Chapter 395

Sebastian Evans gestured for her to open the door.

Sophia Sullivan reached for the doorknob.

She gave it a gentle push.

The door swung open.

She had always known Sebastian had excellent taste.

But the sight before her still exceeded all expectations.

The air carried a faint scent of mint.

It was her favorite fragrance.

The entire room was decorated in light tones.

The warm, soft beige of the walls.

Thick, plush carpeting covered the wooden floor.

It would feel wonderful under bare feet.

A full-wall bookcase stood against one wall.

A reading chair was placed in front of it.

Sunlight streamed in through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

She imagined reading here.

It would be pure bliss.

The room also had a small side table and a cozy beanbag chair.

It even included a compact tea station.

She drew back the curtains.

Outside was a private balcony.

The view was expansive.

She could see distant mountains and forests.

It was utterly breathtaking.

"Do you like it?"

Sophia turned to look at Sebastian.

She nodded.

"Thank you. I love it."

Her gaze returned to the window.

"Everything right now feels like a dream."

"When I read fairy tales as a child."

"Cinderella becoming a princess and returning to the castle."

"This must be how it felt."

Her tone was light.

Her expression calm.

Though delighted, she wasn't swept away.

Sebastian spoke suddenly.

"You're not Cinderella."

Sophia raised an eyebrow at him.

"Cinderella is always fragile."

"Always waiting for the prince to save her."

"You wouldn't."

"You would take the initiative to break free."

"You would save yourself."

Sebastian's lips curved into a slight smile.

"You're not Cinderella."

"You're more like Elsa."

"Brave and full of wisdom."

Sophia couldn't help but laugh.

"Such high praise from you, brother?"

"Must be seeing me through rose-colored glasses?"

The man's smile faded.

"It's an objective assessment."

"Sebastian…"

"I know what you're going to say."

He interrupted her calmly.

"To you."

"I have many identities."

"Your ex-boyfriend's close friend."

"A friend who helped you."

"Your cousin by blood."

"A potential business partner."

"But never…"

"Could I be your boyfriend."

Sophia pressed her lips together.

She remained silent.

"Curious why I like you?"

Sebastian gazed into the distance.

He continued without waiting for her answer.

"Some people."

"You meet them just once."

"And they become the unparalleled sea, the peerless cloud."

After that.

Water is merely water.

Clouds are merely clouds.

He suddenly turned his head.

His deep, dark eyes fixed on her.

His gaze held an unspoken fondness and deep attachment.

Sophia thought he would say more.

But he didn't.

He just looked at her.

With an intensity she felt she couldn't reciprocate.

"There are many kinds of love in this world."

"And more than one type of relationship between people."

"Lovers may part."

"But family is forever."

"Isn't that good enough?"

Sebastian smiled.

Noncommittal.

"Our relationship now."

"Has at least one advantage for me."

"From now on, I can protect you openly."

"Keep you from harm."

"Since you call me brother."

"Don't ever worry about owing me favors in the future."

"Don't carry any psychological burden."

"Just come to me."

"A sister ordering her brother around."

"Is only natural."

"Okay."

Sophia breathed a soft sigh of relief.

She thought he had accepted the title of brother.

And presumably abandoned those unrealistic ideas.

But what she didn't see.

Was after she turned away.

The look Sebastian gave her retreating figure was dark and heavy.

Like two bottomless whirlpools.

Beneath the surface lay suppressed deep affection and an unshakable obsession.

Dinnertime.

The elderly lady led Sophia to the dining table.

"These are dishes your mother said you liked."

"I hope they suit your taste."

"Sit down and try them."

Sophia was mentally prepared.

But she was still astonished by the table laden with food.

They were indeed all her favorites.

"This is too much."

Florence Atlante waved her hand with a smile.

"Not at all, not at all."

"Just take a bite of each."

Touched, Sophia was effusive in her praise.

"Grandmother, you're amazing."

"It already smells delicious."

Florence beamed.

"For my precious granddaughter."

"This is nothing."

"If you like it, come every day."

"Grandmother will cook delicious food for you daily."

Isaac Atlante pretended to be jealous.

"Grandmother hasn't cooked in so many years."

"Today she prepares such a feast."

"Only you get this treatment."

"Sebastian and I are just extras."

"Not important, not important."

Sebastian nodded in agreement.

"Grandmother used to favor me the most."

"But now the new replaces the old."

Florence shot them a look.

"Shoo, shoo."

"I'm talking to my granddaughter."

"Stop causing trouble."

She pulled Sophia to sit on her right.

Directly separating her from Isaac.

The old man chuckled in mock exasperation.

Just a few comments.

And she was really being petty.

But he looked at Sophia speaking softly.

Then at the joy in his wife's eyes.

The smile on his lips deepened unconsciously.

It was good.

The hardships were over.

The storm had finally passed, and the sky was clear again.