Chapter 187 Incapable of Attachment
Half an hour later, they arrived at Golden Bay.
The sun had already dipped below the horizon, leaving the sky awash in deep violet-blue.
The beach was dotted with scattered bonfires and lanterns, while in the distance, waves lapped against the shore like an endless lullaby.
"Wayne and Michael are already here." Amelia parked the motorcycle, pointing to two figures on the beach.
Sophia removed her helmet, letting the sea breeze comb through her hair.
She spotted Michael crouched on the sand building a sandcastle, while Wayne stood nearby filming on his phone.
The scene was so simple and beautiful—like a snapshot from their teenage years—that a smile tugged at her lips unbidden.
Michael looked up and saw her. He immediately sprang to his feet and ran over, pulling her into a solid embrace. "Sophia, what happened?"
Sophia shook her head, unwilling to discuss such unpleasant matters on such a beautiful evening.
But Amelia had already answered for her, "Lucas's dog went missing, and he actually accused Sophia of getting rid of it! He threw a tantrum at home and even knocked the fruit bowl out of her hands."
"What?" Wayne walked over with a frown. "Wait—you have a dog living at your place now?"
Everyone's first reaction wasn't shock at Lucas accusing Sophia, but rather that Lucas was keeping a dog in the house at all.
Every single one of her friends knew that dogs were absolutely off-limits around Sophia.
Lucas was keeping a dog at home?
And Sophia had allowed it?
"My dad gave it to him. James mentioned Lucas has always wanted a pet dog." Sophia's voice carried a cold detachment that, mingled with the sea breeze, sounded inexplicably desolate.
"Forget him—good riddance if it's gone!" Amelia rolled her eyes in fury. "The last person who should suffer is Sophia!"
Sophia's red lips curved slightly. "What say do I have? That mansion isn't even in my name anymore."
"Then move out. It's not like you need them." Wayne stated it matter-of-factly.
Back when the Smith family gave Sophia all those resources, she'd walked away without hesitation. Now the Johnsons couldn't offer her anything—why stay?
There had been some affection once, but if even that couldn't be relied upon, she'd be better off independent.
Michael remained silent, quietly studying Sophia's expression, gauging her emotional state.
To his surprise, after Wayne's suggestion, she showed no trace of loss. Instead, she smiled gently. "I've been thinking about it. I'll stay at Applewood Estate for now, and after that... we'll see."
She certainly didn't lack places to live. Applewood Estate had everything she needed—more convenient than home, even. The Riverbank No. 9 property was nearly finished with renovations too, perfect for her commute. She'd been planning to move out anyway.
Michael lowered his gaze, falling into silence as he gently took Sophia's hand and gradually tightened his grip.
His Sophia still seemed incapable of forming attachments. She could abandon everyone's affections so easily—the moment something went wrong, she'd sever ties swiftly and completely.
Just like when she and Harper had that engagement misunderstanding—she'd walked away so decisively, as if she'd never cared at all.
And now, the Johnsons had disappointed her slightly, and she was ready to abandon the family she'd lived with for five years, as though she'd never invested any real feeling.
If you called it ruthless, she was probably more ruthless than Emily.
Yet... this version of Sophia broke Michael's heart.
Michael's fingers traced gentle circles on Sophia's palm as the sea breeze swept her hair onto his shoulder. He suddenly spoke, "The roses in my backyard should be blooming."
Sophia paused. Those were the ones she'd mentioned offhandedly last winter, and he'd actually filled the Green Manor's entire backyard with roses.
Amelia suddenly clapped her hands. "Right, right! We should throw a barbecue party this weekend! We can invite Bruce! Ella should be back too! I'll call a few more friends!"
Wayne shot Michael a helpless glance—the other man's eyes were silently begging him to rein in his girlfriend. He cleared his throat. "Amelia, wouldn't a party at the Green Manor be inappropriate?"
"What's inappropriate about it? Michael's parents are traveling the world anyway." Amelia didn't look up until Wayne yanked her arm sharply. She glared at him irritably. "What?"
After receiving his meaningful look, she finally caught on and laughed awkwardly. "Oh, roses are beautiful! Though... I don't really like roses. I'm... allergic to pollen. Let's have the party at my villa instead!"
Amid the sound of crashing waves, Sophia suddenly laughed aloud. She squeezed Michael's hand in return. "So when can I see my roses?"
The shadow in Michael's eyes instantly dissipated. He leaned down and whispered something in her ear that made her flush crimson before she lifted her foot to stomp on his.
Michael dodged nimbly. Taking advantage of his longer reach, he tickled her waist, making her curl up defensively.
He seized the opportunity to close the distance, and she found herself nestled in his embrace.
Seeing their improved mood, Amelia decided not to intrude. She turned to Wayne with a meaningful look.
Wayne tilted his head in confusion, then understood her intention. With a smile, he took her hand and they ran toward the ocean together.
The two kicked through the surf, laughing freely.
The atmosphere at Johnson Manor was far from pleasant.
After Sophia left, Lucas continued frantically searching for Snowball. Mary pulled up the front gate's security footage and discovered that she'd failed to close the door properly when she went out for fruit—Snowball had simply run out on his own.
After watching the footage, Lucas's pupils contracted sharply.
Which meant... he'd wrongly accused Sophia.
"I told you Sophia would never get rid of your dog, yet you still lashed out at her! Don't forget—she's the one who introduced you to Mr. White. Without her, would you have achieved what you have today?" Mary felt heartsick. How could she not worry when her two children were at odds like this?
Unexpectedly, Lucas raised his voice: "Stop it! Did I ask for her help? I train every day on my own. Mr. White says I have talent. Why is it that when I win awards through my own hard work, it all becomes her achievement instead?"
Mary froze, staring at Lucas in disbelief.
The once-obedient, considerate Lucas who used to follow Sophia around and constantly praise her—when had he developed such hostility toward her?
Had someone been sowing discord between them, or had their busy schedules truly caused their bond to fray beyond repair?