Chapter 15

Now, Julian wished the stench of the cigarette smoke would cling to him. Perhaps if he reeked of cigarettes, Ivy might storm over in a huff like before and reprimand him for neglecting his health. Then, she'd drag him into the bathroom to scrub him from head to toe. But now, those days were gone for good. Julian had no idea how he made it back to the hotel. While he was half-asleep, countless thoughts flashed through his mind, only to fade away one by one. At some point, a tender, sweet-smelling body cuddled into his arms. Still groggy with sleep, he instinctively pulled the person closer and tightened his arms around her. "Ivy, did you come back to me?" The woman in his arms froze briefly before her face fell. "Lucas, it's me… Sophia." "Oh, it's you… What are you doing here?" As Lucas sobered up, he pushed her away. His voice sounded distant and unrecognizably cold. Forcing a smile, Sophia said, "Julian, you didn't come back to give me an answer. I've waited long enough and can