Sophia gazed at the plane tree leaves drifting past her window, her fingertips lightly tracing the phone screen.

"The old lady doesn't have much time left," she murmured. "Consider it repaying Kyle's kindness."

Ethan on the other end of the line fell silent for a moment. "Don't push yourself too hard."

"You too," Sophia's voice softened. "Drink less at business dinners. Wear more layers in this cold."

Ethan chuckled low. "So thoughtful. No wonder I can't live without you."

"If not for this, I wouldn't have taken care of you for two years back then." Sophia watched the clouds outside her window. "Don't you think it's fate?"

"Since when did you learn fortune-telling?" Ethan teased.

They continued their long-distance call until their phones grew warm, reluctantly saying goodbye.

Alone in her spacious bed, Sophia curled into herself.

She missed the warmth of Ethan's embrace, the scent of cedarwood that clung to him.

In the next room, Willow clutched Grace's hand.

"Grace, my Kyle is stubborn—he's set on Sophia." Her eyes reddened. "The old lady's final wish..."

Grace twisted her hands uncomfortably.

Before coming, Ethan had specifically asked her to watch over Sophia.

"These days young people believe in free love..." she hedged.

Willow's expression darkened. "After all our years of sisterhood..."

"Truth be told," Grace lowered her voice, "Sophia isn't my biological daughter. Her father is Vincent Laurent."

Willow's eyes lit up as she immediately pulled out her phone to search.

Vincent Laurent's profile appeared: renowned painter, shareholder of Laurent Group, net worth exceeding a hundred million.

Her mind began racing with possibilities.

"How is Kyle inferior to Ethan?" Willow pressed eagerly. "That boy would give his life for Sophia..."

The next morning after breakfast, Grace pulled Sophia aside.

"What do you think of Kyle?" she probed.

Sophia was organizing her medical kit. "Kyle's wonderful."

"Perhaps you two could—"

"Mom!" Sophia's head snapped up. "I only see Kyle as a brother."

Grace gave an awkward laugh. "Just asking casually."

In the hospital room, Sophia gently wiped the old lady's face.

"Child..." The elderly woman trembled as she grasped Sophia's hand. "My Kyle..."

"Grandmother," Sophia said gently but firmly, "Kyle deserves a better woman."

Tears welled in the old lady's clouded eyes.

Her phone vibrated—a message from Ethan: I'm at the hotel across from the hospital.

Sophia's heart leapt with joy.

After settling the old lady, she hurried out.

In the hallway, she encountered Kyle.

"Let me drive you." He took the car keys. "This area isn't safe."

Remembering last time's terrifying incident, Sophia didn't refuse.

The car stopped before the hotel.

Sophia immediately spotted that tall, straight-backed figure.

Ethan stood on the steps, the wind lifting the edges of his black coat.

Forgetting to say goodbye, she pushed open the car door and ran to him.

Ethan opened his arms, pulling her into a tight embrace.

"Why the sudden visit?" Sophia asked, tilting her face up.

"Couldn't sleep from missing you." Ethan caressed her cheek.

They held each other in the twilight, as if the world contained only them.

Inside the car, Kyle watched the scene quietly.

A smile touched his lips, but moisture gathered in his eyes.

Finally, he started the engine and drove slowly away.

Love is about letting go, not possession.