Chapter 369

Reflecting on it now, perhaps working at a construction site as a technician would be better.

It might be dirty and exhausting.

But the people there are genuine.

Sophia decided her job search tomorrow would focus on construction sites.

Next Day

She didn’t tell Ethan about losing her job. She feared he’d ask questions, and she didn’t want him to know she’d clashed with coworkers after just two days.

Since she wasn’t returning anyway, there was no point mentioning it.

As usual, Ethan drove Lily to kindergarten first, then dropped Sophia off near her former workplace. Before she stepped out, he reminded her, "Finish early tonight. I’ll teach you to drive."

Sophia nodded. "Okay."

Once Ethan and Nathan were out of sight, she boarded a bus. After several stops, she spotted an internet café and spent hours inside, researching construction sites hiring technicians. By late afternoon, she returned to the original spot to wait for Ethan.

He arrived earlier than expected, pulling up before five. Seeing her already at the intersection, both Ethan and Nathan looked puzzled.

"Mrs. Blackwood, why are you off work so early?" Nathan asked, surprised.

Sophia hesitated. "Well… I was at a construction site today. Didn’t need to return to the office, so I came straight here…"

Her cheeks warmed as she glanced at Ethan.

Tonight, he’d be teaching her to drive. Just the thought made her pulse quicken.

She wasn’t wrong. Ethan took her to a driving school, dismissed the instructors, and took charge himself.

A CEO with no formal training in driving instruction skipped theory entirely.

"Just drive," he said, settling into the passenger seat. "I’m here. You’ll learn by doing."

Sophia bit her lip. She didn’t even know where the clutch was.

And Ethan’s presence unnerved her.

"Focus," he commanded. "Driving is about instinct, not overthinking."

Under his stern gaze, she tentatively pressed the accelerator.

Too hard.

The car lurched forward like a shot arrow.

Sophia shrieked, releasing the wheel to cover her face. She curled into Ethan’s side, trembling.

Ethan didn’t flinch. One arm secured her while the other steadied the wheel. His voice, low and calm, brushed her ear. "Relax. I’ve got you. Ease off the pedal."

Gradually, she complied.

Only when the car slowed did she dare peek up. Ethan guided the wheel effortlessly, her body still tucked against his.

Her heartbeat roared in her ears.

They’d reached a deserted stretch of road reserved for learners.

Sophia didn’t notice when the car stopped. Or when Ethan’s lips found hers.

By the time she regained awareness, over an hour had passed. Her clothes were disheveled, her lips swollen.

Mortified, she couldn’t meet his eyes.

Ethan, however, acted as if nothing happened. He drove back to the school, where Nathan waited with Lily.

Spotting her mother’s flushed face, Lily pouted. "Mean Daddy! You played with Mommy without me!"

She stomped to Nathan’s car in mock outrage.

Nathan chuckled. "Know why they didn’t take you, little princess?"

Lily shook her head.

"Because they were practicing how to fall in love before you were born."

"Oh!" Lily’s eyes sparkled with understanding.

When Ethan and Sophia joined them, Lily chirped, "Daddy, you should practice loving Mommy more!"

Sophia choked on air.

Ethan’s lips twitched.

That night, Lily—unusually considerate—cut playtime short, shooing Ethan to Sophia.

In the bathroom, Sophia smoothed serum over her freshly masked skin. The products Ethan had gifted her worked wonders—her complexion glowed, dewy and supple.

She’d just patted on toner when the door opened.

Ethan froze.

He’d always known she was beautiful. But now, bathed in soft light, she looked ethereal—youthful, radiant, utterly captivating.

His breath caught.