Chapter 280
They stood on the viewing platform.
The sunset painted the sky.
The sun slowly sank.
From a full circle to a half.
Then it vanished completely.
Only the evening glow remained.
Sophia spoke softly. "We should go back."
Ethan nodded. "I'll drive you."
A gentle breeze blew.
Their eyes met.
Both were calm and composed.
Inside the car—
Sophia finished a call.
She turned to Ethan. "Take me back to MIT. My professor needs me."
"Okay."
The sky darkened.
The car stopped at the MIT entrance.
Ethan got out.
He walked around and opened the passenger door.
Sophia stepped out and stood straight.
She looked up at him. "I kept my promise. I hope you keep yours."
Ethan gazed at her serene face.
He wanted to hold her hand.
Sophia stepped back, avoiding his touch.
"Clara, I know I was wrong. I truly want to start over. Give me another chance?"
Sophia watched his pleading expression.
She gave a faint smile.
"I initially refused your request. But I thought about it. Some things need clarity. So I agreed."
"You should understand my intention. This day wasn't for rekindling old flames. It was for you to see—"
Ethan's heart tightened.
He had a bad feeling.
Sophia continued. "Broken mirrors can't be fixed. Flawed things can't return to the past."
"Stop wasting your time on me. It's not worth it. You're a businessman. You understand investment. Cut your losses on a doomed project."
"It might hurt. But cutting out the rot is the only way to heal. You need courage and time."
"You'll be fine. Goodbye."
Sophia waved and turned.
She strode into the campus.
Ethan stood frozen.
He watched her walk away.
Until she disappeared from sight.
He always believed.
If he turned back.
She would always be there waiting.
But this time.
She left first.
Without looking back.
Ethan knew.
He had lost her completely.
His eyes reddened.
A dull ache spread through his chest.
The pain was excruciating.
He stepped back.
And collapsed onto a bench by the road.
Time passed.
A gentle female voice spoke.
"Hey, are you okay?"
Ethan slowly looked up.
He met a pair of beautiful eyes.
Full of curiosity and concern.
He recognized her.
The woman he'd met at the gate twice before.
Once, she picked up the flowers he discarded.
Another time, she took the cake he was about to throw away.
Ethan glanced at her.
He didn't respond.
Fiona noticed the Ferrari nearby.
He had changed cars again.
She carefully sat beside him. "Are... you hurting?"
Still no response.
Fiona wasn't discouraged.
At least he didn't push her away.
She asked, "Do you need a tissue?"
The man remained silent.
Fiona stopped talking.
She tightened her down jacket.
She sat with him on the bench.
In the cold wind.
Watching night fall.
Until it was completely dark.
The streetlights flickered on.
Neon lights glowed in the distance.
The man slowly stood up.
Fiona was startled. "Hey—"
Ethan ignored her.
He got into his car and drove away.
In that moment.
Fiona felt a pang of envy for Sophia.
How did she make such a proud man act like a devoted puppy?
How did she resist the temptation of luxury cars and watches?
She had seen Ethan bring Sophia back.
She saw it clearly.
The distance was too far to hear their words.
But from the man's dejected look.
Sophia had rejected him.
And not gently.
Fiona shoved her hands into her pockets.
Her palms warmed slowly.
But after sitting in the cold for so long.
Her feet were frozen.
Still, she thought it was worth it.
When he looked up.
He at least recognized her.
A smile touched her lips.
She watched the direction his car left.
Her envy turned into determination.
The first time she saw Ethan.
It was just curiosity.
Later, their chance meetings.
Made her realize he was from a world beyond her reach.
This kind of opportunity wouldn't come again.
Why hesitate?
Only...
He was harder to handle than she imagined.
Fiona frowned slightly.
But soon, her eyes sparkled with excitement.
High difficulty meant high reward.
It was worth the gamble.
…
Ethan returned to his Beverly Hills mansion in a daze.
Martha had already cleaned and left.
The vast space held only him.
Charlie knew about his plan.
He guessed it was time for the result.
He called to ask. "How did it go? Was Sophia touched? Did she agree to get back together?"
Ethan's heart twisted.
He didn't answer.
He only said. "Come out. Drink with me."
Charlie's heart sank.
He guessed the outcome.
When he arrived at the bar.
Ethan was on a couch, drinking alone.
Whether from the lights or the alcohol.
The corners of his eyes were red.
Two empty bottles sat on the table.
He kept drinking, one gulp after another.
Charlie quickly sat down. "Ethan, stop drinking…"
"I know you're hurting. But there are so many women out there! Maybe… let it go? You can have any woman you want."
Ethan didn't speak.
The music thumped around them.
Laughter drifted through the door crack.
His consciousness began to blur.
He suddenly spoke. "Remember this bar?"
Charlie was stunned.
He looked around.
Then he remembered something.
He gasped.
This bar.
Was the very place.
Where Ethan held Isabella and broke up with Sophia during his birthday celebration!
And it was even the same private room!