Chapter 44
Sebastian Evans's birthday party was grand.
Crystal chandeliers refracted dazzling light.
Amid the perfumed crowd and elegant attire, Isabella Langley held onto Ethan Roscente's arm, her smile sweet.
She was whispering something.
Ethan suddenly stiffened.
He jerked his hand back.
Isabella froze, looking up.
Sophia Sullivan stood not far away.
She wore a simple black dress, her face free of makeup, yet she was still striking.
Ethan frowned at Sebastian Evans. "You invited her?"
Sebastian swirled his wine glass, smiling casually. "We're all friends. Of course I did."
"Why didn't you tell me beforehand?"
"Forgot." Sebastian shrugged. "Is it that important?"
Sophia had already walked over.
She handed a gift box to Sebastian. "Happy birthday."
Sebastian took it, his fingertips brushing the back of her hand.
Sophia quickly withdrew her hand.
"A drink?" Sebastian picked up a glass from a waiter's tray. "Bottoms up."
He threw his head back and drained it.
Sophia had no choice but to pick up a glass as well.
The red wine went down her throat, and she frowned slightly.
"I have things to do. I should go."
Sebastian stopped her. "In such a hurry? At least stay for the cake."
Sophia checked the time and nodded in agreement.
The alcohol was slowly taking effect.
The warm air was making her dizzy.
She headed to the garden for some air.
Ethan watched her retreating back, his expression dark.
Isabella leaned against him softly. "Ethan, I don't feel well. Could you take me to the lounge?"
Her voice was sweet, but her eyes flickered toward the garden.
Ethan pulled his gaze back, his tone irritable. "Let's go."
Sophia walked along the garden path.
The cold air cleared her head considerably.
The Evans family garden was astonishingly luxurious.
Rare, expensive trees were everywhere.
She took a deep breath and prepared to go back.
Suddenly, someone embraced her from behind.
Hot breath fanned her neck.
It carried the scent of alcohol.
Sophia stiffened, thinking it was Ethan.
She was about to struggle when she heard a low chuckle.
She whirled around to meet Sebastian's amused eyes.
"Why is it you?" She stepped back in alarm.
Sebastian advanced a step. "Who did you think it was?"
"You're drunk."
"I'm perfectly sober." His gaze was intense. "I want to kiss you."
Sophia stood frozen.
Her mind went completely blank.
Sebastian curled his lips into a smile. "Scared?"
"You... Do you know what you're saying?"
"Of course." His tone was certain. "I like you."
Sophia was utterly bewildered.
"That's impossible..."
"Why is it impossible?" Sebastian took another step forward. "You've already broken up."
"Even so, you're his friend!"
"So what?" Sebastian chuckled lightly. "I can't pursue you?"
Sophia shook her head. "I don't like you."
"That's alright." He didn't seem surprised. "I can wait."
"Please don't do this."
Sebastian suddenly reached out to grab her.
Sophia hurriedly stepped back.
She bumped into a solid chest.
Ethan's face was livid as he threw a punch at Sebastian.
Sebastian staggered back, blood immediately gushing from his nose.
Ethan grabbed him by the collar and threw another punch.
"Sebastian Evans! Are you even human?!"
Sophia was shocked into stillness.
Ethan's eyes were bloodshot as he pointed at her and roared, "She's my woman! How dare you touch her!"