Strangers When We Meet Again

Isabella froze, then noticed Ethan was holding a half-burned photograph.

Because there had been so many photos, by the time she reached the end, some hadn't burned completely before she tossed them in the trash.

She hadn't expected Ethan to find them.

However, the album containing Ethan and Sophie's photos was already locked away in her private safe where Ethan couldn't possibly see it.

"Yes."

She didn't deny it. Only then did Ethan truly panic, gripping her even tighter.

"Bella, didn't you say these photos were your most precious memories? Why did you burn them? Did I do something wrong?"

The usually composed and dignified man now looked like a child who'd made a mistake, almost ready to cry.

"If I did something wrong, tell me! I'll change everything!"

Isabella finally looked at him.

If she told him, would he leave Sophie?

If she told him, could his betrayals simply be wiped clean?

No.

So it was better not to say anything.

Better to forget everything completely.

So she said calmly, "Don't overthink it. I fell asleep looking at the album, and an aromatherapy candle caught it on fire. By the time I put it out, most of it was burned. The negatives are still intact anyway, so it's not a big deal."

The lie was almost laughably poor. There was no way someone with Ethan's intelligence would believe it.

"Bella, you..." He was about to speak when his phone suddenly buzzed.

He glanced down at the message, his expression changing, and immediately stood up.

"Bella, I need to take a call."

He hurried out to the balcony. Faintly, Isabella could hear fragments of conversation drifting in—

"What do you mean you haven't had it this month..."

"Did you actually test? Are you sure?"

Ethan's tone on the balcony was somewhat agitated, but Isabella had no interest in listening to what he was saying. She simply closed her eyes and smiled bitterly.

You see.

Even the most pathetic lies can succeed when the other person doesn't care.

...

Over the next few days, Ethan was restless and didn't even bother pursuing the matter of the photos.

Isabella couldn't be bothered to care, focusing instead on preparing for her upcoming memory loss.

That day, she went to the university to handle some paperwork. As she left the office, she ran into Sophie at the stairwell.

"Isabella!" Sophie looked delighted to see her. "What brings you here? Are you looking for Professor Cross?"

She affectionately linked arms with Isabella, but Isabella pulled away coldly.

"Ethan's not here either," she said flatly. "So there's no need to pretend anymore."

Sophie's phone call during her birthday had already shattered the pretense between the two women.

But Sophie still wouldn't admit it, only widening her eyes to look at Isabella with innocent alarm.

"Isabella, what are you talking about? Are you still angry about the auction when Professor Cross bid on my photo? I'm sorry, I'm sorry—I really didn't mean for that to happen... If you're still angry, you can hit me..."

She actually grabbed Isabella's hand and tried to make her hit herself.

Isabella thought she was completely unhinged and immediately pulled her hand back.

"What are you doing..."

But as she pulled away, Sophie suddenly cried "Ah!" and lost her balance, tumbling backward down the stairs.

"Sophie!"

An urgent shout came from behind. Isabella turned to see Ethan appearing at the end of the hallway.

He rushed down to scoop up Sophie from the floor, his face pale with worry.

"Sophie, are you okay? You’re…”

Before Ethan could finish his sentence, Sophie burst into tears.

"Professor!" She grabbed Ethan's hand, crying pitifully. "Why did Isabella push me... Does... does she really hate me that much?"