Chapter 24

The nausea hit without warning.

Sophia gripped the bathroom sink, her reflection pale as paper in the mirror.

"Could you be pregnant?"

Isabella's voice dripped with implication behind her. She leaned against the doorframe, twirling that plain silver ring between her fingers, its surface catching the light.

Sophia splashed cold water on her face.

"You're overthinking, Ms. Valentine." She reached for a paper towel. "Just an upset stomach."

Isabella chuckled, spinning the ring again.

"Ethan told me he won this at an auction in Paris." She stepped closer suddenly. "Do you know why he chose this particular set?"

Sophia's fingers twitched.

"Because they have the most romantic name." Isabella's red lips nearly brushed her ear. "'Eternity.'"

The bathroom lights seemed to sharpen into needles.

Sophia clenched her fists, nails biting into her palms. The pain kept her grounded.

"Congratulations." Her own voice sounded distant.

Outside, female colleagues clustered around Isabella's social media feed.

"Mr. Roscente chartered a yacht! It's trending!"

"Oh my god, Ms. Valentine looks stunning in that gown!"

On the screen, Ethan stood impeccably suited while Isabella leaned against him in crimson silk. The yacht's lights haloed them like a fairy-tale ending.

Sophia turned toward the elevators, acid rising in her throat again.

"Ms. Lowell." Zachary stopped her. "Mr. Roscente's meeting just concluded."

The CEO's office door stood ajar.

Ethan stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, his profile sharp as a blade. Sunlight gilded him like some untouchable deity.

"...the wedding bands arrive next week?" His voice was low. "Use the measurements I provided."

Sophia froze in the doorway.

So when he'd said "not engagement rings," he meant "not yet."

Ethan turned and frowned at the sight of her. The caller was still speaking when he ended the call.

"Yes?"

She handed him a file. "The resignation handover checklist for your review."

His pen spun once between his fingers as he scanned it.

"Everything's in order?"

"Yes." Her tone stayed even. "Ms. Valentine can take over anytime."

He looked up abruptly, his gaze piercing.

"You look unwell."

Sophia instinctively stepped back. "Probably just tired."

Ethan set down the pen and moved toward her. His cedarwood scent enveloped her, stealing her breath.

"Ethan!" Isabella swept in carrying coffee. "I made this myself—"

She froze at seeing their proximity.

Ethan halted.

"Leave us." The order was for Sophia.

In the hallway, Isabella followed.

"Ms. Lowell." She waved her phone. "You must come to our engagement party next month."

The screen displayed a save-the-date design.

The very day Sophia's resignation took effect.

"Oh, and..." Isabella dropped her voice. "Since you've been vomiting so much, shall I recommend my gynecologist?"

Sophia's head snapped up.

Isabella's smile turned knowing. "Some... accidents are better handled early."