Chapter 3

On this day, Ethan Reed brought Isabella Sullivan to apologize in person, bringing many expensive gifts.

William coldly refused and had someone throw those gifts out.

"Ethan Reed, are you bullying Sophia because she's alone in the world? Or do you think there's no one behind her?"

Ethan Reed lowered his head.

"I apologize."

Then, in front of everyone, he said to me directly:

"Sophia, we've been childhood friends for years. When we were young and naive, we mistakenly thought we could promise each other forever. Now I understand it was just sibling affection."

"From now on, I'll still treat you as a sister. Let's end those childhood promises here."

I stopped William, who was about to lose his temper.

I walked step by step to Ethan Reed, without the tears everyone expected.

Instead, I took a glass of wine for myself and handed him one.

It was fruit wine we'd brewed together before.

That time he said we'd drink it together when he returned.

I never thought I'd wait years.

"Ethan Reed, after we drink this wine, our promise is canceled. Our childhood friendship ends here too. I wish you success in all things and happiness."

His expression was complex.

He took the wine glass and drained it, saying quietly:

"Thank you. I hope Sophia also finds the right person soon and a better future."

Perhaps he was thanking me for not clinging to him, thanking me for letting him go.

Back in my room, my best friend couldn't help but tear up.

"Sophia, how can you accept Ethan Reed's change of heart so easily? You loved him so much..."

Because I'd been obsessed too, had fantasies too.

In the end, I knew his heart had changed.

Since I knew the outcome, better to let go with pain and keep what dignity remained.

"I'm the one who doesn't want him anymore."

I looked toward the falling yellow leaves outside the window, my vision gradually blurring.

At the banquet, William sighed deeply.

"No matter what, I watched you and Sophia grow up together. This is the last drink. Once you're married, don't keep in contact anymore."

"Thank you, William, for understanding."

Ethan Reed brought me a food box.

He wanted to open it himself, but after hesitating, he stopped.

Isabella Sullivan beside him took it over.

"I remember you loves cake. I had Isabella Sullivan make some specially for you."

He used to know I loved all kinds of pastries.

He'd always find different shops and bring them to me like treasures.

I never told him that eating too many gave me toothaches.

I'd secretly endure it, carefully storing those sweet-as-honey pastries in a box.

With that storage, I'd hidden away the only sweetness of half my life.

Isabella Sullivan picked up a piece and held it to me, her smile meaningful.

"Sophia ate pastries from Ethan Reed for so many years. You won't be able to anymore, so you should get used to new flavors. Try my cooking."

I couldn't refuse.

I politely took it and bit down.

But the filling was unbearably sour and bitter, hard to swallow.

I knew she was making a point.

"Is it good?"

Isabella Sullivan asked with a smile.

I forced down the sourness in my throat and shook my head gently.

"Sweets hurt the stomach. I was ignorant and greedy as a child. I stopped liking them long ago."