Sophia stared blankly at the girl before her.
"Who are you?" She asked after what felt like decades.
"I'm Kyla Jordan, I'm a friend and also a foe, it all depends on how things go between us starting now." Kyla replied. Sophia was taken aback.
"I've got a deal to offer, you might want to sit to hear it." Kyla spoke again with a reassuring smile across her face.
Sophia sat facing Kyla with a stern face.
"Tell me what it is" she said, but Kyla signalled one of the bartenders.
"What will you like?" She asked, but Sophia grew in a rage
"Stop joking around! I'm in no mood for this!" She yelled, but Kyla was indifferent.
"It's no wonder Ryan couldn't relate with you, anyone will cower under that horrifying tone of yours." She said, and turning to the bartender, she continued
"Don't mind my friend, she's a little hyper tonight, get her something for the nerves, but I'd like a glass of margaritas."
"Yes ma'am" the bartender replied
"So...tell me something Sophie" Kyla said.
"How long has it been? I mean your relationship with your lover, do you mind sharing?" She asked
"How dare you eavesdrop on my conversation with D.J?!" Sophia asked visibly red with anger.
"So that's her name? D.J, that's a weird name for a girl" Kyla spoke again observing Sophia's countenance. As expected, she got up to leave, but Kyla spoke up
"I love your relationship so much Sophia, I think the world should know about it as well" Sophia was dumbstruck, but Kyla remained indifferent.
"I know your father doesn't approve of your relationship with D.J, and I know you've already abandoned her once in the past, I know how scared you're of loosing her, and that's why I'm here to help"
"I don't need your help!" Sophia exclaimed, but Kyla laughed.
"Are you sure?" She asked jokingly
"Imagine how sad your precious D.J will be once you're married off to Ryan Aredian Smith. She'd never trust you again, she'd resent you till her death."
"Shut up! You know nothing about my D.J, she has always been the understanding one between the both of us. She's caring and loving as well, so don't you dare..." Sophia shivered
"It's obvious you're not even confident enough." Came Kyla
"Open your eyes Sophia, this is the last chance you've got to prove to D.J how much you love her. You shouldn't delay this any further." Kyla said. Sophia was lost in thoughts. Kyla could see how worried she was even when she tried so hard to hide it.
"There's no way I can do that, my father reputation is at stake here" she complained
"Reputation?" Kyla asked
"Why don't you tell that to D.J so you can find out what she thinks" Sophia buried her face in her palms in frustration. Kyla saw her chance. She stretched her hands across the table and took Sophia's hands off her face.
"You're in love Sophia, there's nothing wrong with that. It's your father and the society's mind that is twisted, but you can't sacrifice your happiness for them." She said
"Why are you telling me this?" Sophia asked
"Why are you so keen on helping me?" She asked again as she withdrew her hands from Kyla's grip.
"Well, I..." Kyla sighed
"You looked desperate for my help" she joked, but Sophia's brows furrowed.
"Alright fine!" