Chapter 613 No Need to Pretend We’re Strangers

Sophia felt like her throat was stuffed with cotton, and her eyes burned with a sudden sting. She clutched her phone tightly, but for a moment, no sound came out at all. She couldn't speak—couldn't even breathe properly. "Sophia, are you crying?" Natalie's cool, calm voice came through the phone. She repeated the question when she received no response. "Are you crying?" Sophia quickly shook her head, then realized Natalie couldn't see her. She hurried to speak. "Nat, I'm not crying. I'm just feeling a little down." "Where are you?" "I'm not far from the parking lot entrance. Where are you?" "On the beach. Come over." "Okay." Neither of them hung up. They stayed on the line, occasionally checking in to confirm each other's location. Soon, Sophia spotted Natalie. She and Marcus were walking hand in hand along the beach, speaking softly to each other. Sophia saw Natalie smile at Marcus, her eyes curving sweetly. The air around Natalie had changed. She used to keep her distance f