Chapter 243

The afternoon sun glared down, turning the asphalt into a shimmering heat mirage.

Sophia Lowell was grateful this back road had little traffic—otherwise, that out-of-control motorcycle would have caused a deadly pileup.

She had just unbuckled her seatbelt when the engine's roar surged again.

Turning, she saw the black motorcycle spin around a hundred meters away, then gun straight for her at full throttle.

Her legs gave out.

Sophia collapsed onto the scorching pavement, her pupils reflecting the headlights growing larger.

Death rushed toward her.

"CRASH—"

A deafening impact split the air.

But the pain she expected never came.

Trembling, she opened her eyes to see a red sports car wedged between her and disaster, its body mangled from taking the hit.

Motorcycle parts scattered like shrapnel.

The Ferrari had been thrown back several meters, its door twisted, the windshield a spiderweb of cracks.

Sophia clamped a hand over her mouth.

Someone had just risked their life to save hers.

With a metallic groan, the wrecked door was kicked open.

A tall figure emerged against the blinding sunlight.

The light gilded his silhouette, his tailored suit pants cutting sharp lines as he strode forward with unwavering steps.

Each footfall synced with the frantic beat of her heart.

Closer.

Until the familiar scent of his cologne enveloped her.

"Are you hurt?"

His deep voice carried a tremor he couldn’t hide.

Tears blurred her vision as she looked up into the face she’d ached for every day.

"Ethan... Roscente?"

The floodgates broke.

He crouched, the fabric of his suit straining over his thighs, his outstretched hand frozen midair, knuckles white.

"It’s me."

A scalding tear hit his skin.

Ethan yanked her into his arms, one hand cradling the back of her head, pressing her firmly against his chest.

"You're safe now."

His voice was rough, his breathing ragged.

Sophia fisted his shirt, the fabric crumpling in her grip.

Mint and blood filled her senses.

The delayed terror of near-death erupted—she sobbed uncontrollably against him.

"Why did you come...?"

"Because it was you."

His arms tightened, his jaw resting atop her head.

The wrecked car still smoked behind them. Sirens wailed in the distance.

But in this moment, his world narrowed to the trembling woman in his arms.