Chapter 62
She had to accept them.
She received more and more.
Isabella Langley stared, dumbfounded.
Olivia Lopez felt like crying.
Ethan Roscente's face turned stormy.
Sophia Sullivan looked at the few roses in her hand, her eyes reddening with anger.
Are these people blind?
Olivia Lopez even changed into a more conservative one-piece swimsuit midway. It was downright frumpy!
Yet, somehow, she held Ethan Roscente's captivated gaze.
A wide-brimmed straw hat with a light-colored ribbon accentuated her ethereal grace.
She simply stood there chatting and laughing with Isabella Langley, yet she attracted all the attention.
"Does it hurt?" Sebastian Evans appeared beside Ethan Roscente unexpectedly. "She never belonged to anyone."
Ethan Roscente clenched his fist, remaining silent.
"You can't hide her light."
Sebastian Evans withdrew his gaze, a faint smile curling his lips. "You lost your own rose. It's too late for regrets now."
A fist shot past Sebastian Evans's face.
Ethan Roscente sneered coldly. "You have no right to lecture me. She is the rose I nurtured. From her budding youth to her full bloom, every step bears my mark. Six years. Do you know all her preferences and habits?"
Sebastian Evans's eyes turned cold.
He knew Ethan Roscente was right. Over those six years, Olivia Lopez had left countless times, but she always returned to him.
This bond was far deeper than he had imagined.
Sophia Sullivan watched the two men vie for Olivia Lopez's attention, biting her lip in jealousy until it bled.
Why?
Why does everyone only see her?
...
Olivia Lopez received the most roses of the evening.
All eyes were fixed on her, as if she were the only source of light.
Isabella Langley took frantic pictures from the sidelines, jumping with excitement.
The blonde host announced with a smile, "Congratulations to this Eastern lady for becoming tonight's Rose Queen! Please unveil your mystery grand prize—"
An exquisite gift box was placed in Olivia Lopez's hands.
"Open it now?"
"Of course! Let's witness it together! Three, two, one!"
Olivia Lopez untied the ribbon as the countdown concluded.
Suddenly—
The helicopter's roar faded into the distance.
Sophia Sullivan stood still, the sea breeze tangling her hair.
She stared in that direction, unable to look away.
Olivia Lopez placed a concerned hand on her shoulder. "Sophia?"
Sophia snapped out of her daze and shook her head gently.
She tried to force a smile, but failed.
"Let's go back," she said softly.
Olivia nodded, linking arms with her as they walked back.
Sebastian Evans stood not far away, a slight smirk playing on his lips.
This game was getting more and more interesting.
…
In the hospital, Isabella Langley slowly opened her eyes.
Ethan Roscente immediately stepped closer. "How do you feel?"
She offered a weak smile. "Okay…"
The doctor finished the examination and confirmed she was fine.
They returned to the island via helicopter.
Ethan arranged for a doctor to accompany them and provide care.
In the room, Isabella leaned against the headboard, her face pale.
"Baby, I'm scared…" She clutched the hem of Ethan's shirt.
Ethan frowned but didn't push her away.
"The doctor is right outside. You'll be fine."
Tears welled in Isabella's eyes. "But it really hurts…"
Ethan was silent for a moment, his resolve softening.
He remembered how she had thrown herself in front of him without hesitation.
"Thank you," he said quietly.
Isabella shook her head. "I'd do anything for you."
She leaned against his chest, her voice soft. "You protect Sophia Sullivan. I protect you."
Ethan stiffened slightly.
Those words struck a chord deep within him.
He looked down at the girl in his arms, his expression complex.
Isabella looked up, her gaze firm. "I know you still love her, but I can wait."
Ethan didn't answer.
He only patted her back gently.
Outside, the sound of waves echoed.
The room was silent.
Isabella closed her eyes, a faint smile curling her lips.
She had won this bet.