7

I didn't expect that Ethan was waiting for me outside the office. He'd been absent from my life for quite a while.

As I exited, he approached me. "Sophia, could you visit Robin? He's in the hospital..."

"Why should I care?" I responded coldly. "I broke it off with him, just as everyone wanted. What more do you expect?"

Ethan fumbled for words. "I used to think Robin didn't really care for you, but after your split, I realized he does love you."

I let out a harsh chuckle.

He pressed on, "How do you feel about Robin setting off fireworks for Olivia? If it bothers you, I..." I cut him off, "I saw it. What else is there to say?"

"What? It doesn't bother you?"

Such tedious questions.

I rolled my eyes, stepped around him, and walked away.

Ethan hurried after me. "Sophia, please, just go see Robin at the hospital. You know about his stomach issues. He drank too much at a business dinner yesterday and now he's there with a bleeding ulcer, calling out your name."

It was ridiculous.

"Weren't you the one who thought Olivia was perfect for him? Here's your chance to play cupid."

With that, I hailed a taxi and headed home.

Ethan had been trying to set Robin up with Olivia before we broke up.

I couldn't fathom what he was getting at now.

I avoided all news about Robin.

I only answered calls from family members.

Two days later, Robin showed up at my door, looking exhausted.

I ignored his intense stare and took out my keys to unlock the door.

"Sophia, can we talk? I want to have a proper conversation."

He looked pale and weak, barely able to stand. His eyes held a pleading look.

"What's left to discuss?"

Hope flickered in his eyes at my response.

Then, I followed him to the riverbank.

I gazed into the distance, the breeze gently tousling my hair.

I asked, puzzled, "Why did you bring me here?"

Just then, a brilliant display of fireworks lit up the sky, illuminating the dim riverbank.

I watched the spectacle with mixed emotions.

"I'm sorry, Sophia. I apologize for my past actions. These fireworks are for you, only you." Robin's eyes were full of affection, gazing at me tenderly.

The fireworks' booms echoed his heartfelt words around us.

Surprised, I asked, "Aren't you worried about upsetting Olivia?"

"What does she have to do with this? Sophia, I've told you before. She's like a sister to me."

"Is that so?" I watched the fireworks impassively, feeling nothing. "But she's always been your priority. Whenever she has an issue, you're her go-to person. You'd choose her over me without hesitation."

I turned to him and asked sincerely, "Do you really know what love means?"

This time, he was the one caught off guard.

I shook my head despondently. "Robin, this gesture is meaningless. I'm not upset because you set off fireworks for her or because you lied to me for her sake."

"When you truly understand love, you'll naturally get what I'm feeling." I wanted to be the only one, not a second choice. Sadly, he still didn't grasp this concept.