Sophia Laurent lifted her face, tears still clinging to her lashes.

Ethan Sullivan gazed down at her, his eyes filled with unspoken tenderness.

How could she not love him?

From their very first meeting, she had been lost to him.

The only thing that ever displeased her was his occasional temper. But this past year, he had reined it in.

And then there was that persistent ex-girlfriend. Yet after Sophia made her stance clear, he had distanced himself from Isabella Valentine.

Her heart softened. Just as she was about to speak, a knock interrupted them.

"Miss Laurent, you have a phone call downstairs."

She hurried down and picked up the front desk receiver.

Victor Sullivan's voice was icy. "Miss Laurent, a person should keep their word."

Her fingers trembled.

"The civil affairs office is closed today," she explained softly.

"Next Monday," Victor stated firmly. "Don't disappoint me."

After hanging up, Sophia leaned against the wall, taking deep breaths.

Returning to the studio, she forced herself to finish the last few shots.

"That's enough," she murmured.

Ethan noticed her distress. "Who called?"

"It's nothing." She changed the subject. "I promised to take care of you. Let me treat you to dinner first."

The light in his eyes dimmed slightly as he ruffled her hair. "So stingy?"

They ate their final meal together in silence at the restaurant.

"To the hospital," Sophia said once they were in the car.

Through the rain, Ethan's umbrella remained tilted toward her.

"I'm not cold," she said, nudging the handle.

He tightened his grip on her hand. "I don't mind the rain."

In the hospital room, her grandmother lay frail as a fallen leaf.

"I've burdened you," the old woman sighed.

Sophia shook her head. "I don't regret it."

Monday morning, at the civil affairs office entrance.

Sophia stared absently at the café across the street.

Three years ago, during their first meeting, he had sat in a wheelchair, his eyes as melancholy as dust-covered pearls.

"Let's go," Ethan said, taking her hand.

Among the couples in the divorce line, they were the only ones holding hands.

"Are you in the wrong line?" someone asked.

"We're here to divorce," Ethan replied calmly.

Suddenly, her phone rang.

When the call ended, Sophia collapsed to her knees.

"Grandma..." Sobs wracked her body.

Ethan scooped her up without hesitation and rushed toward the exit.