The Heart System Chapter 497

Sophia blocked the exit, her arms crossed firmly against her chest while she stood as if she possessed all the time in the world. Her scalp was shaved, that familiar jagged scar ran down from her eyebrow past her eye, and she wore the same weary look that signaled she had absolutely no patience for games.

Naturally, I knew exactly why.

I had driven my elbow into her ribs back at the mall, and she clearly hadn't forgotten.

Stepping forward despite my reservations, I slowed my pace as the distance between us closed. I drew a steadying breath and stood up straighter.

"H-hey, Sophia," I greeted. "How's it going?"

"Evan?" Melvin whispered from behind me, confused. "Who is that?"

"Not now," I muttered under my breath.

Sophia remained a statue.

"Are you here to stir up more trouble, Marlowe?" she inquired. "Or perhaps you've come to offer an apology?"

"I thought I already—"

She moved.

In a blur.

Her elbow connected solidly with my ribs before I could frame a defense. The force of it knocked the breath clean out of my lungs. I stumbled back, forced to plant a hand on the floor while I doubled over, clawing desperately for air.

"Damn it..." I wheezed, pushing myself upright with effort. My side throbbed painfully. "Okay... yeah. That's fair enough."

I leaned against the wall, palm pressed firmly over the bruised area.

"You should really look into professional boxing," I said, managing a strained laugh. "Your form is flawless."

She didn't so much as blink.

"Soph?" a voice echoed from behind her.

I looked up to see Isabella strolling toward where we were standing from the stage direction. The narrow corridor felt incredibly cramped, especially with Melvin looming behind me.

He suddenly turned to ice.

His eyes widened as he gave her a clumsy, pathetic little wave.

"H-hi..."

She cast a glance in his direction.

Just a brief look. A fleeting moment of recognition.

Then, her face tightened. It wasn't full-blown loathing, but it was close. She grimaced for a second, walked past him without uttering a syllable, and took her place beside Sophia.

Melvin’s arm drifted slowly to his side. His shoulders slumped forward as he stared at the floor, clearly wishing the ground would open up and hide him.

Yeah... that stung.

I let out a soft breath and pulled myself upright.

"Is everything alright?" Isabella asked, her gaze flicking between us.

"Yes," I replied. "We were just heading out."

Sophia conceded with a nod. "Goodbye, Marlowe."

She shifted, surrendering the doorway.

"Wait," Isabella said, eyeing me more intently. "Marlowe? You’re the one who helped out Emilia, aren't you?"

I gave a noncommittal shrug.

"It wasn't just me," I said, tilting my head toward Melvin. "He was there as well."

She turned her attention to him, looking genuinely puzzled.

"Melvin? I don't recall anyone mentioning him."

"He was... occupied with driving," I explained smoothly. "We needed an urgent escape route. Some thugs were on our heels."

Melvin tugged at my sleeve, leaning close.

"I don't even possess a driver's license," he whispered.

I chose to ignore him.

"He got us out of there in record time," I continued unabated. "Things might have turned ugly if not for him."

Isabella studied him for a moment before giving a faint nod, appearing neither convinced nor interested enough to press the issue.

"Fine," she said. "Well... I suppose thanks are in order."

"No problem at all," I said.

"You should stop by during the night sometime," she offered. "I’ll buy you a drink. My personal favorite."

"I’ll give it some thought," I responded.

I could sense Melvin behind me, his spirit completely crushed. That invitation was clearly not for his benefit. I gave a slight nod to the women and motioned for him to follow, pushing the door open to step out.

The air hit me instantly. It was heavy, humid, and clung to my skin, a harbinger of the approaching storm.

I gazed up at the sky. Dense, dark clouds blanketed the heavens. A heavy downpour was coming, and not the kind you can easily ignore.

I shoved my hands into my jacket pockets and began walking down the street, Melvin trailing behind in silence.

After a few moments, he spoke. "She hates me, doesn't she?" he murmured.

I didn't offer an immediate response, focusing on the path ahead.

"Not necessarily hate," I finally conceded. "But yeah... you’re definitely not on her radar."

"That’s even worse," he replied.

I let out a soft puff of air.

"Look," I said, catching his eye. "If you actually want a chance, we’ve got a mountain of things to change. Starting with how you carry yourself. And your manner of speaking."

He nodded eagerly.

"I’ll do whatever it takes," he promised.

"Careful with those words," I muttered. "Many have regretted making such claims."

We continued walking in silence for a while.

The first raindrop pelted the concrete.

Then another.

"Man," I said, tilting my head as the rain began to intensify. "I truly detest this city."

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ON A ROLL COMPLETED

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CASH OUT OR SAVE IT?

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CURRENT SC: 175

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The quest was finished, yet the burden of helping Melvin remained. Honestly, the guy was a complete lost cause, but I felt obligated to try, didn't I? Besides, there was a certain satisfaction in being needed. Melvin looked at me as if I were some grand Casanova after my fling with Nala. In reality, I was clueless about how to guide him. Privately, I hoped he’d just abandon the idea entirely—that he would eventually realize how foolish it was to seek my help in maneuvering around Isabella.

I exhaled as I stirred my mocha. Ivy wanted to talk, and here I sat, waiting in the cafe directly across from her unit. She knew Delilah was expecting... but there was no way she could know I was the father, right?

Then again... why would she go out of her way to meet me?

I couldn't lie; I was secretly terrified for my own safety.

"Man... that hit really hurt..."

I rubbed the area where Sophia had struck me, rotating my shoulder to soothe the ache. The cafe was mostly empty; the weather had turned sour. Rain lashed against the windows, driving passersby to scramble for shelter, with many ducking into the shop hoping for a reprieve. Five minutes ago, the world had been quiet.

Now, this was the reality.