Noah wasn't a fool. Seeing the gathering of people near the door, he simply smiled faintly.

Sophia had thought he'd be embarrassed, maybe even flustered, but no—he was calm as ever. No matter the crowd following him, he chatted away casually with her, like it was no big deal.

Sophia, holding a massive bouquet of roses, walked alongside him by the riverside.

Partway through, she seized the moment to apologize, "I'm really sorry. I didn't expect ...