Chapter 3

I finally breathed a sigh of relief.

But that bedroom door never opened again that night.

Sophia stayed in the living room and talked with Charles all night about the extreme-heat apocalypse.

I could already imagine what excuse she would use if I went out there.

Academic research? A professor-student discussion?

I had heard those excuses too many times. I was sick of them.

I was so disappointed that I no longer wanted to open that door.

The extreme heat was already hard enough to endure. Getting angry would only make things worse.

I needed to save my energy so I could get Sienna and myself out of there.

Besides, in a situation like this, love and marriage seemed far less important.

After thinking it over, I went to sleep.

But to my surprise, Charles didn't leave the next morning.

Instead, he openly sat at the dining table and ate breakfast from one of my plates.

When he saw me come out, he politely greeted me, "Hello, Mr. Coleman. My AC broke down, so I came over early this morning. I'm really sorry if I caused you any trouble."

I glanced at the couch, where the blanket he had used was still lying there. I pulled my lips into a sarcastic smile.

But neither of them tried to explain. Maybe they simply couldn't be bothered.

"Ethan, come have some breakfast."

Sophia had actually cooked breakfast herself.

In front of Charles, she was playing the role of the perfect housewife.

When Charles picked up his fork again, I stared at the plate in his hands.

It was the plate Sophia and I had made ourselves five years ago on Valentine's Day.

She had carved a promise into the bottom. A promise that she would stay with me forever. That plate had always been special to us. It was almost like a symbol of our love.

And now another man was using it.

Sophia noticed where I was looking and casually said, "Oh, he likes it. Just let him use it."

I was so angry that I lost my appetite. I grabbed my car keys and headed outside to pick up Sienna.

Sophia grabbed my arm. "Where are you going?" she demanded coldly. "It's 70 degrees outside. Even if you want to throw a fit, don't risk your life."

Charles also looked at me with red eyes. "Mr. Coleman, it's so hot outside that even the asphalt is starting to melt. Driving in this heat is dangerous..."

I let out a heavy breath before shouting. "I'm going to get my mom! Let go of me!"

As we struggled, the plate in front of Charles slipped off the table.

It hit the floor and shattered into pieces.

Sophia froze.

I shoved her away and walked straight outside into the scorching heat.

The stray cats and dogs that used to wander the streets had all disappeared. The whole neighborhood was filled with an eerie silence.

I hurried to pick up Sienna. If I waited any longer, the AC in her home in the countryside might burn out too.

But when I returned home, I was met with their watchful eyes.

Sophia quickly hid her emotions, picked up Sienna's luggage, and politely greeted her, "Hello, Sienna."

Sienna gave her a warm smile.

After we settled in, Sophia pulled me aside.

Her face was serious. "Ethan, there's something I need to remind you of. This is the end of the world. Resources are running low, and the food we have at home won't last very long. Four people in one house might be too much."

I looked up in shock. I couldn't believe she had actually said that.

She was treating my mother like a burden.

I stared at her in disbelief, my heart filled with pain and disappointment. "Sophia, she's my mom! She supported you for six years! How can you say something like that?"

Sophia adjusted her glasses and replied calmly, "Ethan, I've calculated every meal and every ounce of food we have. I'm only telling you the truth."

She was still so calm and rational. My anger seemed to have no effect on her.

But I couldn't take it anymore. "Then make Charles leave! How can you think my mom is the one who should leave? That's too much, Sophia!"

The moment I mentioned Charles, her voice suddenly rose. "Isn't that what I'm trying to discuss with you?"

Sophia threw a schedule onto the table. "We'll have to eat smaller meals more often and survive until Charles and I leave in three days. After that, you'll have to figure things out on your own."

I didn't even look at the paper. I tore it into pieces.

Just then, Sienna was standing outside, looking at Charles with confusion.

She asked me nervously, "Ethan, who is this?"

For once, Sophia looked nervous.

She even stepped quietly in front of Charles, as if she were protecting him. She made sure he felt safe.

I watched them with disappointment.

Sophia had always been like a distant star—cold, far away.

But now I saw the truth. Her light hadn't vanished, she'd simply never let it shine on me.

I didn't want Sienna to worry, so I forced a smile. "Mom, he's one of Sophia's students."

Sienna visibly relaxed.

She smiled and said, "He seems like a smart and friendly young man. So we're all leaving together in three days, right?"

She was sharp. Even as she spoke, she kept her eyes on Sophia.

Sophia froze.

I answered for her, "Mom, go pack your things. Don't bring too much. Each of us can only take about 22 pounds."

Sienna narrowed her eyes with a smile and patted the back of my hand. "Okay. You should start packing too. It would be best if we could all leave together."

"Sure," I casually answered and headed toward the bedroom.

Sophia followed close behind and slammed the door shut.

She angrily ran a hand through her hair. "You told your mother she was leaving with us, didn't you? What am I supposed to do now? Where am I going to find two more tickets? You're lying to her!"

I only smiled. I wasn't lying to Sienna.

We really were leaving. And after that, Sophia and I would have nothing to do with each other ever again.