CHAPTER 10SOPHIA’S POVI raced through the bustling campus, my heels clicking against the pavement with each hurried step. My heart was racing, not just from the physical exertion, but also from the realization that I was about to be late for my meeting with my faculty guidance. I was mentally calculating the quickest route to the meeting spot when, in my haste, I collided with someone."Can't you see I am running?" I blurted out in frustration, my annoyance clear in my tone. But the guy I had bumped into didn't seem impressed by my irritation. He should watch where he is going. He shot back with equal vehemence, "You were the one that bumped into me! Now I'm to blame? Should I be watching out for everyone who thinks walking is for aliens?" I would have smirked at his humor but I had no time for that and I was not about to give the satisfaction of having a better combat.My eyebrows shot up in disbelief. I didn't have time to argue with a stranger, I needed to get to that meeting be
CHAPTER 11HENRY’S POVThe board meeting had been dragging on for what felt like an eternity. My mind kept drifting, unable to shake off the anticipation of going back home and facing Sophia. It was a strange mixture of excitement and apprehension, knowing that she was now living under the same roof as me. As the meeting wrapped up, Lynda walked into my office with her usual cheerful demeanor. She hugged me and immediately brought up the topic that was currently consuming my thoughts. "So, how did you survive the night with your inseparable, childhood crush?" She teased with a playful grin.I let out a half-hearted chuckle. "Yeah, real funny." I knew she was trying to lighten the mood, but the truth was that I was still trying to navigate this unexpected turn of events.Lynda didn't miss a beat. "Come on, Henry, it can't be that bad. And I told you so."I rolled my eyes, unable to deny that she had been right about this not being a catastrophe waiting to happen. "Well, yeah, so far i
CHAPTER 12Sophia’s Pov I stepped into the party, the lively atmosphere engulfed me. Jason greeted me with a warm smile, expressing his delight that I had made it. He introduced me to his friends – Molly, Adrian, and Kyle. I took a seat, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness."Hey there, glad you could join us!" Jason said, his easygoing demeanor putting me at ease.As I settled in, they encouraged me to grab a drink and join them. I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I should indulge, but decided to join in on the fun. After all, it was just one drink, right?"So, tell us about yourself, Sophia," Molly chimed in, her eyes curious.I smiled, feeling surprisingly comfortable in their presence. "I'm a freshman majoring in creative writing. I've always been good at expressing myself through writing."Jason nodded in agreement, adding, "Writing is a beautiful craft. It takes a lot to put your thoughts and emotions into words."Molly's mischievous grin took center stage. "Hey, do I s
CHAPTER 13Henry’s POVI couldn't believe my eyes as I watched Sophia stroll in with that guy, the audacity of him giving her a peck right in my driveway. Fury bubbled up within me, my heart pounding as I fought to keep my anger in check. This was exactly what I feared – her disregard for the rules and her penchant for pushing boundaries. As she entered the living room, I could practically feel the tension in the air. "Sophia," I said, my voice firm, "why are you so late? And who is he?" I pointedly looked at the guy, a glare in my eyes that I hoped conveyed my displeasure. Her response was the last thing I wanted to hear. "I lost track of time, okay? And this is Jason, he gave me a ride home." She sounded defiant, challenging even. But this was my house, my rules, and I wasn't about to let her insolence slide.I gritted my teeth, my frustration mounting. "You can't just disregard the curfew I set for you. It's for your safety."Sophia rolled her eyes, her arms crossing defensively.
CHAPTER 14Sophia’s POV I strolled onto the campus, Jason's familiar figure appeared, his casual confidence evident as he walked toward me. With a friendly smile, he pulled me into a welcoming hug. "Hey there, hangover queen. Survived the morning?"I chuckled, shaking my head. "Barely had one, so no heroic survival tales today."He laughed, his eyes dancing with amusement. "You're becoming a pro at this, huh?"Leaning against a nearby bench, I crossed my arms. "Well, practice makes perfect, right?"He grinned, then his expression turned thoughtful. "You know, I was thinking about the house I dropped you off at yesterday."I raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Oh, really? What about it?"He tapped his chin playfully. "Took me a moment, but I finally placed it. Remember that billionaire I did a cinematography shoot for last year? The one who's under 40 and ridiculously rich?"I feigned nonchalance, though a pang of discomfort surged within me. "Vaguely rings a bell. What about him?"
CHAPTER 15 Henry’s POV I sat in my office, my mind swirling with thoughts of Sophia. It had only been a short time since she arrived, and already my resolve was being put to the test. The incident in the kitchen this morning was still fresh in my mind, and I couldn't help but replay the scene over and over again.I am going to make sure that I stop whatever potential trouble before it happens. Sophia was getting to my head and i Couldn’t let that, that wasn’t what I wanted.Lynda's voice broke through my thoughts, her tone curious and concerned. "Hey, what's going on? You seemed more distracted than usual at the board meeting today." Today’s meeting was exceptionally boring but that wasn’t all that was wrong with the world I was also dealing with my issues with Sophia.I sighed and leaned back in my chair, rubbing my temples. "It's just... It's so hard, Lynda." I confessed, if there is someone that I could let in on all my thoughts that person would be Lynda, she has this non-judge
CHAPTER 16 Sophia’s POV I couldn't help feeling a mixture of embarrassment and annoyance as I stood there, caught in the awkward aftermath of Lynda's departure. "Um, sorry for interrupting... whatever this is," I mumbled, my cheeks growing warmer.Lynda flashed me a warm smile. "Oh, no need to apologize, dear. It's always nice to see you around again."I nodded, trying to play it cool despite the tension in the room. "Yeah, it's been interesting getting used to UCLA and California."Lynda's eyes twinkled with amusement, and I could sense that she had picked up on my attitude. She turned to Henry. "Well, I'll leave you two to your... whatever it is. Henry, hope to see you at dinner tonight."As Lynda left, Henry and I were finally alone, and I couldn't help but address the elephant in the room. "I thought you said you guys are friends."Henry's expression remained composed as he replied, "We are, Sophia. Can't I have dinner with a friend?"I crossed my arms, trying to maintain a nonc
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 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