Chapter 54

The lights were dim and hazy.

During the partner swap, Sophia Sullivan clearly saw the stunned expression on Isabella Langley's face.

The next second, her wrist was gripped tightly.

Ethan Roscente's palm was warm, his other arm possessively encircling her waist.

He shot Sebastian Evans a challenging glance before looking down at her, his gaze softening.

"Sophia, are you still angry?"

Sophia lowered her eyes, offering no response.

"I went to your place. No one answered." His voice was low and hoarse, tinged with hurt. "If Sebastian hadn't changed your flight details, I would have found you sooner."

She remained silent.

"I'm late. You're upset, aren't you?"

Ethan looked at her, his tone gentle.

Under the spotlight earlier, he had recognized Sophia immediately.

Seeing her dance with Sebastian, his hand on her waist, was agonizing.

Six years, and he had never shared a dance with her.

So when the chance to switch partners came, he didn't hesitate to let Isabella go.

He thought he could win her back like before.

With enough time and effort, she would always soften.

"Sophia, are you really going to be this cruel?" His grip tightened. "I know Sebastian and Alexander Laurent are just ways to make me jealous. It bothers me. It really does."

Words like that used to thrill her.

Now, they just felt too late.

When she realized she was constantly anxious about losing him, she knew their relationship was already over.

"Six years of feelings, so many memories. Can you really just throw them all away?"

Sophia frowned. "You're hurting me."

Ethan immediately released her. "Sorry…"

The music stopped, and she quickly stepped out of his embrace.

"I've already forgotten the past." Her voice was calm. "Once you make a choice, you should stick to it. Don't make every woman who's with you feel disillusioned."

With that, she turned and walked away, her figure disappearing into the darkness.

Elsewhere, Sebastian danced distractedly with Isabella, his eyes never leaving Sophia.

Seeing their unhappy parting, the corner of his mouth lifted.

He knew all too well how Ethan tried to win people over.

Gifts, apologies, sweet talk.

Unfortunately, it didn't work anymore.

"Sebastian seems pleased?" Isabella spoke suddenly, her expression innocent.

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "Of course."

"Because Ethan was rejected?"

He looked at her properly for the first time. "Isn't that what you wanted to see too?"

Isabella admitted freely. "Yes. I want to stay by his side."

"Then I wish you a happy union." Sebastian released her hand and stepped back.

She smiled and nodded. "I also wish Sebastian success in winning his beauty."

Sebastian turned away, casting a sympathetic glance at Ethan.

He thought he'd caught a little rabbit, but it turned out to be a viper.

As the two men passed each other, Ethan spoke coldly. "Stay away from her."

Sebastian paused. "You have no right to say that."

"At least I was legitimate once. What are you?" Ethan's eyes were dark. "Without me, she wouldn't have given you a second glance."

Sebastian gave a light laugh. "Don't forget, you're in the same boat as me now. An ex and a pursuer. Both strangers to her."

He said no more, leaving through another exit.

…

Sophia returned to her room, removed her mask, and showered.

She walked out to the second-floor balcony, her hair still damp.

The night breeze carried the salty scent of the sea.

The sound of the tides rose and fell, soothing her restless heart.

In the distance, lights stretched into a continuous line, like fallen starlight.

The gentle night healed all unease.

The balcony of the next overwater bungalow lit up.

Sebastian appeared by the railing.

He stared blankly at her silhouette under the light, her fair skin seeming to glow softly.

Sophia seemed to sense something and turned her head.

Sebastian snapped out of it and opened his palm. "Your earring."

She instinctively touched her earlobe. She had noticed one missing when she removed her makeup.

"Thank you." She took it, but he didn't leave.

"I've been to many places, but only the Maldives makes me feel relaxed." He looked out at the distant sea. "Like this ocean. Vast. Accepting."

Sophia felt the same.

Before coming, the pressure from her thesis and Ethan's persistence had exhausted her.

After arriving here, her mood miraculously calmed.

Sebastian felt her gaze and asked softly, "Do you have something to say to me?"

Sophia looked at him with a complex expression. "Let's make a deal. Can you stop pursuing me? Knowing it's hopeless and still trying is just a waste of time."