Chapter 494

The car came to a gentle stop under the dim streetlights. The glow from the lampposts filtered through the window, casting a pale hue on Sophia's face.

"I'm sorry, I really can't remember." She bit her lip, fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her blouse.

Sebastian chuckled softly, his warm gaze resting on her. "You were standing in the hospital corridor back then, so small, with eyes red like a rabbit."

His quiet words sent a tremor through Sophia's heart.

"When you fainted in my arms, I finally understood." He paused. "Some people really can make time stand still at first sight."

Sophia's head jerked up, meeting his deep, soulful eyes.

Their first meeting at seventeen. Two years of tangled emotions. A self-deprecating smile curved her lips. "I was too greedy, reaching for something that was never mine."

The air in the car grew heavy.

Sebastian leaned forward suddenly, his warm hand covering her icy fingers. "Loving someone is never wrong." His thumb gently stroked her knuckles. "The wrong belongs to those who don't know how to cherish it."

A tear escaped Sophia's control, splashing onto their joined hands.

"Cry if you need to." He offered a tissue, his voice impossibly gentle. "You're only twenty-two. This should be the age when someone treasures you."

His words turned a key in the lock around her heart.

"Thank you." She accepted the tissue with a shaky hand, only to find his burning gaze when she looked up.

Sebastian's expression turned serious. "Sophia, let me take care of you."

Her breath caught.

"This isn't pity." His eyes held hers unflinchingly. "From the moment we met again at the hospital, I knew there was no escape."

Her nails dug into her palms.

"Ethan Roscente... that chapter needs to end." His voice darkened. "And the baby deserves a father who can claim them openly."

The words struck like thunder.

Sophia's pupils contracted as his lips formed the next sentence: "Marry me. It's the best solution."

Outside, the night wind hurled fallen leaves against the window—a perfect echo of her suddenly racing heartbeat.