Chapter 7

When Sophie woke up, she realized someone was holding her hand tightly.

It was Carter.

He seemed to have stayed by her side the entire night because her hand was numb from his clutch, and she could hardly move it.

Sophie's waist still hurt, and she grunted from the pain, which woke Carter up right away. "Are you awake, Sophie? Does it still hurt?"

She pulled her hand away from his. "You should go."

"I'm sorry. I had no idea you were really hurt." Carter frowned, looking apologetic. "If I knew you were hurt, I wouldn't have ignored you."

"Yes, you would’ve." Sophie exposed him without hesitation. "Because you only have eyes for Ruby."

"You're still mad about Ruby and me, aren't you?" Carter sighed. "I know I was wrong for lying to you, but I didn't do it on purpose. I only found out that silly Ruby had a crush on me after we took our SATS.

“You know I've always been soft-hearted. She told me she didn't want anything and would be happy enough if we just dated for the four years of our university life.

"She also promised that she wouldn't make any trouble with you. She would hide our relationship from you to prevent you from getting hurt. I only agreed to date her for four years when I saw how sadly she was crying.

"It's only for four years, but if you don't like the idea, I'll break up with her once she gets better. After that, you'll be the only person I'll be with."

Sophie looked at the boy in front of her and suddenly felt as if he were a stranger. In high school, Carter was a handsome, morally upright boy. How did he become such a disgusting person in four years?

"Do whatever you want."

"You're really fine with it?" Carter hugged her excitedly. "I knew you were the best, Sophie! I promise you I'll be there to attend your graduation. We'll head to North City after that. Didn't you always say that you wanted to continue your postgraduate studies at North Capital University?

"Let's apply together, and we'll always be together after that."

Carter was imagining the future, but Sophie was thinking about leaving him.

There were still five days left in the semester break, and Sophie had to be hospitalized for four days. Once she was discharged, she would leave without looking back.

"Ruby is awake, Carter. She wants to see you." Anya stood by the door, looking unhappily at Sophie.

Carter released Sophie from his arms. "Wait for me, Sophie. I'll be back later to see you. Just give me some time to handle everything."

He left after that.

Anya glanced at Sophie, looking like she wanted to say something, but she stayed silent in the end and followed behind Carter to leave.

Since then, Carter would come by to visit Sophie as promised. He took very good care of her, making sure she did not burn herself on the soup by blowing on it before feeding her, and making sure the water had cooled before bringing the glass to her lips.

When the wind was blowing strong, he would close the windows, and when it was slightly breezy, he would let the air in. Carter would draw the curtains closed the moment a little sun shone onto Sophie, but it would take only one call from Ruby for Carter to leave her behind right away.

On the day Sophie was discharged, Carter was called away by Ruby once more. "Ruby is craving watermelon. Wait for me. I'll come back with your favorite frappuccino. I've checked with the doctor, and he said it's okay for you to have it."

Carter left with a smile. Sophie watched him walk away and said quietly, "Goodbye, Carter."

It was really goodbye for them, as she never wanted to see him again. Sophie got discharged on her own and left the hospital. She boarded the train after that and returned to Streamston.

After she was done packing, she went to the airport with her lecturer, who felt sad about Sophie leaving. "You're a good student, Sophie. Work hard over there, and I'll be waiting here for you to return as the best cardiothoracic surgeon in the nation!"

"Thanks, Mr. Kingsley!"

Sophie entered immigration. Carter called her before she boarded the plane, but Sophie did not pick up. He called numerous times after that, but she declined every time. After several dozen calls, Carter texted her.

Carter: [Why did you leave the hospital on your own, Sophie? Where did you go? Are you back in Streamston? Be careful on your own. You have three months until graduation. I'll take you with me to North City after that.]

Sophie: [Let's break up, Carter. I wish you and Ruby happiness.]

After she was finished with the text, Sophie turned off her phone and boarded her flight without looking back.

Carter did not need to pick her up, because she no longer needed him.