CHAPTER 7

Sophie

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I couldn't contain my excitement as I hurried down—not even the dull pain in my ankle could make me move any slower as I headed down the hall towards Luca's room.

The soft scuffling of my slippers against the tile and the rapid beat of my heart was anything but silent. I clutched the portfolio to my chest, its edges pressing into my fingers, a tangible reminder of the incredible opportunity that had just landed on my lap. I could still hear the client’s voice in my head, praising my work and expressing his eagerness to see what I could do with his project when he had contacted me minutes ago.

Luca's door was slightly ajar, and I knocked quickly before pushing it open. He was seated at his desk, clad in a plain white shirt and casual black trousers, a faint smile playing on his lips as he looked up from his laptop.

"Luca!" I burst out and leaned in, my voice dancing with excitement. "You won't believe what happened!"

He leaned back in his chair; a smile played on his lips, c