Chapter 11: Chapter 11
904 words<html><head></head><body><p>Ethan started the engine.</p> <p>The sports car roared away, leaving a cloud of dust.</p> <p>Olivia stamped her foot in fury.</p> <p>"What an absolute jerk! Trash! Scumbag!"</p> <p>She grabbed her boyfriend's collar.</p> <p>"This time, Clara will never look back! Never!"</p> <p>The young man nodded quickly. "Okay, okay, calm down…"</p> <p>But was it possible?</p> <p>That man's tone was so certain, so confident.</p> <p>He stole a glance at Olivia.</p> <p>If only she were that devoted to him…</p> <p>Stop!</p> <p>He didn't even dare to dream that dream.</p> <p>…</p> <p>Inside the car, Ethan's phone rang.</p> <p>His voice was icy. "Speak."</p> <p>"Darling, I found an amazing crab place. It's Saturday tomorrow, shall we try it?"</p> <p>Isabella's voice was sweet and cheerful.</p> <p>She knew Ethan loved seafood.</p> <p>He hadn't contacted her since last night. She was panicking.</p> <p>This unease made her call him first.</p> <p>Usually, Ethan arranged their dates.</p> <p>She just had to play hard to get before agreeing.</p> <p>But things were different now.</p> <p>He contacted her less and less.</p> <p>His replies were brief, sometimes he didn't reply at all.</p> <p>He always said he was busy.</p> <p>Like now: "I'm busy Saturday."</p> <p>"Sunday works too…" Isabella gripped her phone, her lips pale.</p> <p>"I said I'm busy. That's all." Ethan hung up directly.</p> <p>Isabella stared at the ended call, her panic returning.</p> <p>No. She had worked so hard to become his official girlfriend. She couldn't lose…</p> <p>…</p> <p>The setting sun cast long shadows as Alexander and Sophia bid farewell to Professor Watson.</p> <p>"Leaving so soon?" Professor Watson glanced at the darkening sky, her eyes full of reluctance. "Stay for dinner?"</p> <p>Alexander shook his head. "I need to get back to the lab."</p> <p>Sophia also declined softly. "Another time."</p> <p>"Alright. Be careful on your way. Visit me often."</p> <p>This last part was directed at Sophia.</p> <p>She nodded hurriedly. "I will!"</p> <p>"Oh, the materials and three books you left are on the table. Don't forget to take them."</p> <p>She majored in Bioinformatics and had researched algorithms.</p> <p>Her unfinished SCI paper from before graduation… Her professor had kept it…</p> <p>Sophia's eyes grew warm. "Professor, I…"</p> <p>"Enough now, off you go. The lunchbox is washed, don't forget it."</p> <p>Sophia was taken aback.</p> <p>Professor Watson chided gently, "You came all the way to my door but didn't come in. Just left a lunchbox. Made me eat too much."</p> <p>Sophia's cheeks flushed. "It won't happen again…"</p> <p>On the way back, Sophia knew Alexander was busy.</p> <p>She felt bad asking him to drive her to her door, so she got out at the MIT entrance.</p> <p>It wasn't far. She could walk.</p> <p>Alexander nodded. "Alright."</p> <p>…</p> <p>Ethan's heart skipped a beat when he saw the figure by his mansion's gate.</p> <p>But it sank just as quickly when he recognized who it was.</p> <p>"Xixi."</p> <p>"Ethan, you're back?" The girl stood up, delighted, her eyes shining like stars.</p> <p>"What are you doing here?"</p> <p>"Waiting for you. You said you were busy on the phone, so I waited until you finished work. I'm not disturbing you, am I?"</p> <p>She was cautious, a little nervous.</p> <p>"No." Ethan shook his head slowly.</p> <p>"Good!" The smile returned to her face, but soon faded. "Ethan, I'm hungry…"</p> <p>Isabella lowered her head, her cheeks puffed out.</p> <p>"Let's go. I'll take you to dinner."</p> <p>"Okay!"</p> <p>They went to a Western restaurant. Ethan barely ate, but Isabella enjoyed her meal.</p> <p>Sensing his bad mood, she spoke less.</p> <p>"Full?"</p> <p>Isabella nodded. "Mhm~"</p> <p>"Let's go. I'll take you back to school."</p> <p>"Okay."</p> <p>The restaurant was very close to Caltech. They arrived in under ten minutes.</p> <p>Isabella pushed the car door open, then paused. "Aren't you going to walk me in?"</p> <p>Ethan nodded. "...Alright."</p> <p>At the Caltech gate, the evening class had just ended. Many students were out looking for food.</p> <p>Isabella was the acknowledged campus belle, drawing many glances.</p> <p>Especially since she was holding the arm of a handsome, imposing man.</p> <p>Isabella seemed not to hear the chatter. She turned and gave Ethan a radiant smile. "When will you meet my roommates? They're so curious about you."</p> <p>No, the entire Caltech was curious about the campus belle's official boyfriend.</p> <p>When that other woman was still around, she didn't dare be so conspicuous.</p> <p>But it was different now. He had given her status. No need to hide anymore.</p> <p>Ethan was silent.</p> <p>He had no interest in meeting roommates.</p> <p>Isabella seemed not to notice his冷淡. She continued smiling. "It's so wonderful. Every second with you is happy."</p> <p>Suddenly, she turned to face Ethan. Before he could react, she stood on her toes and kissed him on the lips.</p> <p>Whoa—</p> <p>Exclamations erupted around them.</p> <p>"The rumors are true! The campus belle really has a boyfriend!"</p> <p>"Oh my god! It's just like a drama!"</p> <p>"Isabella is so beautiful, and her boyfriend is so handsome."</p> <p>"A perfect match! So sweet!"</p> <p>Sophia stood at the back of the crowd.</p> <p>She hadn't meant to watch, but the commotion drew her attention.</p> <p>What… a coincidence.</p> <p>Ethan came back to his senses. Looking at the smiling girl, another pair of bright eyes suddenly flashed in his mind.</p> <p>At that MIT graduation ceremony years ago, that girl had also looked at him like this.</p> <p>Her eyes sparkling, her smile like a flower: "Ethan Roscente, I choose you. I don't regret it."</p> <p>Buried memories surged up unexpectedly, striking his soul.</p> <p>He instinctively stepped back, putting distance between himself and Isabella.</p> <p>"Ethan? What's…" The girl was confused.</p> <p>Ethan: "It's late. You should go back now."</p> </body></html>