.
Isabella seemed not to notice his冷淡. She continued smiling. "It's so wonderful. Every second with you is happy."
Suddenly, she turned to face Ethan. Before he could react, she stood on her toes and kissed him on the lips.
Whoa—
Exclamations erupted around them.
"The rumors are true! The campus belle really has a boyfriend!"
"Oh my god! It's just like a drama!"
"Isabella is so beautiful, and her boyfriend is so handsome."
"A perfect match! So sweet!"
Sophia stood at the back of the crowd.
She hadn't meant to watch, but the commotion drew her attention.
What… a coincidence.
Ethan came back to his senses. Looking at the smiling girl, another pair of bright eyes suddenly flashed in his mind.
At that MIT graduation ceremony years ago, that girl had also looked at him like this.
Her eyes sparkling, her smile like a flower: "Ethan Roscente, I choose you. I don't regret it."
Buried memories surged up unexpectedly, striking his soul.
He instinctively stepped back, putting distance between himself and Isabella.
"Ethan? What's…" The girl was confused.
Ethan: "It's late. You should go back now."