Olivia Laurent strode confidently into the office, carrying a food container.
Her high heels clicked sharply against the marble floor.
She wore a radiant smile, as if sharing some special intimacy with Ethan Sullivan.
"Ethan, my father insisted I keep you company today."
She placed the container on his sleek black desk.
Steam curled upward as the aroma of gourmet dishes filled the air.
Only then did Olivia seem to notice Sophia Sullivan standing nearby, feigning surprise.
"Oh, Ms. Sullivan is here too."
Opening the container revealed two meticulously arranged meals.
"I only prepared two portions. Perhaps..."
She turned to Ethan with practiced familiarity.
"We could share one, and give the other to Ms. Sullivan?"
Her tone suggested this was the most reasonable solution.
Ethan lifted his gaze, eyes glacial.
"Ms. Laurent, our engagement was terminated long ago."
Olivia's smile froze.
An icy sensation crawled up her spine.
His piercing stare made her blood run cold.
But retreat wasn't an option.
This visit served a purpose.
Forcing composure, she shrugged lightly.
"I know the engagement means nothing now."
She adopted a resigned expression.
"My parents keep pestering me to see you."
Deliberately emphasizing her words:
"Rest assured, I have no interest in you."
Selecting a fork, she speared a piece of vegetable.
"This is just for appearances, to placate them."
She divided the meal, pushing half toward Ethan.
He didn't even glance at it.
"I don't share utensils."
His voice could frost glass.
Olivia's fingers trembled slightly.
The blatant humiliation stung.
Sophia observed silently from the sidelines.
She wanted no part of this charade.
"I'll leave you to talk."
Sophia turned toward the door.
Hunger wasn't the issue.
An inexplicable heaviness settled in her chest.
Though she knew Ethan and Olivia's history meant nothing.
Memories surfaced unbidden.
Liam Winston and Chloe Evans' engagement.
Her own role as the substitute.
The parallels felt uncomfortably familiar.
In the restroom.
Cold water gushed from the faucet.
Sophia scrubbed her hands repeatedly.
The chill brought temporary calm.
The mirror reflected her pale face.
"Since when did you become so cowardly, Sophia?"
She whispered to her reflection.
The old Sophia would have demanded answers.
Now she chose retreat.
Love had made her timid.
She raised her head.
Another figure appeared in the glass.
She whirled around.
Ethan stood at the restroom entrance.
"Mr. Sullivan?"
Sophia's brows knitted together.
"This is the ladies' room."