2

Four years ago 

CHAPTER 2

SOPHIA’S POV

I sat close to the school library, it was close to the driveway and far from the hallway, it had become my new favorite spot, it was far from the classroom, from the people in high school, You know that saying about high school being the worst moment of your life, it was precisely that for me. 

Growing up, I was constantly criticized and made fun of for how I looked. I was a chubby girl, well, I used to be a chubby girl. Then I made it a daily task to work out and become the cheerleading squad captain.

“How do you think he would ever notice you if you constantly shy away from him,” Kylie spoke, startling me from my ever-lost thoughts. 

“I don’t want him to notice me,” I muttered, and continued sketching a familiar figure on my notepad, Kylie and I have been friends since we were kids and since my foster dad adopted me, we have been inseparable. She is the only one who knows all my dirty little secrets, especially my little crush on my dad's friend Henry.

Okay, my crush on Henry might not be that little, but it was massive. Everything about him made me feel different, I know that he is older than I am, way older than I am and there is no logical reason why I find a man twice my age attractive but I just can’t help it.

Kylie leaned back in her chair, her brows knitted together. "Sophia, seriously, you've got to let go of this crush on Henry. He's like an ancient in comparison to you." I hated it whenever Kylie tried to school me about my feelings for Henry, I had to tell her because I trusted her to keep my secret. 

I rolled my eyes, a dramatic sigh escaping my lips. "Come on, Kylie. Age is just a number, you know? And it's not like I can control my feelings." This had always been a constant back and forth battle for us, she didn’t seem to get it why I was this in love with Henry, because she insisted that this was more than a crush already, and she was right. It was more than just a crush. 

She chuckled, shaking her head. "Trust me, Sophia, he's not going to see you in that way. You're practically a baby compared to him." I was getting a bit infuriated by her comments. Henry didn't see me as a baby even though the age difference was something though. 

I slumped in my seat, my chin resting on my hand. "But Kylie, have you seen those eyes of his? And that rugged charm? It's like he stepped out of a romance novel." I said in a dream like state, my mind flying to how he would look without his shirt on, but I shrugged the thought away, this shouldn’t be what I should be thinking about. 

Kylie raised an eyebrow, her lips quirking into a half-smile. "Romance novel? Are you serious? This is real life, Soph." Of course, I knew this was real life but I knew he was more of a far off dream to me, but I wanted all of that. 

I pouted, feeling a touch defensive. "Hey, love can strike anywhere, right? Even in a business meeting or a coffee shop." I know what I just said now made zero sense but it was the only defense I could think about at the moment. 

She leaned forward, her tone empathetic. "Look, I get that he's attractive, but he's also—well, way out of your league. And I don’t mean because he is a well established billionaire, I am saying this because he is twice your age and also your father's friend; Sophie, It can never work."

I shot back, determination in my voice, "Maybe not now, Kylie, but just you wait. One day, he'll notice me." I was just thinking about how that would be, whene he would finally get to see me for who I was. 

Kylie burst out laughing. "Oh, come on! You're delusional!"

I narrowed my eyes at her, my playful demeanor shifting slightly. "You just wait. He'll realize that I'm the one who understands his jokes, who laughs at his terrible puns. I am sure he doesn’t get that with another and why do you think he is not married now, it is because maybe, deep within him somewhere he is waiting for a girl like me."

Kylie's laughter subsided, and she sighed. "Sophia, you're setting yourself up for heartbreak."

I shook my head, adamant. "No way. This is destiny. Like in the movies, where the underdog wins the heart of the unattainable guy. It could be just like that movie, about a student falling in love with her teacher,"

“You do know that ended in a tragedy, right?” 

“Whatever, mine would be different.” 

Kylie threw her hands up, defeated. "Fine, have it your way. But don't say I didn't warn you."

A triumphant smile tugged at my lips. "I'll be sure to invite you to our wedding." I teased her, trying to lighten the mood because whenever Kylie and I talked about Henry it always ends up in some uneven quarrel. 

She rolled her eyes, a smirk playing on her lips. "Sure thing, future Mrs. Sophia Henry."

I leaned back in my chair, my heart fluttering with a mixture of hope and nervousness. "You'll see, Kylie. You'll see."

I clung to my crush on Henry like a lifeline, convinced that someday, against all odds, he would see me for who I was: the girl who could turn his world upside down.

 Kylie eyed me with frustration written all over her eyes. "You are seriously the most stubborn person I know, Sophia. Why can't you just consider dating guys your own age?"

She has now shifted to my least favorite topic, the one that has to do with dating guys my age. But today I was up for all the quirky conversation. 

I leaned in, a mischievous grin playing on my lips. "Because, Kylie, those guys just don't do it for me. Older men have this, I don't know, charisma and experience that's way more attractive." it was true when it comes to boys my age they were mostly kids that still needed their mother for direction.  

She threw her hands up in exasperation. "Charisma and experience? Or is it just the fact that Henry has a job and a car and let's not forget, he is a freaking billionaire,"

I shrugged, a playful glint in my eyes. "Hey, those things don't hurt his case, you know?"

Kylie rolled her eyes, her tone tinged with sarcasm. "Right, because dating your dad's business partner and best friend isn't complicated at all."

I waved a dismissive hand. "Details, details. Love conquers all, remember?"

She groaned. "You're impossible."

A sly smile crept across my face. "Oh, and just so you know, I've decided to take matters into my own hands."

Kylie's eyes widened, she was curious and it was written all over her face. "What are you talking about?"

"I'm going to confess my feelings to Henry tonight," I announced, this was something I had thought about for a very long time and the more I waited the more I felt like I was running out of time. 

Kylie's jaw dropped. "Wait, what? Are you out of your mind?" she yelled out and the people who were around us and walked in a minute ago stared at us. 

I leaned back, crossing my arms confidently. "Nah, it's the perfect plan. I'll pour my heart out in a heartfelt message, and who knows? Maybe he feels the same way." when it came out of my mouth, I realized that it sounded much better in my mind and would be so much more complicated in real life.

Kylie looked aghast. "Sophia, that's an absolutely terrible idea. If your dad finds out, you'll be grounded until you're, like, a hundred."

I shrugged off her concern, my excitement building. "I don't care about that. Love is worth the risk."

She grabbed my shoulders, a desperate plea in her eyes. "Sophia, seriously, you can't do this. It's a disaster waiting to happen and I know you, you are definitely not a glutton for punishment."

I brushed her off, my mind made up. "Don't worry, Kylie. It's happening."

A sigh escaped her lips. "You're unbelievable."

I grinned, a mix of nerves and anticipation bubbling within me. "Wish me luck, Kylie. Tonight's the night."

A flurry of arguments and protests, but deep down, I was resolute. I was going to send that message to Henry, consequences be damned. 

I am going to confess my feelings to Henry tonight.