Chapter 28
Sophia Sullivan finished her morning run.
She stepped out of the shower.
A new pink succulent sat on her balcony.
She poked it gently.
Soft and tender.
Her mood lifted inexplicably.
Her phone vibrated on the table.
The screen showed Charlie Lowell.
She answered the call.
"Charlie? What's up?"
"Hey Sophia, how have you been?"
"Not bad. You?"
Charlie immediately straightened up.
"I... haven't been great."
Sophia frowned.
"What's wrong?"
"Stayed up late drinking. My stomach's upset." His voice was weak. "Sophia, I don't want anything else, just your special oatmeal porridge. I'm really craving it... Would that be okay?"
He didn't dare mention Ethan Roscente.
This was his roundabout way of asking.
Sophia and Charlie had a good relationship.
He had asked.
She checked the time.
"It's fine. I'll go buy groceries now. You can pick it up at noon."
"Thanks, Sophia! You're the best! I'll text you later."
Sophia chuckled softly.
...
Noon.
Charlie drove to the area near MIT following the address.
He turned down several alleys.
Found the building.
Seventh floor. No elevator.
He looked up.
Swallowed hard.
Five minutes later.
He stood panting before the door.
Sweat dripped from his forehead.
Sophia opened the door and handed him water.
"Rough climb?"
Charlie waved a hand.
"Exhausting, Sophia. Why do you live somewhere so out of the way?"
He almost said shabby.
Caught himself just in time.
"It's quiet. Convenient."
She brought out the prepared porridge.
"Just made it. Eat it while it's warm. There's some side dishes too, careful not to spill."
Charlie opened the lid.
A fragrant aroma wafted out.
No wonder someone missed it so much.
He nodded.
"Got it. Thanks, Sophia. I'll treat you to a meal later."
As he left, he hesitated and turned back.
"Sophia, you..."
Sophia lit up her phone screen.
"It's one o'clock. I need to head out. Should I walk you down?"
The unspoken words died in his throat.
Charlie nodded.
"Okay."
Sophia watched the sports car drive away.
The smile faded from her lips.
She had a good idea what Charlie wanted to say.
But right now.
She didn't want to hear it.
...
Hospital room.
Charlie placed the thermal container down.
"This one will definitely hit the spot."
Ethan Roscente opened the lid suspiciously.
Took a taste.
His expression softened.
Talked so tough.
Acted so final.
Yet still softened in the end.
He took another spoonful.
Glanced toward the door.
"Where is she?"
"Who?" Charlie was confused.
"She made this, right? Had a change of heart? Is she coming back?"
Ethan raised an eyebrow and snorted.
"What does she think this is? A hotel? A restaurant? Come and go as she pleases?"
Sebastian Evans sat on the sofa.
Watched Charlie's awkwardness.
A faint, amused smile played on his lips.
"Well, you really don't need to worry about that. Charlie lied and said he wanted it. That's why Sophia made the porridge. She definitely isn't coming herself."
Ethan's face darkened instantly.
He shot a cold glare at Charlie.
"Did I tell you to go? Who said you could take matters into your own hands?"
Charlie shrank back.
Cleared his throat softly.
"I was just worried about your health. You haven't eaten much these past few days. If it weren't for Sophia's porridge, you'd still be starving..."
Ethan remained silent, his expression cold.
"By the way, the place Sophia lives now is really small and run-down. No elevator. She climbs seven floors every day. Must be tough." He spoke while watching Ethan's reaction.
Noticed that although Ethan said she deserved it.
A flicker of concern passed through his eyes.
Hmm.
Still couldn't let go.
Charlie was about to continue.
A cooing "Baby~" came from the doorway.
Charlie and Sebastian shuddered.
Goosebumps covered their arms.
Isabella Langley hadn't received any messages for days.
His phone was unreachable.
She only found out Ethan was hospitalized with a bleeding ulcer after asking Julian Winston.
She panicked immediately.
Skipped class and rushed straight to the hospital.
Seeing Ethan pale in a hospital gown.
Her lips quivered and tears fell.
"Baby~ I'm sorry I just found out you were hospitalized. Are you hurting anywhere else? You look awful. Should I call a doctor?"
The rapid-fire questions were annoying.
Even more irritating was her incessant crying.
Not only was Ethan exasperated.
Charlie and Sebastian found it noisy too.
Ethan rubbed his temples.
"I'm fine now. Please stop crying."
He suddenly missed the days with Sophia.
If it were her.
And he was sick.
No matter how upset, she would have everything arranged methodically.
Isabella was good at reading moods.
The moment Ethan's expression shifted.
She knew to pull back a little.
Her sobs quieted to soft sniffles.
Eyes red.
Full of worry and heartache.
Ethan saw she had stopped talking.
Just looking at him with tear-washed eyes.
His heart softened.
"My illness was sudden, but it's not serious. I'm okay now. You should head back to school."
Isabella pressed her lips together.
"Are you sure you don't need me to stay? I can make some oatmeal porridge..."
Charlie burst out laughing.
He went through so much trouble to get this porridge.
And now another volunteer offering to make more.
Was it really that funny?
Isabella didn't usually interact much with Charlie and the others.
His laugh made her notice the other people in the room.
Hearing it, she felt a spark of anger.
It's just porridge.
What's so funny?
Ethan understood.
Frowned and spoke flatly.
"It's not necessary. Go back to school."
Isabella heard the impatience in his voice.
Didn't dare argue.
Said a meek "okay" and left.
Once she was gone.
Sebastian, who had been silent, stood up.
"Are you going to finish that porridge?"
Ethan wanted to say no.
But finally, looking at the bowl.
His face dark, he said coldly.
"Who said I wasn't going to drink it?"