Chapter 4

Sophia definitely knew about my allergy, and an embarrassed expression flashed across her face. She reached out to help me, but I brushed her hand away.

Once I returned home, I began running a high fever. Since I remained cold and distant, Sophia seemed to harbor resentment as well.

After I took my medicine, just as I was drifting into sleep, Adrian knocked on our door. "Soph, I'm having trouble sleeping..."

In my hazy state, I felt Sophia get up beside me. A little while later, I heard her soft voice sing in the guest room.

Maybe my weakened condition made the pain worse. I sweat profusely until the medication finally pulled me into a deep sleep.

When I woke, it was already noon the next day. Covered in sweat, I headed to the kitchen for water, only to find Sophia at the dining table, meticulously cracking crab shells for Adrian.

"You shouldn't bother. It's too much trouble. Just wait and enjoy," Sophia said sweetly.

As soon as I walked into the kitchen, Adrian looked up and said, "Mr. Young, you're finally up. Well, I'm craving crabs. There's one crab left. Would you like it?"

Before I could respond, Sophia coldly interjected, "Don't mind him. It's just a minor injury, but he slept in until noon without even thinking about the guest at home. He's being way too childish."

Ignoring them, I walked straight into the kitchen. Their whispers continued behind me.

I bitterly recalled the times I had wanted seafood, but Sophia always dismissed it as too costly and troublesome, insisting I make do with canned food instead. Love and indifference had never been clearer.

After I showered, I noticed they had already gone out, and Sophia had left me a text.

"Adie hasn't been around town in a long time, so I'm taking him sightseeing. We won't be back for dinner tonight. Since you're injured, just rest at home."

I didn't care where they went or whether they returned.

After I cleaned up, I stopped by a realtor and then headed to my office to finalize the job handovers. Thankfully, the country where I was going to further my studies didn't require a visa, which saved me from any additional delays.

Two days later, the realtor called and said someone was interested. "They're getting ready to get married, so the house is a perfect fit. But about the price..."

"I can lower it slightly, but I need the deal finalized quickly."

Suddenly, Sophia's voice echoed behind me, "What needs to be finalized quickly?"

Sophia and Adrian had been coming home very late, and I no longer cared. Today, she'd finished work early and caught me on the phone.

"It's work-related," I casually explained. Without questioning further, she took out a beautifully wrapped gift from her handbag. It was a branded lighter I'd wanted for ages.

Back then, she used to scold me for spending too much and wouldn't let me buy it. But now, she bought it for me as a gift.

Clearing her throat, she said, "I have something to discuss with you. Didn't you say you couldn't find a suitable best man? Adie's free now, and I think he's perfect. Make sure you look after him during the ceremony."

Her tone left no room for discussion.

The idea that the groom should take care of the best man was ridiculous. Still, I simply nodded and replied calmly, "Sure."

Whether Adrian ended up being the best man or the groom was no longer my concern. My easy agreement seemed to puzzle her slightly, but seeing nothing suspicious in my expression, she didn't press further.

Sophia planned a simple wedding—no fancy ceremony, just a dinner reception at a hotel. It matched her usual way of doing things, and she always reminded me to save money.

We each drove separately. When we reached the intersection, Sophia's car moved straight ahead while I quietly turned toward the airport.

As soon as I arrived, my phone buzzed with her text message. "Did you forget the way? Turn back immediately. Don't mess things up."

Ignoring her, I blocked all her contacts and headed straight to the boarding gate. I hoped Sophia and Adrian would have an unforgettable wedding day.