Chapter 4

I used the excuse of needing to prepare for our engagement ceremony to return to Los Angeles ahead of them.

Neither Lorenzo nor Ethan came to see me off.

They were busy accompanying Chloe as she picked out bracelets.

Ethan gently patted my head and told me to let him know when I arrived at the estate.

Lorenzo simply pulled me into a light embrace.

"Take care on the way, my darling Sophia."

That evening, just as I stepped off the plane, I received a provocative photo from Chloe.

She had also posted it on social media.

In the picture, she was wearing a wedding dress and holding Lorenzo's arm.

There was no diamond ring on her finger.

The comments were filled with congratulations.

Soon afterward, Lorenzo sent me an explanation.

[Sophia, don't get the wrong idea. Chloe just thought it would be fun to try on a wedding dress. She didn't wear your ring.]

[Don't worry. I don't mind.]

Lorenzo immediately followed up.

[Are you angry? It was just a joke.]

I replied coldly.

[No.]

Perhaps my calm response made him even more uneasy.

He left Chloe behind and flew back overnight just to see me.

I had just stepped out of the bathroom when I heard the lock turning.

I quickly hid my luggage, passport, identification documents, and new SIM card.

By the time I finished, he was already pushing the door open.

He strode toward me and pulled me into his arms, burying his face against my shoulder.

"I had a nightmare at the hotel in Italy. I dreamed that you had left me forever."

"The moment I woke up, I couldn't stop thinking about you. I had to come back and see you, Sophia. I can't live without you."

I pretended to comfort him.

"It was only a dream."

Lorenzo cupped my face and made me look into his eyes.

"You'll never leave me, will you?"

I didn't know whether he had somehow sensed what I was planning.

But I still nodded.

Lorenzo visibly relaxed.

"I've hired a professional makeup team, booked a world-famous band, and reserved an entire island. I'll give you the most unforgettable proposal."

"Once we're engaged, we'll get married right away. That way, we'll never have to be apart again."

If this had happened before, I would have been overwhelmed with happiness.

But it was too late now.

Five years of waiting had slowly worn away every last bit of anticipation I had.

I lowered my voice.

"Okay."

He had no idea that I would never become his fiancée.

On the day of our engagement ceremony, Lorenzo and Ethan arrived early.

Chloe came walking toward them in crystal high heels, lifting the hem of her dress with a delighted smile.

She looked at the two men.

"How do I look in this wedding dress?"

Lorenzo gave her a helpless but indulgent smile.

"Beautiful. But that's Sophia's wedding dress."

Chloe lowered her head and gently brushed her fingers over the gemstones on the gown.

"I know. I'm just a little jealous of Sophia. I'll go change."

Ethan walked around her, then stopped her before she could leave.

"What's the rush? We can wait until Sophia gets here. If you like it, you can wear it a little longer."

But they waited from nine in the morning until eleven.

Even as the guests began whispering among themselves, wondering whether the bride had run away, I never showed up.

They had no idea that I was already at the airport, about to board my flight to London.

Just before boarding, I pulled out my SIM card and tossed it into the trash.

Goodbye, Lorenzo.

Goodbye, Ethan.