Chapter 337
Anna Ross walked for a long time against the night wind.
Only when the cold breeze had dissipated some of the heaviness in her heart did she turn and head toward home.
As soon as she reached the building's entrance, she noticed light seeping through the crack under the door.
She paused mid-step.
A wave of confusion washed over her.
At this hour, no one should be home.
Could it be a burglar?
She dismissed the thought immediately.
What burglar would be so brazen as to turn on the lights?
She pushed the door open gently.
Her heartbeat quickened involuntarily.
The door hinges made a faint creaking sound.
The scene in the living room left her frozen in place.
Sophia Roscente was curled up on the sofa.
Her shoulders trembled slightly.
She clutched a tissue in her hand.
Tear stains still glistened on her cheeks.
Seeing Anna return, she lifted her red, swollen eyes.
Tears began to fall uncontrollably again.
"Sis... you're finally back."
Her voice was thick with congestion, punctuated by sobs.
She looked utterly heartbroken.
Anna quickly set down her bag.
She changed into slippers and walked over to her.
Gently, she wrapped an arm around Sophia's shoulders.
"Sophia."
"What's wrong?"
"Who hurt you?"
She took a tissue and carefully wiped away her tears.
"Whatever it is, you can tell me," she soothed softly.
"Don't keep it bottled up inside."
Sophia buried herself in Anna's embrace.
Tears soaked through Anna's blouse.
"I'm so sorry, sis..." she mumbled, her voice muffled.
Anna was taken aback.
"What happened?" she asked, puzzled.
"Why are you saying that?"
She patted Sophia's back gently, trying to calm her.
"You're always welcome here."
"There's no need to apologize."
Sophia just shook her head.
Her tears fell even harder.
But she refused to say another word.
Anna didn't press further.
She simply stayed with her quietly.
Only when Sophia's sobs gradually subsided did Anna get up to pour a glass of warm water.
Sophia's eyes were swollen like walnuts.
She looked especially pitiful.
Anna sighed.
She went to the bathroom and filled a basin with warm water.
She soaked a towel and gently placed it over Sophia's eyes.
The warm steam soothed her dry, tired skin.
"Sis," Sophia asked softly, "what kind of person do you think my cousin is?"
Anna's movements stilled.
Her gaze drifted toward the window.
The night was deep and starless.
Silence stretched between them.
It lasted so long that Sophia thought she wouldn't get an answer.
Just as she was about to speak again, Anna replied tonelessly, "To me, he's just my boss."
"Nothing more needs to be said."
Sophia bit her lower lip.
Her nails dug deeply into her palms.
A sour ache spread through her chest.
Anna removed the now-cool towel.
She carried the basin into the bathroom.
The sound of running water filled the room.
By the time Anna finished her shower, Sophia had fallen asleep on the sofa.
A teardrop still clung to the corner of her eye.
Anna quietly covered her with a blanket.
She returned to her bedroom alone.
But sleep eluded her as she lay in bed.
She stared at the ceiling.
Her mind was a tangled mess.
She knew she shouldn't feel this way.
Yet she couldn't control her own heart.
......
Early the next morning, Anna was awakened by the chime of her phone.