CHAPTER 17HENRY’S POVThe restaurant was buzzing with laughter and animated conversations as my friends and I settled into our seats. Lynda, Jacob, Bryan, Katie, and I were finally taking a break from the chaos of work to enjoy a dinner together. Our careers in various industries meant that our get-togethers were a rare treat, and we were determined to make the most of it.I leaned back in my chair, surveying the group with a grin. "Well, well, well. Look at us, the titans of industry, taking a breather from conquering the world."Lynda raised her wine glass with a smirk. "To brief moments of sanity in the midst of the corporate madness."We all clinked our glasses together, the clinking sounds echoing through the restaurant. Katie chimed in with a laugh. "So, Henry, tell us, how's life as the untouchable billionaire?"I chuckled, sipping my wine before responding. "Oh, you know, just another day of counting my millions and dodging paparazzi."Bryan chuckled. "And here I thought you
CHAPTER 18 Henry’s POVAs the dinner wrapped up, Layla turned to me with a warm smile. "Henry, would you like to hang out for a little while longer?"I hesitated, not entirely sure if I was up for more socializing after the orchestrated dinner setup. But before I could formulate a polite refusal, Lynda chimed in, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Come on, Henry, it'll be fun!"I shot her a mock glare. "You're enjoying this way too much."Layla laughed, her eyes dancing. "Well, what do you say, Henry?"After a bit of good-natured back and forth, I found myself agreeing. "Alright, sure."With that, Layla and I left the restaurant and headed to a late-night comedy show. The atmosphere was lively, with the sound of laughter filling the air. As we settled into our seats, Layla and I fell into an easy conversation.The comedian on stage cracked a joke, and Layla's laughter was infectious. "I've always loved comedy shows," she admitted.I nodded in agreement, enjoying the light-hearted atm
CHAPTER 19 Sophia's POV I had just settled into my room, flipping through some notes for my next class, when my phone rang. Glancing at the caller ID, I saw it was my father. With a mix of excitement and apprehension, I answered the call."Hey, Dad," I greeted with a warm smile, as if he could see it through the phone."Hey, sweetheart," his voice came through, sounding just as familiar and comforting as ever. "How's everything going over there?"I leaned back against the pillows, my notes momentarily forgotten. "Good, good. School's keeping me busy, you know how it is."He chuckled on the other end. "I remember those days. So, how are your classes? How's UCLA treating you?"I launched into a detailed account of my classes, professors, and the various projects I was working on. It was always nice to catch up with my father, to hear his genuine interest and support. We discussed my creative writing program, my interactions with peers, and even the new friendships I was forming.We al
CHAPTER 20Henry’s POVLayla's entrance into my home was like a breath of fresh air. She looked stunning, and I couldn't help but offer her a compliment as I welcomed her in. "You look absolutely beautiful tonight, Layla," I said, my voice genuine.She smiled graciously, her eyes sparkling. "Thank you, Henry. You clean up rather nicely yourself."I chuckled, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. The atmosphere was light, and I could tell this evening might turn out better than expected. I guided her towards the sitting area, I couldn't help but think that Layla had a way of putting me at ease. Her presence was calming, and her smile was infectious. "What would you like to drink?" I asked, motioning towards the well-stocked bar.She paused for a moment, considering her options. "Red wine, please. Your choice."I reached for a bottle of my finest red wine, a vintage that had aged gracefully over the years. Pouring it into two elegant glasses, I handed one to Layla. She took a sip, her
CHAPTER 21 Sophia’s POV The music was pounding in my ears, and the neon lights flashed erratically, casting a surreal glow over the crowded dance floor. Jason had dragged me here with the promise of a good time, but my mind was far from the pounding bass and swirling dancers. It was consumed by the image of Henry with another woman.I half-heartedly moved to the beat as Jason settled onto a barstool beside me. He could sense my unease, but he was determined to make me enjoy the night."Are you having a good time?" he asked, shouting over the music.I shrugged, not wanting to dampen his enthusiasm. "It's not really my scene, to be honest."He chuckled, shaking his head. "Sophia, you need to let loose once in a while. Life isn't just about work and studies."Jason waved over the bartender and ordered a shot of whiskey. He slid one over to me, and I hesitated before accepting it. The burning sensation down my throat was both familiar and foreign.With a half-smile, he leaned closer, hi
Chapter 21 part 2Henry’s POV I grabbed Sophia's hand and lifted her up from the bench. I wasn't done with her yet, so I quickly pulled up my pants while she did the same, and I held her hand, leading her toward the toilet cabinets close to the mirror . She willingly followed me. The toilet was spacious and empty as we entered and locked the door behind us even though we knew no one was coming in. I pushed her against a counter, and she looked at herself in the mirror, placing her hands on the stall.“I think we should not do this, you are drunk,” I protested with my las will to fight her.“ I am not drunk Henry, I am way sober now and I want this so much you can’t imagine for how long,” I lowered her skirt, and my tongue gently touched her wet core. She whimpered and moaned as my tongue explored her inner depths. I could see her flushed face reflected in the mirror as I pleasured her, and she bit her lower lip with her eyes closed. I craved more of her taste, wanting to savor her j
