CHAPTER 36HENRY’S POVThe morning sun streamed into the kitchen, casting a warm glow over the room. It was a rare moment of tranquility in my usually hectic life. As I stood by the stove, the aroma of sizzling bacon filled the air, and I couldn't help but smile to myself. Sophia was nowhere to be seen, and for once, our home was surprisingly quiet. It was strange how much I missed her presence when she wasn't around, even though her fiery arguments and relentless teasing were a constant source of frustration. But that was the enigma of Sophia. She could drive me to the brink of madness one moment and then make me yearn for her company the next.I focused on preparing breakfast, the familiar routine helping to distract my thoughts. Cracking eggs into a bowl, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. Maybe it was the absence of our usual banter, the verbal sparring that had become a staple of our interactions.As I cooked, my phone buzzed on the kitchen counter. I wiped
SOPHIA’S POVI hustled through my morning routine, the promise of a hot cup of Starbucks coffee became my beacon of hope. The college grind had a way of leaving me perpetually sleep-deprived, and caffeine was my trusted ally in the battle against exhaustion.I slipped into my favorite jeans, hastily tugged on a sweater, and grabbed my bag. It was one of those mornings where every minute counted. My father's lessons about punctuality echoed in my mind as I dashed out the door.The Starbucks was just a short walk from my apartment, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee beckoned me from a block away. I joined the line, mentally rehearsing my order – a venti caramel macchiato with an extra shot of espresso. My secret weapon for surviving morning lectures.Finally, it was my turn at the counter. I flashed a tired smile at the barista, a young guy with a friendly demeanor. "One venti caramel macchiato with an extra shot, please."His eyes lit up with a charming grin. "Sure thing. Name?""S
CHAPTER 38SOPHIA's POVI was cruising along the highway, en route to meet up with Jason, when my phone buzzed, lighting up with my dad's name on the caller ID. I grinned and tapped the answer button."Hey, Dad!""Hey there, superstar!" My dad's voice was warm and familiar, instantly putting me at ease. "How's my favorite daughter doing today?"I chuckled. "Dad, you only have one daughter."He laughed heartily. "That's right, and you're the best one! How's everything going?"As I merged into traffic, I updated him on the latest in my life. "Well, I'm on my way to meet Jason. He wanted to talk about something."Dad's tone was curious. "Jason, huh? Everything okay there?"I reassured him, "Yeah, it's nothing bad, I think. Just some mysterious business he wants to discuss."Dad chuckled. "Mysterious, huh? Well, you've always had a knack for getting into exciting situations."I couldn't help but laugh too. "Yeah, I guess I do."Dad then surprised me with a topic that had been on my mind l
CHAPTER 39SOPHIA’S POVI entered our home that evening, my heart heavy with a mixture of emotions. There they were, Henry and Layla, locked in an embrace that sent a pang of jealousy through me. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of devastation as I watched them hug.Summoning all the acting skills I had, I approached Layla and forced a smile. "Hi, Layla, it's good to see you."She returned the smile, her eyes betraying a hint of something I couldn't quite place. "Sophia, how's school been treating you?"I didn't want to engage in a lengthy conversation with her, but I replied politely, "It's been alright, thanks."Henry, standing beside Layla, watched our interaction with a discerning eye. His expression was hard to read, but I could tell he was torn between making sure I was comfortable and not upsetting Layla. It was a delicate dance, one that I didn't want to participate in.Layla, perhaps sensing my discomfort, spoke up. "Well, Henry, I should get going. I came in an Uber, but if
CHAPTER 40HENRY’S POVAs I drove Layla home, a heavy silence hung in the air between us. The truth was looming, waiting to be addressed, and I couldn't evade it forever. Layla, sitting beside me, finally mustered the courage to ask the question that had been haunting her."Henry," she began tentatively, "is Sophia the one you have feelings for?"I hesitated, my grip tightening on the steering wheel. There was no use in pretending anymore. "Yes," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.Layla let out a sigh, her frustration evident. "Henry, why would you be dating a girl half your age and, to make it worse, your best friend's daughter?"I sighed, struggling to find the right words to explain the complexity of my feelings. "Layla, it's not that simple. I didn't plan for any of this to happen."She raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "Come on, Henry. You can't just chalk this up to fate or coincidence. It's not like you to be with someone so much younger."I knew she had a point,
CHAPTER 41SOPHIA’S POVI woke up to the smell of bacon sizzling in the kitchen. As I padded down the stairs, the enticing aroma led me straight to Henry, who was busy at the stove."Morning, chef," I greeted, planting a soft kiss on his cheek.He turned with a grin, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Morning, sleepyhead. I hope you're hungry because I'm attempting your infamous scrambled eggs today."I chuckled, taking a seat at the kitchen island. "Oh, this I have to see."Henry slid a plate piled with scrambled eggs and bacon in front of me, and I raised an eyebrow. "Well, it certainly looks edible."He laughed, taking a seat across from me. "High praise, coming from you."We dug into our breakfast, trading jokes and playful banter. It was a routine we'd fallen into, one I cherished. Henry was not only my lover but also my best friend, and there was no one else I'd rather start the day with.I took a bite of my eggs and pretended to contemplate the taste. "You know, Henry, these e
CHAPTER 42HENRY’S POVThe boardroom was abuzz with the usual hum of business discussions. Two stern-faced stakeholders sat across the table, and my longtime friend and business partner, Lynda, was to my right. We were here to discuss the future of our company, a discussion that usually flowed smoothly.I started the meeting with a rundown of our recent successes, expecting nods of approval. Instead, Lynda, with her piercing gaze and a pen tapping impatiently on the table, was ready for combat."I appreciate the successes, Henry, but have you considered the long-term sustainability of these strategies?" Lynda interjected, her tone sharp and cutting through the air.I raised an eyebrow, keeping my composure. "Of course, Lynda. We have a solid plan in place for the future."She leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "Solid, perhaps, but not foolproof. We need to be more cautious, especially in this volatile market."The stakeholders exchanged glances, clearly enjoying the show unfolding. I
CHAPTER 43SOPHIA’S POVThe ringtone blared, indicating a call from my dad. I hesitated for a moment, contemplating whether to answer or let it go to voicemail. Dad had a sixth sense for detecting when something was off, and today was no exception."Hey, Dad," I answered, trying to sound casual."Sweetheart, how's everything? How's school?" His voice held the warmth and concern that only a father's could."It's good, Dad, you know, the usual." I glanced at my textbooks scattered across the bed, wondering if I could sound convincing enough.He chuckled. "And what about Jason? How's he treating you?"There it was—the Jason question. I took a deep breath, knowing I couldn't evade it forever. "Dad, we need to talk about Jason."His tone shifted to seriousness. "What's going on, Sophia?"I fidgeted with the edge of my notebook. "Dad, the thing is, there is no Jason. I made him up."Silence. Then a heavy sigh. "What do you mean, you made him up?"I swallowed hard, trying to find the right w
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