Chapter 8

Aria POV

Ethan didn't return to the old town that night.

The next day, he sent me a message saying Sofia's condition was unstable, the temporary housing wasn't suitable for her, and he'd make new arrangements. I read it but didn't reply.

I was busy at the project site until evening when the project manager reminded me, "If you're staying here long-term, you'd better handle things back home in the next couple days. In a few days this place will be closed, making it inconvenient to leave."

I returned to the apartment that night. I told Ethan in advance I was only coming back for half an hour to get things and he didn't need to come back.

But when I entered, Sofia's voice came from the master bedroom. Sofia hadn't moved out.

She was having the housekeeper hang several pieces of clothing back in the closet.

Seeing me, she first showed surprise, then quickly smiled.

"Aria, why did you suddenly come back? Ethan wasn't comfortable with me living alone, so he had me come back and stay for a few days."

I didn't engage, walking straight to the study.

Sofia followed. "He originally wanted to explain personally but was afraid you'd overthink it, so he told me not to say anything first."

I packed materials into my bag.

Sofia's voice lowered, finally unable to hide her smugness. "Actually, who gets to stay in this home is ultimately Ethan's decision."

I stopped and looked at her. "What exactly are you trying to say?"

Sofia stepped closer. "Last night after Ethan came back, he kept looking at that old keychain. What he can't let go of isn't you, it's the convenience of having someone take care of him."

I looked at her without letting her drag me into an argument. "If you really want to stay, hold onto him tight. And stop making him run to my side."

Sofia's expression changed. She immediately caught up.

"But he still brought me back to the master bedroom in the end, didn't he? He says he'll arrange for me to move out, but in the end he softens."

I zipped up my bag. "The master bedroom, the house, Ethan, you can have it all if you want."

I finished speaking and went downstairs.

When Ethan rushed back to the apartment, I'd nearly reached the door. Seeing Sofia still at home, his expression immediately darkened. "Go back to the master bedroom. Don't come out."

Sofia tried to explain. This time Ethan gave her no chance to speak.

I said, "I've got my things. I'm leaving."

Ethan caught up and grabbed my suitcase handle. "I'll handle this properly."

I looked at his hand.

Ethan's voice tightened. "If you want the original master bedroom, I'll have it restored. If you think this apartment is tainted, I'll get a new one. If you mind the property rights, I'll have a lawyer come over right now."

These words sounded sincere. But they all revolved around the house.

I only said, "I'm living at the project site now. I don't need a new house."

Ethan's eyes reddened, pushed by my refusal. "Then what exactly do you want?"

"Let go."

"Aria, do you have to make a scene?"

I looked at him. "What are you talking about?"

Ethan froze.

"I didn't kick Sofia out, didn't stop you from taking care of her, and didn't force you to return the master bedroom to me." I gripped the suitcase handle. "I'm just moving out."

With those words, Ethan's fingers stiffened.

Suddenly Sofia's urgent voice came from upstairs. "Ethan! The door won't open!" Her voice trembled, as if she'd cry the next second.

"I went into the small storage room next to the master bedroom. There's no light inside... Ethan, I can't breathe!"

Ethan's expression changed. He instinctively released the suitcase handle and turned to run upstairs. The housekeeper and maintenance staff followed. The living room quickly emptied.

I lowered my head to look at the finally released suitcase handle. I didn't wait for Ethan to come back and explain, nor did I go upstairs to see if Sofia was really trapped. I dragged my suitcase out the door and got in a car.

As the car left the complex, Ethan sent a message. He said Sofia really had been trapped just now, told me to go back to the project site first, and he'd come find me later.

I glanced at it but didn't reply. I took the apartment access card from my bag and put it in an envelope. By the time the envelope was sealed, the car had driven far away.