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 1SOPHIA’S POVI have waited almost four years for this day, the day I would receive an email from UCLA to know if I would be accepted into UCLA, moving to California has not always been my dream and let’s not forget UCLA isn’t some sort of ivy leaguer school one would be excited to go.But I had my reasons."So, you won't believe it, Kylie. Four o'clock can't come soon enough," I blurted out, my excitement bubbling over as I plopped down in the library chair opposite her. I was not just excited but also anxious as I knew all that would be at stake if I didn’t get accepted. Kylie glanced up from her book, raising an eyebrow. "Okay, spill. What's got you counting the minutes?"I leaned in, unable to contain myself. "The email, Kylie. The email from the school that would determine my future. I'm freaking out, honestly."Kylie closed her book, a bemused smile tugging at her lips. "Wait, slow down. Email from who? And why are you freaking out? I thought you already got all the em
Four years ago CHAPTER 2SOPHIA’S POVI 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 frien
CHAPTER 3SOPHIA’S POVWalking through the door, I froze. Henry in my living room? My cheeks flushed. "Umm—hi," I managed, feeling a bit tongue-tied. He was always in my house but I didn't expect him to be here today, not when I had decided to muster up all the courage I needed to tell him how I felt about him.Henry smiled warmly. "Hey there, Sophia. Don't just stand there, give me a hug!"Surprised but eager, I hurried over, wrapping my arms around him. His scent engulfed me, sending a shiver down my spine. My heart raced like a hummingbird's wings. He always asked me to hug him, and it was my favorite thing about him. "Good to see you," he said, ruffling my hair. I pulled back, his touch lingering like a sweet melody.Dad grinned at my obvious fluster. "She's growing up, Henry. Turning sixteen soon, high school, and college. you need to stop treating her like a kid."I didn't even notice my dad was in the room, all I could think about then was the fact that Henry was there. Don't
CHAPTER 4SOPHIA’S POVThe sun sneaked through my curtains the next morning, a new day beginning. I shuffled out of bed, my thoughts heavy with the conversation from last night. Henry's impending departure echoed in my mind, a heavy weight in my chest. This was going to be a heavy blow on me, and there was all the other things I needed to deal with, like confessing my feelings to Henry. I got off my bed and went downstairs.Downstairs, I heard Dad's laughter, the familiar sound of amusement he reserved for Henry. My heart clenched. They were on the phone, and I strained to listen without seeming obvious."...traveling tomorrow for a few months," Henry's voice came through the receiver. "Won't be back for a while."Devastation crashed over me like a tidal wave. A few months? It was like someone had punched the air out of my lungs. This was it, the moment I had been dreading. I couldn't let him leave without telling him how I felt. It was more than a crush; it was real.Decision in mind
CHAPTER 5HENRY’S POVWell, here I am, staring at this email from Sophia for the past hour. She has always been a bright kid, full of energy and curiosity. I suspected the crush thing, you know, the typical teenager stuff. But this... this was something else. She was laying it all out, baring her feelings and thoughts."What am I going to do about this, oh my, this was a lot and the thought she put into this well crafted email is to be admire." She is so smart, so bright, so intelligent. I shrugged.I scratched my head, trying to wrap my mind around it. Is this really happening? I mean, sure, I cared about her. She was practically like family, given her dad was my best friend. But this, it was a whole new level. She was talking about love, about being together. I couldn't help but chuckle to myself. Who would have thought I'd be in the middle of something like this? I'm not some young stud anymore. I've got my fair share of gray hairs, and she was; well, she was vibrant and young. A
CHAPTER 6SOPHIA’S POVI was zipping up my suitcase when my phone rang. Dad's name flashed on the screen. I answered with a grin, holding the phone between my shoulder and ear as I continued packing. Her is out on a business trip and I miss him so much, I really wish he would be here today, but I think I will cope just fine. "Hey, Dad!""Hey, sweetheart," he greeted warmly. "Just wanted to give you a little advice before you head off to college." Here he goes again, my father would get an award if they were one giving for constant advice.I chuckled, rolling my eyes playfully. "Dad, seriously? I'm not a kid anymore. I can handle myself."He laughed too, a warm sound that made my heart feel lighter. "I know you're not a kid, Sophia. But old habits die hard, you know."I sighed, feigning exasperation. "Dad, I promise I won't set the dorm on fire or anything." I know if not for his constant check up, I would have done that to our home, I am a terrible cook and he has always been the one
CHAPTER 7HENRY’S POVCollins' call had left me on edge, a feeling of apprehension settling in the pit of my stomach. I couldn't ignore his request, not when he was my oldest friend and a business associate I couldn't say no to. But the thought of what was to come filled me with a sense of unease. There is no way I would survive in the same house as Sophia, there were just so much complication to that. I dialed Lynda's number, hoping her cheerful presence could lift my spirits. As she walked in with that signature smile, she didn't hesitate to point out my less-than-stellar appearance. "You look like shit," she quipped. That was Lynda for you, she was just so direct about her approach and there was no way she would mince her words just to make me feel better. I chuckled, running a hand through my hair. "Feeling like it too."She raised an eyebrow, her gaze full of curiosity. "And why is that? Is your empire not standing as tall today?"I let out a dry laugh. "Business is the least o
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