Torn Apart

The episode opens with Sofia sitting in her apartment, staring blankly at her phone, waiting for a message from Ethan that hasn’t come. It’s been days since the disastrous confrontation at the gallery, and the weight of her secret being exposed is crushing her. She replays the moment in her mind over and over Olivia’s smug expression, Ethan’s look of betrayal. Sofia had hoped for the chance to explain everything to him on her own terms, but that chance had slipped away.

Meanwhile, Ethan is struggling with his own emotions. He paces around his penthouse, his mind racing. He had felt so strongly for Sofia, but now everything felt like a lie. His feelings for her haven’t faded, but he’s torn between the connection they shared and the deception he feels. Why didn’t she tell him about her family? Was she playing him this whole time?

Ethan’s close friend, Liam, notices his inner turmoil. Over drinks, Liam asks, “So what are you going to do about Sofia? It’s obvious you still care about her.”

Ethan sighs. “I don’t know, man. She kept something huge from me. How am I supposed to trust her after that?”

Liam shrugs. “I get that, but think about it. She wasn’t flaunting her wealth. If anything, she was hiding from it. Maybe there’s a reason.”

Ethan pauses, considering Liam’s words. Deep down, he knows that Sofia isn’t like the other women he’s dated. She’s different, and that’s what drew him to her in the first place. But the betrayal still stings. He decides he needs some space to think, and for now, he avoids contacting her.

At the same time, Sofia seeks comfort in her best friend Maya. Over coffee, Maya tries to console her. Ethan will come around. He just needs time to process everything.”

Sofia shakes her head. “I don’t know if he will. I should’ve told him sooner, but I was scared. Scared that he’d see me the way everyone else does as just a ‘Davenport.

Maya gives her a sympathetic look. “But you’re not just a Davenport. And if Ethan really cares about you, he’ll see that.

Sofia nods, but the fear of losing Ethan for good lingers.

Meanwhile, Olivia, satisfied with her handiwork, has begun spreading more rumors about Sofia within Ethan’s social circle. She enjoys the power she feels from driving a wedge between them, and she’s determined to keep it that way. But not everyone is on her side. Ethan’s friend Liam begins to suspect Olivia’s motives, especially since she’s been trying to get Ethan’s attention for months.

One evening, Ethan is out for drinks with Liam and a few other friends when Olivia joins them. She brings up Sofia again, casually mentioning her family’s wealth and how “some people just can’t be trusted.” Ethan listens silently, but Liam, fed up with Olivia’s manipulations, confronts her. “You really need to stop, Olivia. What’s your problem with Sofia anyway? Is it that she’s not one of your rich, entitled friends?”

Olivia glares at Liam. “I’m just trying to look out for Ethan. He deserves someone who’s honest with him.”

Liam scoffs. “Please. You don’t care about Ethan’s feelings. You’re just jealous because he’s into someone who isn’t you.

Olivia’s face hardens, but before she can retort, Ethan stands up, signaling the end of the conversation. “I’ve had enough, he says quietly. Liam, let’s get out of here.

As Ethan and Liam leave, Ethan begins to realize that Olivia’s interference may have been more about her own jealousy than his well-being. He starts to question if he let her words influence his reaction to Sofia’s secret. Still, he feels conflicted. He needs answers, and there’s only one person who can give them to him.

The next day, Sofia is at work, trying to focus on the upcoming exhibit, when Ethan walks into the gallery. Her heart leaps at the sight of him, but she quickly notices the guarded look in his eyes. She takes a deep breath, bracing herself for whatever is coming.

Ethan approaches her, his tone calm but distant. “Can we talk?

Sofia nods, leading him to a quieter part of the gallery. Once they’re alone, Ethan turns to her, his expression serious. “Why didn’t you tell me about your family?

Sofia feels the weight of his words, knowing this is her chance to explain. “I didn’t tell you because… because I’ve spent my whole life trying to escape that world. I didn’t want you to see me the way everyone else does—as a ‘Davenport’ first and a person second. I wanted you to like me for who I am, not for the money or the name.”

Ethan listens, his expression softening slightly, but the hurt is still there. “I get that. But you should’ve trusted me. We’ve spent all this time together, and it felt real. But then I find out you’ve been hiding something so big… it makes me question everything.”

Tears well up in Sofia’s eyes, but she fights to keep her voice steady. “I know I should’ve told you sooner, but I was scared. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before, and the thought of losing you… it terrified me. I was wrong to keep it from you, and I’m sorry.”

For a long moment, Ethan says nothing. He’s torn between the love he feels for her and the pain of her omission. Finally, he speaks. “I don’t know where we go from here, Sofia. I need time to figure out if I can trust you again.”

Sofia’s heart sinks, but she nods, understanding. I get it. Take all the time you need.

As Ethan walks away, Sofia feels a wave of sadness and regret wash over her. She knows there’s nothing more she can do but wait and hope that Ethan will give her another chance.

The episode ends with Sofia standing alone in the gallery, the silence echoing around her. Ethan walks out into the bustling city streets, deep in thought, unsure of what the future holds for them. Both are left grappling with the uncertainty of their relationship, knowing that trust has been broken—but also knowing that the connection they share is hard to ignore.

Episode 4 ends with Ethan and Sofia at a crossroads, their relationship hanging in the balance as they both struggle to reconcile their feelings with the truth.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***