Rise Above The Betrayal (Sophia and Tristan) novel Chapter 12

Chapter 12 

Ethan bolted upright, his eyes narrowing as his grip on the wine glass tightened. “What did you just say?!” 

“You heard me. Ethan. It’s Miss 5. Your muser” his friend exclaimed, practically buzzing with excitement. “The news is one hundred percent legit- Miss Sis really making a comeback!” 

Ethan’s heart raced uncontrollably, his body trembling slightly with anticipation. His eyes even glistened, a faint redness betraying the intensity of 

his emotions. 

The annoyance he’d been feeling moments earlier melted away like snow under the sun. 

Miss S. She was the reason Ethan fell in love with racing, the spark behind his obsession. 

From the moment he saw her first race, he’d been hooked. Spellbound. 

He’d saved every video, every highlight reel of her competitions, watching them again and again, unable to get enough. 

To Ethan, Miss S wasn’t just a racer. She was his muse in racing 

Though he never met her, never even glimpsed her face, she had carved out a permanent place in his heart. 

Three years ago, when she suddenly announced her retirement and disappeared from the racing scene, it had felt like the world was ending 

For a while, he’d even i 

even thought about giving up racing entirely. 

But in the end, he couldn’t. His passion for racing was inseparable from his admiration for Miss S, and he’d clung to that muse spark, pouring his devotion into his own career 

And now, hearing she was back, Ethan felt a rush of vindication. His years of perseverance, of holding onto that flame, hadn’t been for nothing. 

She was back. 

Ethan shot to his feet, his face breaking into an unnatural grin. Grabbing his friend’s hand, he demanded, “Where? Where is she?” 

“Calm down, Ethan his friend said, pausing him on the shoulder with a sheepish smile. “The news just dropped. We don’t know which track shell be at yet. But don’t worry–her big return is set for the third race, starting in half an hour. You’ll see your muse then! 

“His muse?” The word came from Chloe, her voice tinged with curiosity as she returned to their table. 

Chloe had just arrived, practically glowing from the attention she’d been receiving, the new car key dangling casually from her hand. But the word “muse” pricked at her like a thorn. 

Ethan’s friend frove, his excitement faltering as Chloe’s gaze zeroed in on him. He forced a nervous laugh. “Oh, Chloe, don’t take it the wrong way! We’re talking about a female racer Ethan admires. It’s not what you think” 

A female racer? Chloe’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of disdain crossing her tace. 

in her mind, women in racing were linde more than opportunists, using the scene to climb into high society or snag a wealthy boyfriend. 

Sure, racing itself was thrilling, but women? They were accessories–decorations to the real action. 

And now, one of those so–called ‘accessories” was Ethan’s worshiped lady? 

Chloe would never allow that not as a real noble lady. 

Chloe waited for Ethan to explain 

Surely, he’d brush it off or offer some reassurance. But Ethan didn’t. Instead, his eyes flicked to the car keys in her hand. “Got the car?”” 

His indifference hit like a slap, and Chloe pressed her lips together tightly, a strange unease stirring in her chest 

Her mind was racing, faster than any other car on the tracks. Why doesn’t he explain? And suddenly, it feels like I can’t compete with this racer in his heart! 

Chloe clenched her fist. First Sophia. And now some racer? 

Frustration churned within her, but she kept her expression composed. With a soft smile, she held up the keys. “Yeah, here’s the car key 

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Chapter 12 

She leaned closer, aiming to snuggle into Ethan’s side. “Ethan, thank y—” 

Chloe’s words hung in the air, unfinished. 

Ethan sidestepped her without hesitation, leaving the booth and heading straight toward the racetrack. 

Now that he knew Miss S was competing in the third race, his entire focus was locked on her. 

He had only one goal: to see his muse up close and witness her long–awaited comeback. 

“Ethan. Chloe’s hand froze midair, her confident smile fahering as her expression shified to something stiff and awkward. 

Her bright, expressive eyes began to glisten, a flash of hurt crossing her face. 

But all she could do was watch Ethan retreating. 

He didn’t turn back. He didn’t pause to notice her disappointment–or her frustration. 

“Chloe, don’t take it personally!” one of Ethan’s friends said quickly, rubbing the back of his head nervously. “Ethan’s just… really into racing, you know! The third match is huge–it’s got top racers from all over the world. It’s hard not to get caught up in it. He’s not ignoring you on purpose.” 

What he didn’t dare admit was that whenever Miss S was involved, Ethan’s tunnel vision kicked in hard. The world outside racing simply didn’t 

All his friend could do was blame Ethan’s behavior on his unrelenting passion for racing. 

Chloe’s fingers curled into a fist at her side, but her serene smile didn’t waver. She shook her head gently, her voice soft and understanding. “It’s okay. I know how much Ethan loves racing. If it makes him happy, then I’ll love it 100.” 

Her words made Ethan’s friend sigh in relief. He chuckled awkwardly, wiping his brow. “You’re the best, Chloe. Always so sweet! 

Chloe returned a delicate smile. 

However, as soon as she turned away to catch up with Ethan, her expression hardened 

Her instincts told her something had shifted. Ethan’s sudden indifference couldn’t be excused away by just the race–it had to be because of her.