Chapter 30

"Are you absolutely certain about this, Sophia?" Amelia's voice drips with concern as I adjust my coat.

I'm preparing to head to Liam's school for the parent-teacher conference—an annual event Ethan and I were supposed to attend together.

He'd called earlier, suggesting we meet up since we hadn't seen each other in weeks. The last time we spoke was before the attack, when Amelia had been in Japan with Nathan for a business deal.

This is the perfect opportunity to get closer to Ethan, I think. But how?

I can't just throw myself at him. That's not how I operate.

I'd already confided in Amelia about the recent tension between Daniel and me. She knew the basics, though we hadn't discussed it further.

"But Sophia, are you sure this isn't just a rebound?" Amelia presses. "How long have you even known Daniel?"

"Just over a month," I admit. "But there's something about him. The way he looks at me, the way he sees me—it's different."

Amelia exhales sharply. "That's exactly what worries me. You're still raw from Ethan. What if you're just using Daniel as a distraction?"

I stiffen. "What do you mean, women like me?"

"Whoa, slow down," Amelia counters. "This is only your second date. Isn't it too soon to be making grand declarations? You're still in the trial phase."

Tonight, Daniel invited me to his apartment for dinner—a promise of the best meal I've ever tasted, following our first kiss.

Amelia sighs like she's dealing with a petulant child. "I just want you to be certain. Using one man to forget another never ends well. It only complicates things."

"I hear you," I say dismissively. "I have to go now."

"Fine. We're still on for Wednesday?"

"Absolutely."

After hanging up, I check the time—1 PM. Irritation prickles under my skin. Who schedules a parent-teacher meeting on a Saturday afternoon?

Grabbing my keys, I lock up and head to my car.

As I drive, Amelia's words echo in my mind. She's right—I'm inexperienced in dating. What does Daniel want? A relationship? Or just a casual fling?

More importantly—what do I want?

Am I using him to numb the pain of losing Ethan? The thought terrifies me. Daniel makes me forget Ethan, and that's dangerously alluring.

Pulling into the school lot, I kill the engine. Luxury vehicles surround me. Parents clad in designer labels sneer as I pass.

Typical.

This world disgusts me—where bank balances dictate worth. I grew up privileged but vowed never to become one of them.

Taking a seat, I wait.

And wait.

By 3 PM, Ethan still hasn't shown. His phone goes straight to voicemail.

Two hours later, I call Sebastian.

"Sophia?" His voice is gruff.

"I know you have my number," I snap.

A pause. He used to blame me for ruining Ethan's life, for stealing his chance with Isabella.

"Where's Ethan? We had a meeting about Liam. It's been three hours."

"He's not here. Took Isabella somewhere." His tone is almost apologetic.

I hang up before he can finish.

Mrs. Delaney calls me in.

Liam's face lights up on the video call—until he realizes Ethan isn't there. His smile shatters.

The entire meeting, I watch his heart break.

"He promised," Liam sobs. "He said he'd never break a promise!"

My own heart fractures.

By the time Ethan's Mercedes screeches into the lot at 6:30 PM, I'm a storm of fury.

"You're four hours late," I seethe.

"I know, I—"

"Save it. You were with Isabella while our son cried for you!"

Ethan's jaw tightens. "It won't happen again."

"It already did." I step closer, voice trembling. "Hurt Liam again, and I'll make you regret ever knowing me. I don't care if you own this city—I'll burn it down to protect him."

His eyes widen—like he's seeing me for the first time.

Good.

Let him look.

Let him remember.