SofiaLaura, perceptive as she is, notices my nervousness and approaches me, touching my shoulder:" Are you all right? " she says quietly so that only I can hear her. I force a smile and shake my head vehemently, trying my best not to cry." I'm fine. " The man gave you a scolding, didn't he? " I deduce, knowing that I've come from the boss's office. " Don't be so upset," she consoles me, rubbing my shoulder. " That time comes for all of us here. I just shake my head, disconsolately, praying that she'll go away before I burst into tears. " I'll be fine. " Yes, you will. If you need anything, just call me, okay?" Okay. " I mumble and thank the heavens for being left alone. I know she's trying to help me, but I need to recover from the shock.The phone vibrates frantically on my desk. I know it's him. I silence the device, shove it in the drawer and focus on my work, despite what I feel inside. I'm heartbroken. Shocked. Wounded. So that's what he thinks of me… I feel ridiculous,
I abandon the apple I couldn't even taste in the trash can and lower my head when another realization hits me. I'll have to look for a new job. " Shit. " I stammer and throw myself on the sofa, sulking. I like that job, and it pays very well. However, it will be impossible to stay in the same environment as Brandon Reeves. Firstly, because I'll feel worse and worse, knowing what I've done and why he thinks I did it. I wanted him. I really did. Likewise, I still want him, I have to admit. I shrink away. He moves me… And in the days that followed, while we were together, the physical attraction gave way to something stronger, which I'm afraid to name. I admire the man he is… well, I did. Bloody hell. My sexual side came out with him. I didn't even think I liked sex, but Brandon showed me that I was just the wrong guy. I'm really going to miss our nights in suite 220… I startle when I hear the doorbell. I widen my eyes and think: it can't be. My heart seems to be beating out of my mou
I put on another suit and pencil skirt I bought, this time navy blue, and a white silk blouse for a little contrast. I bought it to look nice for Brandon. But it won't be because of the current situation that I stop wearing them. I put on my shoes and pick up my new handbag, which I've just been given. I stop for a moment before heading for the exit door and sigh. The time to enjoy giving myself a few little things seems to have passed rapidly. I laugh derisively." I really am very lucky. A joke. " and I leave to face what will be hell for me: spending all day seeing that man, knowing that in the end I won't be in bed with him. When I get to the office, as soon as I get out of the elevator and see my desk, I slow down. I see that there is a small bouquet of red roses on my desk. There's a note. I pick it up."Looking forward to your forgiveness. Yours. B" Disgustedly, I looked upstairs. Brandon is already there. He's sipping something from a porcelain mug that, I believe, is his s
I laugh again, this time throwing my head back." For God's sake. I don't want another man any time soon. I've realized that I have a rotten finger for men." Girlfriend, we all do. " the girl raises her glass in a toast. " That's why I'm not attached to anymore. I notice a twinge of resentment in her voice. But just as Laura isn't interrogating me about my love problem, I'm not going to interrogate her either. Perhaps the day for confidence between us will come. We order sweet cocktails, without too much alcohol. After all, it's still Tuesday and we have to work the next day." How long have you been working at Next level? " I start because I'm truly interested in knowing. Laura twists her lips, and seems to think." I think it's been two years. I used to work for another company, but I had to leave. Long story. " she takes a sip of her drink and puts the glass down on the table, looking a little pensive. " Maybe one day I'll share this sinister part of my past with you. " and lau
" It's been a while since I've traveled. " she lets go, her gaze distant. " I wanted to breathe new air, you know? I twist my lips. An idea comes to mind." How about a paradise lake, with waterfalls, hiking trails and a great place to have a picnic? " I say, a little thoughtfully. " You're describing paradise to me. " she clasps both hands over her chest. " Do you know a place like this? " Laura becomes completely interested and turns her body towards me. " My parents live near a place like this. I grew up surrounded by nature. We could go there this weekend." Don't offer me a second time because I might accept. " her eyes sparkle. " It's been a while since I've traveled to the countryside to see my parents. This will be a great opportunity. I also need a breath of fresh air. So, I'm inviting you. " I conclude.Laura starts dancing and jumping around and then holds out her hand to me." You can bet it's more than accepted.The girl's a character. She infects me with her high spi
SofiaExhausted, we threw ourselves on the grass, next to where I had left the basket with the snacks I had made. We swam for almost two hours straight. We fought in the water like two children. Now we’re panting, thirsty and hungry. As soon as I had the strength to search for food, I reached for a snack for each of us and some juice, which we drank almost completely in one go. A few moments later, already satiated and rested, I notice that Laura lies on her side, bites her cheek from the inside of her mouth and fingers the grass, staring at me. I frown at her, but the girl doesn’t even notice my impression. She seems stuck in a dilemma. "Speak up, woman! "I let out, causing her to startle. "What a fright! "the other puts a hand over her chest and laughs."You’re staring at me, dying to tell me something, it seems. So spit it out. "I suggest, popping a grape into my mouth. "Okay. I’ll just say it because I can’t keep it to myself any longer. I swallow the grape carefully, a litt
SofiaBrandon went away on business on Tuesday. She probably won’t be back in the office for the rest of the week. The prospect of not seeing him for so many days… I feel my chest tighten. I can’t touch him anymore, and now I won’t see him for so many days. This place is hushed and empty without him. It will be training for what it will be like when and if I leave this place. Of course, Jessica Lee went with him. That bothers me a lot. She doesn’t disguise her interest at all. She’s always in his office and hangs around as if she has rights! And what disturbs me even more is that she’s beautiful, elegant. And she belongs to Brandon’s class. She’s a wealthy lawyer from a good family. After the time I spent with him, I already doubted that the rumors of them having a “fling” were true. I hope I wasn’t wrong about that. My nights, when I’m not out with Laura, are long and empty. I try to distract myself by watching something, trying a new recipe. None of it holds my attention. Now tha
Brandon " Don’t run away, Sofia! " his tone is incisive. " You know we need to talk.I stop myself. Then I lower my head and sigh. He’s right. This moment can’t be put off any longer. Defeated, I start to climb the steps that lead to my apartment, leaving the gate open. Just as I leave the door open, I walk into the middle of the living room and cross my arms, waiting for him. Expectation takes hold of me. I’m afraid that I won’t resist and that I’ll give in. And I’m still not sure that I should, even though I want to. Brandon enters and closes the door behind him. He looks around briefly and then faces me." You said you’d give me a break. " I begin, a little unsure of how to act. " And I meant it. But it’s been two fucking weeks! It’s not possible that you haven’t decided meanwhile! I sigh and reply softly." You have no idea… Brandon then comes closer, holds my arms, his breath coming to my face, while I avoid facing him." I’m going crazy, Sofia. " his voice is deep, his br
Isabella Aaron's expression turns serious as he absorbs the impact of my words. The tension between us escalates, fueled by our mutual stubbornness. "You know, Isabella," he retorts, frustration tinting his voice, "you're quick to judge without really knowing me. But I won't waste my time trying to prove something to you." I scoff, feeling a wave of anger. "Prove something? Why should I care? You're just another arrogant, spoiled man who thinks he can have whatever he wants." His eyes narrow, a flash of pain crossing his face. "You think you have me all figured out, don't you? Well, let me tell you something. There's more to me than meets the eye. And maybe, just maybe, if you took the time to look beyond your preconceived notions, you'd see that." I shake my head, unable to let go of my resentment. "I highly doubt that, Aaron. Actions speak louder than words, and so far, all I've seen is a man who thrives on power and manipulation." He takes a step closer, his voice low and inten
Meeting Aaron Reeves and Isabella FerraraIn this vibrant city, where the diverse aroma of kitchens fills the air, I, heir to the prestigious "Sabor de Sofia" restaurant chain, am constantly searching for new inspirations to maintain the exceptional culinary standard set by my mother. And then comes Isabella Ferrara, a talented and passionate chef known for her authentic and innovative restaurant called "Enchanted Gastronomy." I had heard of her before, but... damn! I had no idea she was so beautiful! Big, blue, speculative eyes. A mouth... I would pray to taste. Well-shaped, full, and in a heart shape. And the body. Oh, that body! She's not very tall, but she has curves that left me dizzy. Yes, she definitely shocked me with her appearance.Our paths crossed unexpectedly during a local culinary event, where we were invited to showcase our specialties. However, from the start, there was an antipathy between us, coming from her side. My familiarity with running a culinary empire clashe
Sofia"Good, but I have another reason for being here.""Tell me, because I'm dying to change the subject!" Laura declares, putting Aaron, still asleep, in the car seat and heading to the kitchen to get two glasses of iced tea. I follow her, leaning on the counter, as she serves us."I have a proposal for you."The girl furrows her brow and peeks at me."Proposal?""Yes. After everything that happened, I realized that my priorities were a mess! Especially after everything that happened at the restaurant. I owe a lot to my husband and son, and that needs to change.""And where do I fit into this story?"I smile, teasing, knowing that it annoys her because she's very anxious."Sofia!" she scolds, stomping her foot. "Spit it out, woman!"I laugh and speak up before the other person has a crisis in front of me."I would like you to be the manager of the restaurant.""Me?""Yes. You. My beautiful friend, whom I trust the most in this world and know will handle the job well.""But I know no
