Chapter 300

Sophie felt a sudden grip on her hand, jolting her. "Austin?"

"The last time I said we're friends, I only said it because I thought it was the only way to stick around without getting pushed away. But seeing how drained you look now, I feel like maybe I'm not even qualified to be your friend," Austin confessed, his tone tinged with apology.

The self-blame in Austin's tone made her pause in retracting her hand. "Why would you think so? If you hadn't saved me five years ago, I would've died in the sea. And all these years, you've been helping me silently. If anyone among us lacks the qualification to be called a friend, it's probably me."

Austin had saved her and Cherry's lives. Just based on that alone, she would owe him forever.

"Sophie, no matter what happens in the future, can you still consider me your friend?" Austin's gaze dimmed suddenly.

Sophie smiled as she withdrew her hand. "Yes, no matter what happens in the future, you'll always be my friend."

Holding the mug with bot