Ethan's voice brushed against Sophia's ear, deep and magnetic like the resonant strings of a cello.

Her heartbeat stuttered instantly.

A wild fluttering erupted in her chest.

She stood frozen, fingertips tingling with numbness.

So this was how love's sweet words could trigger dopamine.

Tilting her face up, she met his fathomless gaze and whispered, "Thank you."

Ethan chuckled, pinching her cheek. "My earnest girl."

The tips of Sophia's ears pinkened. "Oliver says that about me too."

"What exactly?"

"That I'm too serious. He told me to learn how to flirt and scheme."

His eyes darkened. "Flirting is acceptable. Scheming isn't."

She nodded obediently.

"What would you like for dinner?"

"Not hungry."

"Then I'll choose." He ruffled her hair. "Don't cook."

Suddenly she wrapped her arms around him from behind. "I wish I could become a pendant and go with you."

The words came out stiff and rehearsed.

Ethan turned, cradling her face to brush his lips against hers. "How are you this adorable?"

Sophia blinked in confusion.

After he left, she studied her reflection for a long time.

Her features remained coolly aloof, bearing no resemblance to cuteness.

The empty apartment reminded her of her grandmother.

A phone call shattered her thoughts.

"Sophia, we're selecting a restoration artist for Wang Meng's Hermitage Scroll. Julian wants you to submit a sample."

"Understood."

"I'll send reference photos."

"Unnecessary. I've memorized it."

Iris gasped. "You remember that intricate composition? Even the missing sections?"

"Yes. My grandfather trained me."

"My God! Are you some kind of genius?"

Sophia pressed her lips together. "What genius can't even deliver romantic lines properly?"

Hanging up, she entered the study.

The restoration tools were Ethan's thoughtful gift.

Aged rice paper absorbed ink as the brush recreated Wang Meng's signature Unraveling Rope texture strokes.

By dusk, Iris gaped at the completed work. "This is practically photocopied!"

She cupped Sophia's face. "What kind of divine brain is this?"

Sophia dodged her probing hands. "Just call me by name."

"No, you're my Goddess Sophia!" Iris leaned in conspiratorially. "Julian assigned me to cheer you up. Where to?"

"The Ferris wheel."

"You've never ridden one?" Iris's eyes widened.

Sophia's ears burned. "Never."

Amusement park neon painted the night sky.

At the Ferris wheel's apex, the city flowed beneath them like liquid light.

"Look!" Iris suddenly pointed.

Through binoculars, Ethan appeared walking into a hotel with Isabella, who beamed with radiant smiles.

Sophia's own smile petrified midair.