CHAPTER 22SOPHIA’S POV"Fuck," I woke up with a pounding headache, my brain feeling like it had been run through a blender.Ugh, the unmistakable signs of a hangover. Groaning, I forced myself to sit up in bed. Memories of last night began to trickle in like a fragmented puzzle, and I winced as I recalled the ill-fated party.Henry. I had called him, begging him to pick me up like some damsel in distress. And he had. My knight in shining armor. But after that... well, things got hazy."What did I do, what did I said," I tried for remember but things were hazy up there in my memory. The worry was gnawing at me. What did I say or do last night? I had been so drunk, and drunk me was never a reliable narrator. Did I spill my guts to Henry? Confess some secret love? Make a complete fool of myself?" I am such a fucking mess and I don't seem to know what to do about that" I groaned to myself. Dragging myself out of bed, I attempted to piece together the fragments of last night's escapa
CHAPTER 23SOPHIA’S POVI just wanted to get through the day without any unnecessary drama. My driver dropped me off at school, and I resolved to avoid any confrontations. But, of course, life had other plans, and drama found me in the school parking lot in the form of Molly.She marched over to me with a look of fiery determination that matched her flaming red hair. I was so tired of all this drama, all these misunderstandings. I sighed, not in the mood for a confrontation."Molly, can we please not do this?" I implored, my voice carrying the weariness of someone who had been through too much lately.Her eyes blazed with anger as she retorted, "Why didn't you think about avoiding drama before you messed with my man?"I rolled my eyes, exasperation bubbling up. "Molly, I didn't mess with your man. I told you, Jason and I are just friends."But Molly wasn't having any of it. She was in full-on argument mode, and there was no stopping her. She stepped closer, her finger poking me in the
CHAPTER 74SOPHIA’S POVThe poolside was awash with vibrant hues of twilight as we continued our celebration. Laughter and joy lingered in the air like a sweet melody. Then, unexpectedly, my father and Kayla, who had been exchanging glances filled with unspoken understanding, dropped to one knee simultaneously.I blinked, my eyes darting between them. "Wait, what's happening here?"My father, wearing a grin that could rival a Cheshire cat, spoke first. "Well, Sophia, it seems that Kayla and I have been sharing a little secret. What do you think about becoming a part of our little alliance?"My jaw dropped. "Wait, alliance? Are you guys starting a secret society without me?"Kayla chuckled. "Not exactly. Your dad and I have been conspiring to make this official for a while now." She held out her hand, and on her finger glittered a ring—a symbol of the partnership they were proposing.My father, ever the eloquent one, added, "Sophia, would you do us the honor of having Kayla officially
CHAPTER 73HENRY’S POVThe hospital cafeteria was a strange setting for what I anticipated would be a heart-to-heart with Collins. As I sat there, nursing a lukewarm cup of coffee, I couldn't shake off the feeling of awkwardness that hung in the air. Then, out of the blue, Collins appeared, his gaze meeting mine with a mix of weariness and curiosity."Mind if I join you?" he asked, a hint of hesitation in his voice.I gestured to the empty chair opposite me. "Be my guest. I could use some company that doesn't involve hospital gowns and sterile hallways."Collins chuckled, a sound that resonated with the camaraderie we once shared. He took a seat, and for a moment, the silence lingered, each of us seemingly lost in our thoughts.After a sip of coffee, Collins cleared his throat, breaking the quiet tension. "Henry, I owe you an apology."I raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised by his admission. "Apology? I never thought I'd hear that from you."He nodded solemnly, a seriousness settlin
CHAPTER 72HENRY’S POVThe sterile scent of the hospital room began to fade as laughter and chatter filled the air. Sophia and I were seated on the bed, sharing a moment of solace, when the door burst open, and in came Kylie, a whirlwind of energy and excitement."Sophia!" Kylie exclaimed, rushing over to hug her friend. "I've been trying to reach you for days. What happened? Are you okay?"Sophia's eyes sparkled with surprise and joy. "Kylie, you're here!"I smiled, realizing how much Sophia needed her friend at this moment. "Hey, Kylie. I'm Henry, by the way."Kylie turned toward me, extending a hand with a warm grin. "Oh, Henry! Sophia's told me so much about you. It's a pleasure finally to meet the man who's captured her heart."I chuckled, shaking her hand. "Likewise, Kylie. I've heard a lot about you too."Sophia, now sandwiched between us, looked genuinely happy. "Guys, this is amazing! I can't believe you're both here."Kylie pulled a chair closer, joining us in our little cir
