Chapter 19
Chapter 19
On the other side, Sophie stood by the ocean, the salty sea breeze brushing against her cheeks, her hair gently lifting in the wind.
In the distance, the setting sun painted the sea surface orange–red, waves rolling onto the beach in layers before slowly receding.
She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and felt the long–missed tranquility.
“Miss Albright?”
A gentle male voice came from behind her.
Sophie turned around to see a tall man standing not far away, carrying a bag of fresh seafood.
He wore a simple white shirt and casual pants, with refined features and a faint smile at the corners of his lips.
“I’m Ryan Sterling, I live next door to you.” He approached a few steps, his voice warm. “I heard you moved in today, so I brought some seafood as a neighbor’s welcome gift.”
Sophie was slightly stunned, then smiled politely: “Thank you, but that’s not necessary…”
“Don’t be modest.” Ryan handed over the bag, his tone natural. “Coastal Town has the freshest seafood. Since you just arrived, you should try the local flavors.”
His attitude was neither overly enthusiastic nor distant–just the right amount of friendliness that was hard to refuse.
Sophie hesitated for a moment, then accepted: “Well… thank you.”
Ryan smiled, his gaze falling on the luggage behind her: “Need any help?”
“No need, I’ve almost finished unpacking.”
“Alright, call me anytime if you need anything.” He nodded and turned to leave, his figure upright and casual.
Sophie watched his retreating figure, slightly lost in thought.
He was the first person to actively speak to her since arriving in Coastal Town.
In the following days, Sophie gradually adapted to small–town life.
She opened a small flower shop by the sea, trimming stems and arranging bouquets–her days peaceful and fulfilling.
Occasionally, she would sit at the shop entrance, staring at the distant ocean, her thoughts drifting away and returning.
Ryan would sometimes come to buy flowers–sometimes sunflowers, sometimes lisianthus.
He never made deliberate conversation, just simple greetings, payment, and departure.
Until one evening when a sudden storm hit.
11:25
Stand–In Bride’s Escape: No More Chains. Only Freedom
12.2%
Chapter 19
Sophie was about to close the shop when raindrops began pelting down. She stood under the eaves, watching the increasingly heavy rain with a slight frown.
“Didn’t bring an umbrella?”
The familiar voice came from behind her.
She turned to see Ryan holding a black long–handled umbrella, standing in the rain.
“I’ll walk you home,” he said.
Sophie wanted to refuse, but the rain was too heavy. She could only nod in agreement: “Thank you.”
They walked side by side in the rain. The umbrella wasn’t large, but Ryan deliberately tilted it toward her side, getting his own
shoulder soaked.
Sophie noticed and moved closer to him: “You don’t have to…”
“It’s fine.” He smiled. “It’s just a little rain.”
The sound of rain pattered, and neither spoke again.
At her doorstep, Sophie hesitated before speaking: “Would you like to come in for some hot cocoa?”
Ryan looked at her and nodded: “Alright.”
After that night, their relationship seemed to grow closer.
Ryan would occasionally help move heavy items at the flower shop, and Sophie would bring him dinner when he worked late.
He never asked about her past, and she never brought it up.
Until one day, while organizing flower materials, Sophie accidentally cut her finger on a rose thorn.
The moment blood beaded up, her movements froze.
She remembered that day when she was thrown into the ice lake, Elliot’s cold stare.
Her finger trembled slightly.
“What’s wrong?” Ryan’s voice suddenly rang out.
She snapped back to reality, shaking her head: “Nothing, just got scratched.”
Ryan frowned, directly taking her hand to examine it carefully: “The cut is a bit deep, it needs disinfecting.”
His palm was warm and dry, his movements gentle but firm.
Sophie stared at him blankly, suddenly feeling her eyes grow hot.
An indescribable bitter–sweet feeling welled up in her heart.
Chapter 19
It had been so long since anyone cared for her like this…
They stood close together, both feeling something different stirring in their hearts.
Night fell, bonfires were lit, people danced and sang on the beach, laughter mixing with the sound of waves.
Sophie sat on the beach, quietly watching the lively crowd.
“Not going to join?” Ryan sat down beside her, handing her a cup of hot cocoa.
She accepted it and smiled: “I prefer watching.”
Ryan said nothing, sitting with her companionably.
After a long while, he suddenly spoke: “Elena”
“Mm?” She turned her face questioningly.
“You deserve better.” He turned to look at her, his expression serious. “Don’t let the past trap you.”
Sophie was stunned.
The sea breeze swept by, the bonfire’s glow reflected on his profile–gentle yet resolute.
She lowered her head and softly hummed in agreement.
Perhaps she really could try to move forward.
