Isabella searched for Livinus’s background online and was floored. The man was far from simple.
“Don’t worry, I won’t tell the others. I’ll keep your secret.”
Sophia smiled. “They already know.”
“What?!”
Before long, Isabella shared the video in their dorm group chat. The responses poured in.
Barbara commented, “Sophia, impressive! You’re probably the best dancer among medicine practitioners.”
“My Sophia is amazing! CEO and public love confession? Unparalleled!”
Jennifer: “Am I the only one focused on that ring? Spill! How much did it cost?”
Barbara: “I already looked it up. Prepare to be shocked! Also, her car costs several million.”
“Rich lady! I’m clinging to your coattails!”
“Rich lady, please sponsor me!”
Sophia laughed. One of her roommates, Scarlett, was still clueless, exclaiming along with Isabella. Except for Anna, all her dorm mates were active in the chat.
Sophia stared at Anna’s darkened profile picture for a long time.
—
Backstage, Sophia observed the other performances. As Livinus had mentioned, their usually solemn boss had put on all kinds of entertaining acts, including cross-dressing in a comedy sketch, which left everyone in stitches. Compared to these, their dance was indeed the most relaxed act.
While Livinus stayed behind for the prize draw, Sophia decided to drive herself home.
Unexpectedly, as soon as she reached the underground parking lot, she felt someone was following her.
The venue’s parking lot had two levels. Sophia was on the second basement level. It was winter, and the parking lot was cold and dim. With the event still ongoing and music blaring above, the lot was eerily deserted.
“Who’s there?”
Sophia hurriedly got into the car. Just as she was about to start the engine, an arm suddenly reached in through the open window. Her heart nearly leapt out of her chest. Even with her usual composure, this situation had her panicked.
She pressed the car window button firmly, ready to drive off, when she heard someone shout in pain, “Sophia, it’s me!”
Sophia froze, frowning. “Henry?”
“It’s me!” he snapped, glaring at her. “So it really is you!”
Henry had clearly dressed up for the occasion, looking sharp and presentable.
Sophia rolled her eyes. “You know, you look decent enough to be human. So why don’t you act like one?”
“Who are you calling names?!”
Unbothered, Sophia retorted impatiently, “What do you want?”
Henry snorted, his expression dark. “Let me be frank—there’s no future for you and Livinus. My grandfather will never approve of this relationship. No matter how well he treats you, you’ll never step through the gates of the Scott family! I suggest you leave him before it gets messy. If my grandfather finds out, you’ll regret it.”
Sophia rolled her eyes again. “I honestly don’t understand why I ever liked you.”
Her past self must have had terrible taste to fall for someone like him.
“You talk as if you’re not Sophia anymore. I’m genuinely trying to help you, but you just don’t appreciate it!”
“Alright, thanks for your concern. Should I give you an award for being a good citizen?” She started the engine, preparing to leave.
“Wait! Sophia, tell me honestly—did Livinus already sleep with you?” Henry’s eyes gleamed maliciously as he shouted like a madman.
“You think he’s sincere? He’s just using you for fun! Once he’s bored, he’ll kick you to the curb. Someone like you can’t bring him any benefits! He’s a businessman who calculates everything. Marrying you would be a losing deal. Once he’s done with you, you’ll be nothing but trash to him!”
Without a word, Sophia grabbed a bottle of water and poured it over his face.
“Wash out that filthy mouth of yours!”
Drenched, Henry was about to explode when Sophia started driving forward. He clung to the car for a few steps before letting go. Stumbling, he hit his head against a nearby pillar, drawing blood.
Clutching his bleeding forehead, he screamed furiously, “Sophia, you lunatic! You’ll regret this!”
—
That night, Livinus returned late. The smell of alcohol clung to him as he lay on the bed, playfully rubbing his stubble against Sophia’s cheek.
Sophia pushed him away. “Why are you back so late?”
It was already past midnight.
“I had a few drinks with some senior executives.”
“Go wash up and get some sleep.”
“Alright.” As he ruffled her messy hair, he suddenly asked, “Sophia, have you ever thought about having a child with me?”
Startled, she blinked. “What?”
“Never mind. Go to sleep.”
“Okay.” Turning her back to him, she opened her eyes. Livinus’s question lingered in her mind. Why was he suddenly talking about having a child? Normally, people discuss marriage first before jumping to children.
When she eventually fell asleep, Livinus quietly opened a drawer and pulled out a document. He stared at it for a long time before stepping out onto the balcony.
The city, along with the surrounding mountains, was deep in slumber. The stillness of the mountain night contrasted sharply with the turbulence in Livinus’s heart.