CHAPTER 71HENRY’S POVI sat at my desk, trying to focus on the paperwork before me, but my mind kept drifting to Sophia. It had been days since we last spoke, and a heavy cloud of worry hung over me. The door to my office creaked open, and Lynda, my ever-curious assistant, sauntered in."Hey, Henry. Any news from Sophia?" Her voice carried a note of concern, mirrored by the furrow on her brow.I sighed, my eyes betraying the distress within. "No, not a word. I'm starting to get really worried."As if on cue, my phone buzzed, a glimmer of hope sparking in my chest. I answered, only to be met with Kayla's trembling voice. "Henry, it's Sophia. She's in the hospital. She overdosed."My heart sank, the weight of those words pressing down on me like a ton of bricks. "What? I'm on my way," I stammered, scrambling to grab my coat.Lynda, ever the pragmatic one, tried to hold me back. "Henry, rushing there might not be the best idea. You could complicate things."I shot her a sharp look, my d
CHAPTER 70 COLLIN’S POV The morning sun cast long shadows in the kitchen, but the atmosphere was shrouded in an uneasy silence. Kayla and I sat at the table, the clinking of our utensils against the plates the only sound in the room. Sophia's absence hung over us like a heavy cloud. "Why isn't Sophia joining us?" I finally asked, my concern creeping into my voice. Kayla looked up, her eyes reflecting the same worry I felt. "I tried waking her up, but her door's locked, and she won't respond." My heart quickened as a sense of foreboding settled over me. I rushed upstairs, calling Sophia's name with increasing urgency. The air felt thick with tension as my knocks turned to desperate pounding. The door finally gave way, swinging open to a scene that froze the blood in my veins. I rushed upstairs, the fear gripping my chest like a vice. The silence that met my calls sent shivers down my spine. "Sophia! Sophia, open the door!" I pounded on the wooden barrier, my heart racing in tandem
Chapter 69 Collin’S POV The room felt suffocating, the weight of the truth bearing down on me. My daughter, Sophia, entangled with Henry, my so-called best friend. How could they keep this from me? Betrayal was a bitter pill to swallow, and the echoes of their secret liaison reverberated in my mind. Just as I was wrestling with these thoughts, Kayla, my girlfriend, entered the room. She approached me cautiously, sensing the storm brewing within. "Collins, we need to talk about this. Sophia and Henry might deserve a chance." I shot her a look that could melt steel. "Kayla, this is my family we're talking about. I don't need your input on how to handle it." She crossed her arms, her eyes reflecting defiance. "Collins, I'm your girlfriend. I care about you, and I care about Sophia. Maybe you should consider giving them a chance to explain." I scoffed, bitterness seeping into my words. "Explain what, Kayla? That they've been lying to me? That they've been sneaking around behind my ba
CHAPTER 68 SOPHIA’S POV The morning sunlight streamed through the window as we sat at the breakfast table—my father, Kayla, and me. The atmosphere, however, was far from sunny. I pushed the scrambled eggs around my plate, appetite absent, my mind occupied with thoughts of Henry. "Dad," I finally mustered the courage to speak, "when can I go back to school?" He looked up from his newspaper, his brows furrowing. "What's the rush, Sophia? You just got back." I sighed, a heavy burden on my chest. "I need to get back to my life, Dad. I can't stay cooped up here forever." He exchanged a glance with Kayla before addressing me. "Sophia, I'm making some calls to have you transferred back here permanently. It's for the best." My fork clattered against the plate as I shot up from my chair, frustration bubbling within me. "Transfer me back? Dad, you can't do that!" "Why not?" he replied, his tone stern. "Because it's my life, Dad! I'm an adult. You can't control every aspect of it," I ret
CHAPTER 67 HENRY’S POV The apartment felt emptier than usual, shadows of loneliness dancing across the walls. I hadn't been to work for days, the daily grind suddenly feeling meaningless without her infectious laughter echoing through the halls. Sophia had left, and the silence left in her wake was deafening. The incessant buzzing of my phone had become a painful reminder of her absence. I'd avoided answering, unable to face the reality of her not being there. It took Lynda, my ever-persistent secretary and friend, to knock some sense into me. She appeared at my doorstep, determination in her eyes. I opened the door to find Lynda with a look that was a mix of concern and frustration. "Henry, you've been MIA for days. Ignoring calls, neglecting work. What's going on?" she demanded, pushing past me into the apartment. I sighed, a heavy weight settling on my chest. "It's Sophia, Lynda. She's gone." Her eyes softened with understanding, and she gestured for us to sit. "Tell me everyt
CHAPTER 66 SOPHIA’S POV The wheels screeched against the runway as the plane landed, bringing us back to a reality I wished was just a bad dream. The car ride home was a silent ordeal, each passing mile carrying with it the weight of unspoken words and shattered dreams. As we entered the house, the imposing silence felt like a dark cloud hanging over us. My father's disappointment was palpable, and I couldn't escape the harsh reality of his gaze. Kayla, awkwardly caught in the crossfire, tried to diffuse the tension. "Sophia, sweetheart, let's sit down and talk about this," my father suggested, a futile attempt to bring order to the chaos that had become our lives. I couldn't look at him; the disappointment in his eyes was a mirror reflecting my own shattered expectations. "Talk? What is there left to talk about, Dad? You've made it clear how you feel." Collins sighed, his patience wearing thin. "Sophia, I thought what you had for Henry was just a phase, a childish infatuation. B