Chapter 32: Sophia’s Second Attempt – The Seduction Play

Ethan leaned back on the couch, absentmindedly scrolling through his phone. After shutting down Sophia's fake apology, he had expected her to disappear. But something told him she wasn't the type to give up so easily.

And he was right.

A knock echoed through his apartment.

Ethan sighed. He had a strong feeling he knew who it was, but he wasn't in the mood for more games. Still, he stood up and walked to the door.

The moment he opened it, he found Sophia standing there, her expression a mix of hesitation and something else—determination.

"Ethan…" She bit her lip slightly, shifting on her feet.

Ethan didn't move. "What do you want, Sophia?"

She smiled softly. "Can I come in?"

He considered slamming the door in her face. But curiosity made him step aside. "You've got five minutes."

Sophia stepped inside, glancing around. His apartment was neat but modest—not the type of place she would have ever been interested in before.

"You should sit," she said, gesturing toward the couch.

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "You came to my place, and now you're telling me to sit?"

She laughed lightly, trying to ease the tension. "I just… I feel like we got off on the wrong foot yesterday."

"Is that so?" Ethan crossed his arms. "Because from my perspective, I was very clear."

Sophia walked closer, her perfume filling the air—a scent he once found intoxicating. Now, it was just another reminder of the past.

She sat down gracefully, crossing her legs in a way that drew attention to them. "Ethan, I don't want to fight. I just want to talk."

"Talk about what?"

She hesitated, then looked at him with those same soft, pleading eyes she had used before. "I miss you."

Ethan exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "You don't miss me, Sophia. You miss what you think I have."

She placed a hand on his arm. "That's not true. I realized how wrong I was. When I saw you at the restaurant, I—"

"Saw me spend almost a hundred grand like it was nothing?" he finished for her.

Sophia flinched but recovered quickly. "Ethan, I don't care about money. I care about you."

He studied her for a moment. "Is that why you're dressed like that?"

Sophia blinked. "What do you mean?"

He gestured vaguely at her outfit. She was wearing a silky, off-the-shoulder dress—one that showed just enough skin to be suggestive but not desperate. Her makeup was light yet seductive.

It was a clear strategy.

Sophia smiled, leaning in just slightly. "Ethan, can't we just put the past behind us? We were good together, weren't we?"

Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. "You really think you can seduce me into forgetting everything?"

Sophia bit her lip, looking at him through her lashes. "Why not? I know you still find me attractive."

Ethan didn't deny it. Sophia was beautiful—he had once fallen for that beauty. But now, it didn't hold the same power over him.

He leaned in, just a little, meeting her gaze.

"Let me tell you a secret, Sophia." His voice was low, almost amused.

She swallowed, her confidence flickering for just a second. "What?"

Ethan smirked. "You're not special."

Sophia's eyes widened slightly.

"You thought you could play me again. That just because you dressed up and acted sweet, I'd forget how easily you threw me away," he continued. "But here's the thing—I've changed. And you? You're still the same person who looks at men like walking credit cards."

Sophia's face turned red. "That's not true—"

"Really?" Ethan tilted his head. "Then let's test it again."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out another $10 bill, just like yesterday.

"Let's go out. Just the two of us. But we're only spending this." He waved the bill slightly. "Still interested?"

Sophia clenched her jaw. "Ethan, stop playing games—"

"That's what I thought." He leaned back, pocketing the money. "You don't miss me. You miss the idea of me. The one you assumed won the lottery or got rich overnight."

Sophia stood up abruptly, her hands trembling. "You're being cruel."

"No. I'm being honest," Ethan corrected. "Something you should try."

She glared at him, lips pressed into a thin line. "You'll regret this."

Ethan smiled. "Doubt it."

Without another word, Sophia spun on her heel and stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

Ethan exhaled, shaking his head. Two attempts and she's already losing patience.

Somewhere deep down, a part of him had once wished Sophia would come back—would truly regret her choices.

But this? This was just pathetic.

And he wasn't going to waste any more time on it.