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 44 SOPHIA POVI was in the kitchen, humming along to a tune as I chopped vegetables for dinner, lost in the rhythm of the knife against the cutting board. Suddenly, I felt a pair of strong arms wrap around me from behind, and warm lips pressed against my neck."Hey, beautiful," Henry whispered, his voice sending shivers down my spine.I smiled, leaning back into his embrace. "Hey yourself. What brings you to the kitchen?"He nuzzled my ear and said, "I missed you. And I heard rumors of a delicious meal being prepared in here."I rolled my eyes playfully. "Oh, please. I'm not exactly a gourmet chef."Henry spun me around to face him, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Well, lucky for you, I have a refined palate. I can handle even the most disastrous culinary experiments."I swatted him on the arm. "Watch it, mister. I might surprise you with my hidden cooking talents."He raised an eyebrow, a playful challenge in his gaze. "Is that a challenge, Sophia?"I grinned. "Consider it
CHAPTER 45 SOPHIA’S POVI sauntered into the dining room, still rubbing the sleep from my eyes, when I was greeted by the smell of freshly brewed coffee and the sight of Henry flipping through a stack of papers. The morning sun streamed in, casting a warm glow over everything."What's got you so busy this early?" I asked, eyeing the papers scattered on the table.Henry looked up, a smile playing on his lips. "Morning, sleepyhead. I've been going through some work stuff."I raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "Work stuff, huh? Trying to impress someone with your diligence?"He chuckled. "Maybe. Or maybe someone convinced me that having a focused morning routine is the key to success."I grinned, taking a seat across from him. "Well, someone sounds wise beyond his years."Henry leaned back, his eyes sparkling. "You know it. Speaking of work, there's something I wanted to talk to you about."I leaned in, intrigued. "Oh? Do tell."He set the papers aside and locked eyes with me. "I've
CHAPTER 46Henry’s POVI was buried in reports when the door to my office swung open. I glanced up to see Jake, a business partner with a knack for saying exactly the wrong things at the wrong time."Hey, Henry, have you met the new intern? Sophia, right?" Jake asked, a sly grin playing on his face.I tried to keep my cool, offering a nonchalant nod. "Yeah, Sophia. She's part of the team now."Jake leaned against the doorframe, his tone taking on a teasing edge. "She's quite the catch, Henry. I saw her in the breakroom. Didn't know interns could look like that."I clenched my jaw, the urge to tell Jake to mind his own business simmering beneath the surface. "Sophia is here to work, Jake. Let's keep it professional."He chuckled, clearly enjoying my discomfort. "Oh, come on, Henry. Don't tell me you haven't noticed. The intern is turning heads already."I forced a tight smile. "We're here to discuss business, Jake. Any thoughts on the latest proposal?"Jake ignored my attempt to change
CHAPTER 47SOPHIAI paced around my apartment, clutching my phone as if it held the secrets to the universe. Kylie, my confidante in all matters of the heart, picked up after a few rings."Hey, girl! What's going on?" Kylie's voice was a burst of energy on the other end."Kylie, I need your wisdom," I began, my words rushed. "Remember Lucas, the guy I mentioned from Starbucks? Well, he asked me out, and I said yes. Now, I'm not sure if I should tell Henry about it."Kylie laughed, her amusement evident even through the phone. "Wait, what? You're going on a date with another guy, and you're contemplating whether to tell Henry? This is juicy!"I sighed, feeling the weight of the situation. "I know, I know. It's just... I didn't know where things stood with Henry, and this is just a one-time thing, you know?"Kylie chuckled. "Oh, Sophia, you're a walking romantic comedy. Okay, spill. Why are you going on a date with Lucas in the first place?"I flopped onto my couch, twirling a strand of
CHAPTER 48HENRYI stood outside Lynda's door, my hand hesitating before knocking. The air was thick with tension, and I knew I had to clear the air between us. We'd been friends for a long time, and recent events had strained that friendship. I took a deep breath and rapped on the door.Lynda opened it, her expression a mix of surprise and suspicion. "Henry? What brings you here?"I scratched my head, searching for the right words. "Lynda, we need to talk. I can't stand this tension between us."She stepped back, allowing me to enter. The atmosphere inside mirrored the one outside—tense and awkward. We settled in the living room, and I dove right in."I want to apologize, Lynda. I know things have been rough, and I don't want our friendship to suffer."She raised an eyebrow, a silent question lingering in her eyes."I also know that you care about me," I continued, choosing my words carefully, "but there's something I need to make clear. I love Sophia."Her eyes widened, and I could
CHAPTER 49SOPHIAThe park seemed like a suitable place for a date—serene, with a gentle breeze stirring the leaves. Lucas was talking animatedly about his classes, blissfully unaware of the turmoil raging inside me. That's when the message arrived.A photo of Lucas and me, taken from a discreet distance, accompanied by a message: "Caught in the act." The sender wasn't shy about it; they had copied Henry's email, ensuring he got front-row seats to my little drama.My heart sank as Henry's call came through. "Where are you, Sophia?""In the park," I mumbled, glancing around nervously."I'll be right there."His voice had an edge, a tone that hinted at trouble. As I waited, guilt gnawed at me. I knew I had messed up big time.When Henry arrived, his expression was a mix of disappointment and anger. "Care to explain?" he demanded, arms crossed.I took a deep breath, attempting to gather the words to justify my actions. "Henry, I... I wasn't sure about us when Lucas asked me out. I though
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