Chapter 31
Henry Lorenz truly lived up to being Professor Eleanor Watson's most valued student.
His research focus differed from Sophia Sullivan's.
Yet they found an unexpected rapport discussing academics.
A smile touched Sophia's eyes.
She was currently preparing for her graduate school entrance exams.
Her foundational knowledge was already solid.
But she lacked understanding of cutting-edge research directions.
This required extensive reading of academic papers.
As a current graduate student, Henry naturally had an advantage over her, who had left campus years ago.
They stood talking in the hallway.
Neither noticed the gloomy gaze fixed on them from behind.
Ethan Roscente clenched his fists.
His nails dug deeply into his palms.
She had been so cruel to him.
No matter how he pleaded, she refused to come see him.
Yet here she was, smiling so happily with another man.
Sophia had prepared a table full of sumptuous dishes.
There was a variety of cuisines.
Henry stared, dumbfounded.
"All this food... just for the two of us?"
Sophia's lips curved into a smile.
"You've helped me so much."
"Of course I need to thank you properly."
Henry scratched his head, slightly embarrassed.
"I really didn't do much."
"You're far more impressive than I imagined."
He had noticed during their study sessions.
Sophia's learning ability was exceptional.
She understood concepts immediately.
Never needing to be taught twice.
"It's not just the studying."
"Thank you for helping me find research papers."
"And for getting me access to the MIT library."
Henry's eyes widened in surprise.
"You're still reading papers?"
He finally understood why Professor Watson thought so highly of her.
Henry stayed for a while after dinner.
Seeing it was late, he got up to leave.
Sophia walked him downstairs.
She took the trash out with her.
"The food was delicious, thank you."
"You're welcome."
"Well then..." Henry scratched his head, "See you at the library tomorrow?"
"Okay."
Alexander Laurent was returning from the lab.
He happened to see the two standing in front of the apartment building.
His gaze swept over Henry.
He looked somewhat familiar.
"From MIT?"
"Professor Laurent! I'm from the School of Life Sciences."
"I took your Fundamental Principles of Physics course last semester."
"Hmm."
Sophia wanted to greet him.
But Alexander walked straight upstairs.
Henry rubbed his hands together excitedly.
"I didn't know Professor Laurent lived here too!"
"His classes are so hard to get into."
"My roommate couldn't get a spot."
"I heard mostly girls manage to enroll..."
Alexander reached the corner.
He glanced back downstairs.
That guy...
Henry Lorenz, was it?
First time he'd seen Sophia bring someone home.
Boyfriend?
He chuckled softly and shook his head.
None of his business.
After seeing Henry off.
Sophia turned to throw the garbage in the alley.
A dark figure suddenly rushed out from the side.
Grabbing her wrist forcefully.
Sophia shuddered in fright.
She was about to struggle.
But then she heard a familiar voice.
Sarcastic and biting.
"Getting bold, aren't we, Sophia Sullivan."
"One wild man after another."
"Playing quite the field."
The man's tone turned abruptly dark.
"Who was that guy just now?"
"What were you doing upstairs?"
Sophia's smile vanished instantly.
Her wrist ached from his tight grip.
She struggled hard.
But was no match for the man's brute strength.
The more she struggled.
The tighter he held.
"Ethan Roscente, let go!"
"Answer me first!"
Sophia winced in pain, frowning.
"What's it to you?"
"An ex-boyfriend showing concern for his ex-girlfriend's love life."
"Is that so wrong?"
Sophia looked up with a cold laugh.
"So you do remember you're the ex-boyfriend."
"Then what are you doing here?"
Ethan was speechless.
"...Can't I just be passing by?"
An old man's cursing came from the alley entrance.
"Who blocked the road with their car?"
"Think you're something special with a sports car?"
"Absolutely no manners!"
Ethan: "..."
The Porsche being yelled at was indeed his car.
Sophia couldn't be bothered to ask more.
She finished throwing the trash and turned.
"Even if I have someone new."
"One, two, three, or four."
"It's none of your business."
"We've broken up."
"I don't need to explain what 'broken up' means, do I?"
"Your future has nothing to do with me."
"Please don't interfere with my present or future either."
She paused.
"Let's just be strangers."
"I don't know how you found this place."
"But please don't come again."
"I don't want your girlfriend to misunderstand."
"Since you chose to make it official with her."
"Please be devoted to her."
Sophia had been hurt herself.
She didn't want Isabella Langley to go through the same thing.
Youth should bloom freely.
It shouldn't be trampled on.
Everyone must take responsibility for their choices.
Ethan chose Isabella.
She chose to break up.
They both needed to move on.
Ethan stood frozen in place.
Not reacting for a long time.
Sophia turned and left.
Ethan watched her retreating figure.
For the first time, he felt a pang of panic.
It was as if something was slipping away.
He wanted to grasp it.
But was powerless.
"...Are you serious, Sophia Sullivan?"
"Yes." She didn't look back.
"You've said that before too..."
They had fought many times.
But never once had he felt this panicked.
She said "break up" so calmly.
As if she really wouldn't look back.
Ethan reached out, wanting to stop her.
But couldn't utter a single word.
He was the one who brought up the breakup.
He was the one who let go first.
Sophia returned home.
She sat quietly on the sofa.
Ethan showing up.
Didn't surprise her.
Compared to their rushed breakup last time.
This felt more like a real farewell.
After Sophia left.
Ethan stood downstairs for a long time.
Until the old man threatened to call the police to tow his car.
He had no choice but to leave.
"So the car is yours!"
"I've been yelling forever, are you deaf?!"
Ethan slammed the accelerator.
He sped back to the Beverly Hills mansion in twenty minutes.
Martha was simmering soup in the kitchen.
The loud noise made her jump.
She turned to see Ethan storm through the living room, radiating anger.
He went straight upstairs without a word.
Martha's heart sank.
What set him off this time?