Ethan carried Sophia toward the parking lot. She felt weightless in his arms, like a leaf that might drift away with the slightest breeze.

He opened the car door and carefully settled her into the passenger seat. Tears had soaked Sophia's entire face, her eyes hollow like a broken doll.

"We're going to the hospital." Ethan fastened her seatbelt and enveloped her icy hand in his.

Sophia's lips trembled, but no sound came out. Her grandmother was gone—the woman who always called her "my little Sophia" with a smile would never return.

Ethan pushed the car to its limits, steering with one hand while keeping the other firmly around hers.

The hospital corridor stretched endlessly. Sophia's legs felt like lead, each step an agony. Without hesitation, Ethan scooped her up and strode urgently toward the room.

The door swung open to Grace's anguished sobs. On the bed lay a familiar form beneath a white sheet.

Sophia's world shattered.

She stumbled forward and lifted the cloth with shaking hands. Her grandmother's peaceful face stared back, but the warmth in those eyes was gone forever.

"Grandma!" Her wail tore through the room as she clung to the lifeless body, as if sheer will could bring her back.

Ethan dropped to one knee, pulling her shuddering frame against his chest. His shirt grew damp with her tears, but he didn't move.

During the hearse ride to the village, Sophia curled into herself like an empty shell. Ethan combed his fingers through her hair, offering silent support.

As the mourning tent went up, villagers gathered in clusters. Someone whispered, "I heard her son-in-law was crippled?"

"He was injured, but recovered long ago," Grace snapped through swollen eyes. "My son-in-law treats Sophia like a queen."

For three days of vigil, Sophia barely ate or drank. Ethan stayed by her side, forcing water and food when she faltered.

At the cremation, Sophia clawed at the hearse. When it began moving, she lunged after it wildly until Ethan caught her.

"Let me see her one last time..." Her sobs ripped through the rain.

During the burial, a light drizzle fell. Standing before the fresh grave, Sophia murmured, "Grandma's with Grandpa now. She must be happy."

Ethan tightened his grip on her hand as raindrops slid from the umbrella's edge.

On their return, a dark figure materialized. Near the broken bridge stood a man in a black windbreaker, his gaze burning toward them.

Ethan's eyes turned glacial. He angled the umbrella to block Sophia's view. That silhouette matched the photo Alexander had shown him.

It was Kyle.

Without shifting his expression, Ethan drew Sophia closer, the umbrella completely shielding her profile. Through the curtain of rain, the two men's stares clashed like drawn blades.