Isabella Valentine glared at the retreating taillights, stomping her foot in frustration.

"Ethan Sullivan, just you wait!" she hissed through clenched teeth. "One day you'll beg me on your knees!"

This was her last shred of defiance.

Only this stubborn determination kept her standing tall under everyone's judgmental gazes.

Others called it pathetic obsession—she preferred to think of it as perseverance.

Victoria Windsor yanked the car door open, eyeing her coldly.

"You're not skipping the arranged date this weekend."

Isabella slammed the door shut. "I won't go!"

"Have you lost your mind? Ethan treats you like trash, yet you still pine for him?"

"If you hadn't forced me back then, I wouldn't—" Isabella's eyes reddened. "Stay out of my business!"

Victoria pinched her arm. "Getting rebellious? You're going!"

"I won't give up until Ethan marries someone else!"

"You're utterly delusional!"

One month later.

The "Top Ten Outstanding Youths" awards ceremony.

Sophia Laurent sat gracefully in the audience, her black blazer accentuating her orchid-like elegance.

She earned this honor through groundbreaking contributions to cultural relic restoration—

Preserving E's ancient paintings, donating the "Imperial Sedan Chair" masterpiece, uncovering Zhang Xianzhong's treasure...

Each achievement deserved its place in history.

Kyle Grant handed her a glass of water. "Nervous?"

Sophia shook her head. "Used to it."

"You're calmer than I expected."

"Seen enough grand occasions." She smiled faintly. "Even the Queen praised my composure."

Her smile froze.

Back when Ethan still stood beside her.

At that ball, he'd descended like a god to rescue her flustered self.

The memory remained painfully vivid, as though it happened yesterday.

"Missing him?" Kyle asked.

Sophia lowered her lashes. "Some things grow sharper the harder you try to forget."

"Then don't force yourself."

She turned toward the stage, silent.

The host began announcing winners: "Ethan Sullivan, Sophia Laurent, Sheng Chuan..."

Sophia's fingers twitched.

Her heart skipped a beat.

She hadn't expected to encounter him here.

Walking up the steps, Ethan moved ahead of her.

His tailored suit outlined his flawless silhouette.

The familiar scent of his cologne lingered in the air.

Unconsciously, she slowed her steps, savoring this fleeting proximity.

Onstage, the ten honorees stood in a row.

Ethan's profile was icy, treating her like a stranger.

Cultural Bureau Director Jiang Wenhai presented her award.

"You two were such a perfect match," he remarked cheerfully. "Any plans to reconcile?"

The question stabbed Sophia's chest, leaving her speechless.

During the group photo, she stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Ethan.

One radiant with smiles, the other frostily detached.

Descending the stairs, Sophia's heel caught.

A warm hand steadied her instantly.

Ethan released her without expression, as if it never happened.

Back at her seat, Kyle showed her his phone—a photo of her and Ethan, physically close yet worlds apart.

"Still love him?" he murmured.

Sophia shook her head. "I won't make things harder for him."

"Then come away with me." His gaze burned intensely. "Let's start fresh in California."

Sophia froze.

Leaving here meant losing him forever.

Panicked, she scanned the crowd for those familiar eyes.

When their gazes met, her heartbeat steadied.

"No," she said softly but firmly. "I'm staying."

Because here lived the love of her life.