Graham cut her off brusquely . " I've got things to do . Hanging up now . " Without waiting for Sophie's response , he ended the call . As the dial tone droned in his ear , Graham leaned back in his chair , eyes closed , fingers pressing against his throbbing temples . Those so - called " beautiful memories " of the past felt hollow now , stripped of meaning without Evelyn . They even seemed ... flavorless . But Sophie wasn't ready to let go . She convinced herself Graham was just in a bad mood - that with enough gentle coaxing , with enough reminders of their " old spark , " she could bring him back to her side . She slipped into a designer dress that had once graced the cover of a fashion magazine , perfected her makeup , dabbed on perfume , and carried a food container to his office . " Graham , " she said , pushing the door open , her voice a carefully measured blend of concern and warmth , " you haven't been eating properly these past few days , have you ? I made you some chicken soup . Won't you try it ? " Graham stood by the window , smoking , his silhouette rigid and unyielding . He didn't turn around . Undeterred , Sophie walked over and set the container on his desk , softening her voice even more . " Graham , you shouldn't smoke so much . It's bad for you . I know you're upset , with Evelyn missing and everyone worried . But ... " She paused , then tried to steer the moment toward nostalgia . " Life has to go on , doesn't it ? Remember that summer at Ashland Reservoir Park ? The water lilies were in bloom , and you picked one for me . The ranger caught you and chewed you out ... " Her words struck like a match to dry tinder , igniting the frustration , regret , and pent - up pain Graham had carried for days . He spun around , eyes bloodshot and blazing with a chilling intensity , his voice a snarl . " Enough , Sophie ! Stop dragging up the past ! It's over ! Don't you get that ?! " Sophie froze , stunned by the ferocity in his tone . The smile on her lips crumbled , her eyes filling with tears , a mix of hurt and disbelief washing over her . " Over ? Graham Sterling , you're saying it's over ? Then why were you so good to me before ? Why did you ditch her for me again and again ? " Chapter 13 56.52 % " You lost the use of one hand because of her , but when we fell into that river , you saved me first ! Are you telling me that wasn't because you still loved me ? " " And now , just because you can't find her , you're taking all your anger out on me ? You're such a bastard , Graham ! " Her voice climbed higher , raw with desperation , tears streaming down her face as if she were the victim of some unforgivable injustice . Graham stared at her tear - streaked face , listening to her indignant accusations . But in his mind , he saw Evelyn's pale face , her despairing eyes , the divorce papers that still cut like a knife ... A wave of disgust and irritation surged through him . He locked eyes with Sophie , his gaze sharp as a blade , and for the first time , he spoke with icy clarity , almost cruel in how he dissected the truth . " I was good to you because I felt guilty . You were divorced , alone , with nowhere to turn . I left her behind ... " He faltered , his heart twisting as though pierced by something sharp . His voice turned hoarse but steady . " Because I thought you were weaker . That you needed protecting more . But that doesn't mean I love you , Sophie . Do you hear me ? " The moment the words left his mouth , Graham froze . It was as if a bolt of lightning had torn through the fog of self - deception that had clouded his heart for so long . Chapter 13 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!