Chapter 4Left Behind in the Heat

Sophia frowned. "Ethan, what are you smiling about? Are you deliberately forcing me to take your mother with us?"

I opened my suitcase without even looking at her. "Don't worry. My mom and I won't take either of your two spots on the Noah's Ark Car."

After saying that, I kept tossing my belongings into the suitcase. I also took all the little keepsakes from our cabinets and threw them into the trash.

Once the apocalypse came, they were all nothing but garbage. Even the memories of our love meant nothing anymore.

Sophia picked up a small stuffed toy from the trash. It was a gift we had bought to celebrate our third wedding anniversary. Her face darkened immediately.

I didn't want to say anything else to her, so I carried my things straight to the guest room where Sienna was staying.

Over the next three days, supplies really did become scarce. Each person was given only one cup of water with every meal.

But on the night before we were supposed to leave, I got up in the middle of the night and saw Charles drinking a can of Coke with ice.

I said nothing.

But Charles immediately turned red around the eyes. "Mr. Coleman, I'm just used to putting ice in my Coke... I'm sorry. I won't do it again."

Sophia came running over when she heard him.

She calmly said to me, "Ethan, he's young. Don't be so hard on him."

I was completely confused.

Just yesterday, she had complained that Sienna was a burden. Now I realized she had been saving our supplies for Charles.

I looked at Charles. At first, he looked hurt. But in the end, his smile didn't look like simple happiness. There was something more behind it.

I was too tired to care. I took the supplies meant for Sienna and me and went back to our room.

Sophia seemed like she wanted to stop me, but she eventually lowered her hand. That same feeling of frustration filled her again.

Soon, the third day arrived. I dragged my suitcase along and held Sienna's hand as we waited outside for the Noah's Ark Car.

The moment Sophia saw me, she quickly pulled me aside.

She looked anxious. "Ethan, do you really have to leave with me? I already told you. You and Sienna are supposed to leave with the second group. Don't you understand what I said?"

She paused before continuing, "And even if I didn't take Charles, if I took you instead, would you really be willing to leave Sienna behind and go with me? Everything I'm doing is for your own good!"

Once again, she had so much to say because of Charles.

I gave myself a bitter smile. "I'm not leaving with you. I already told you that you don't need to worry about my mother's ticket or mine. I have my own way."

Sophia frowned and grabbed my arm. "Ethan, you haven't worked in years. What could you possibly do to get tickets? Can you please stop being stubborn?"

I almost laughed from anger when I heard that.

There was only one spot available at the research institute that year. I had given up my place so Sophia could have the opportunity that led to everything she had achieved today.

I pulled my arm free. "Sophia, please don't make me regret the choices I made for you all those years ago."

She looked down at her hand. Her brow furrowed even deeper. Then she shouted. "Ethan, everything I've done was carefully thought out! Why can't you listen to me just one more time?"

I didn't want Sienna to hear us arguing. So, I lowered my voice. "This has nothing to do with you."

I coldly pulled my suitcase away from her.

Sophia was about to say something else. But then the Noah's Ark Car arrived.

I helped Sienna onto the vehicle.

Sophia suddenly panicked. "Ethan, have you lost your mind? You don't have a ticket! Are you really trying to force your way onto the vehicle?"

Then she gave Charles a look. "You go ahead. Don't let anyone take your seat."

Charles pressed his lips into a smile and started to board. But the staff member looked down at the passenger list.

Then he stopped Charles. "This vehicle was arranged by Ms. Larson to pick up Mr. Coleman and his mother. Please don't interfere with official business."

Sophia's face turned pale.