I have my lips pressed together as I observe Laura's reaction. I've just told her what we've been through in the past few days. She's motionless, her breath held, her restless eyes scanning my face as if processing the information she just received. Then she gives me a brief but tight hug and goes to the baby carrier where Aaron is peacefully asleep, picking him up and cradling him lovingly against her chest. Her eyes are now closed, and I notice a shiver running through her. "By God, Sofia! Why didn't you call me?" Her voice is deep and trembling. "I had no idea what you were going through!""I was already so scared, knowing I was at risk, with my house taken over by a battalion of police. I was terrified at the thought that David might find out somehow, and then I would never see my son again!" I run my hand over Aaron's back, who remains asleep, oblivious to everything that has happened to him. "And, to be honest, I didn't even have the mental capacity to think about anything else,
Sofia"We have to be careful. He might be armed," one of the officers cautioned the others, reminding everyone of the seriousness of the situation.Unaware of the shadow trailing him, David seemed to be searching for something in that abandoned place. Out of sight, we followed every move with bated breath, eager for any sign that Aaron and Laureen were nearby.Then, a murmur came over the police radio, indicating they had found something. The suspense heightened as we watched the team stealthily approach a rusty door. David, still lost in his thoughts, remained oblivious to the presence of the police.The door creaked open as the agents carefully opened it. The darkness inside swallowed their outlines, but their silhouettes moved with determination. A beam of light from a flashlight cut through the darkness, revealing a dirty and abandoned space."It looks like the scene of a kidnapping," one of the officers informed me."It does?" I asked, confused.Then the man's body camera reveale
SofiaThe police show us real-time images of what's happening at the location where I left the bag with the money. Hours have passed; David hasn't called again, but he hasn't gone after the money either. Both Brandon and I can't eat anything. Anguish takes over us. The worry about how our son is doing. Our little, fragile baby. I've decided that when I have him in my arms again, I'll dedicate more time to him, even if I have to hire someone to help me with the restaurant. I love what I do, but I love my family even more. It took being in this current situation for me to realize that these are my priorities. Aaron and Brandon. The two men in my life."Look!" One of the police officers calls our attention to the laptop on the kitchen counter. We approached quickly, realizing that a man, covered from head to toe, gets out of a car near the trash can where that fortune I took was. I recognize him, even if I can't see his face. The way he walks is unmistakable. It's David. He walks slowly
Brandon The minutes after that calmer moment felt somewhat suspended, as if we needed to recover from the strong wave that passed. We stayed there, embracing, my fingers tracing her back as she rested on my chest. The world outside returning to normal."Why did you mention David? Do you think they could be involved in this together?"She places her hands stacked on my chest and stares at me."Because I think it makes a lot of sense. I don't think all of this would come from her little mind.""Could they have been together from the beginning?""We'll find out. Tomorrow we're going to the police station to tell the detective in charge of our case about what we found.""Yes, we need to do that anyway. We can't let those two get away with this. - I hug her tightly once again. - We just can't let this shake our relationship.""Never, love! I trust you with my eyes closed.""I know I haven't set a good example in the past, but I trust you too. Completely." Sofia We go to the police statio
Brandon Still enveloped in the fog of sleep, I feel a gentle touch on my lips. A light kiss. Automatically, I smile, convinced it's Sofia because I catch a whiff of her perfume, finally back from her shift at the restaurant. Nights are long when she's away, and this kiss is like a relief, a temporary seal of connection broken by distance. Then, as if a fog is lifting, I realize something is off. The texture of the lips isn't quite Sofia's. And I know that mouth too well to be mistaken. Confusion takes over, and my mind, still half-asleep, tries to process this unsettling information. I open my eyes fully, and the sight that unfolds is entirely unexpected. Laureen is there, her silhouette softly illuminated by the moonlight streaming through the window. My eyes widen in surprise and confusion as I reach for the bedside lamp, shocked to find the girl completely nude. My mind tries to comprehend what's happening. "Laureen?" I murmur, more to myself than to her. Her expression is a mix
BrandonSitting in the living room, I gaze at Sofia as she flips through a photo album. My wife seems engrossed in the memories captured in the images, perhaps seeking a temporary escape."Did you find any funny pictures of him?" I ask, trying to dispel the cloud of worry surrounding her.She smiles, finding a photo where Aaron is holding a stuffed toy almost his size."Look at this. It looks like he's challenging the bear to an epic battle."We laugh together, and for a moment, we feel lighter. Aaron wiggles his tiny fingers, and I feel an irresistible urge to get closer."Can I hold him for a while?" I asked, reaching out my arms.Sofia gently hands me our precious bundle, and I feel a wave of warmth and responsibility as I hold my son in my arms. It's a reminder that, despite everything, we have something valuable to protect and celebrate.SofiaI watch Brandon cradle Aaron with a tenderness that melts my heart. He's the anchor that keeps me balanced, even when waves of fear threat