The Billionaire's Redemption: Chasing Her Back

SOPHIA “Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking." A voice broke through my deep train of thoughts. “We are currently descending and will be landing shortly. Please ensure your seatbelt is securely fastened and your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position." I pulled up the window blind and looked outside the plane. Under the clouds, the tall buildings in the city were now visible. This was it. I was back in California. I never thought I'd come back for anything. I left with that intention, but, I guess life has a way of humbling you. In my case, I was insanely—no, I was brutally humbled. I'd never wish what life did to me on anyone else, anyone except Jake and Naomi. I had been living the life people would die for. After graduating fashion school, I started my very own clothing line, and I had worked really hard and brought it to the top with blood, sweat, and tears. Well, my life had been going pretty fantastic until it all hit me like a

SOPHIA Ryan Caddel was equally as surprised to see me as I was. Was this Zara's role play? Wait, but wasn't it normal that her brother came to visit her? Maybe I should have just stayed at a hotel. The thought crossed my mind again as I stared at the man standing before me. Nothing changed. Or maybe it did. I would not deny that I hadn't looked at his pictures a few times after I moved away. His rich black hair fell carelessly over his face, framing them so beautifully. After what happened 8 years ago, it should be a crime that he still makes my stomach twist in weird ways and that I still find him attractive. “Sophia?“ He called, his voice sounding a bit rough and unsure. “When did you come back?“ He asked. And then it all came pouring in. Why was I feeling suddenly nervous? I hate him, right? Right. I called things off. I'm supposed to hate him. My expression hardened, and I turned to walk back in, leaving his question hanging. “Zara, you have a guest,” I called out loudly.

SOPHIA Mother was right. Ryan didn't deny it anyway.I sighed. It was good I didn't give him any attention, or I'd be further hurt.I dropped the card on the table just as Zara walked into the living room. Her eyes darted from me to the card I just placed on the table before she looked back at me.“When did you get back?“ she asked as she sat on the couch opposite me and grabbed her laptop.“A few minutes ago,” I gestured to the card. “Your brother is getting married?“I didn't know if that came out as a question or an affirmation. “That's what I hear too. How'd you figure it out?“I shrugged. “I met him today when I was with my mother, she mentioned it,” She raised a brow in surprise. “She did?““I'm wondering. How did they get on good terms?“She sighed and looked away from me. “Your parents partnered with ours,” I saw the way she avoided my eyes. She was hiding something, but I decided to turn a blind eye to it. I know she had questions about Ryan and my past relationship,

SOPHIAI lowered the curling iron from my hair as I looked at myself in the mirror at the vanity table.It was my first official day of taking things slow here and having the ultimate fun. I was supposed to go with Zara but an urgent meeting that she couldn't ignore suddenly came up.It would be really better if I went with someone but Zara was the only person I knew here.'Ryan?' The little voice in my head inputed. I shook my head. Definitely not. That would be jumping from the pot into the fire with my own hands. Absolute insanity.Maybe I should learn to start doing things on my own so that way I wouldn't be so broken when I'm left on my own.I finished touching up my hair, grabbed my phone, and headed out of the room.I got a call as I walked out and I picked it up once I saw who it was.“Good morning Sophia,”I smiled as I made my way into Zara's kitchen.“Good morning Aimee. I'm sorry I couldn't answer your calls. How have you been

SOPHIA “Sophia!“ He called again, his fingers wrapped around my wrist, bringing me to a stop.I glanced back at him, a glower on my face. “Let go of me, Ryan,”He looked down at our hands and as he met my gaze again, he slowly let go of me. I felt a strange drop in my stomach when I felt the ghost feel of his hands.I asked him to. I reminded myself. This was why I never wanted to meet him again.“Do you hate me that much Sophie?“I raised a brow. “I think you've worded your statement wrongly,”“No I've not, and that's exactly how I feel,”“I've waited for eight years to let you give me the chance to say-”“Let's not talk about what happened eight years ago, Ryan. If it's not yet quite obvious, I'm not interested in it anymore,”He took a step forward. “Well, I am. We can't ignore these things,”I ran a hand through my hair in frustration. “I came here because I wanted to take a break. Not for you, not for anybody,”“I'm on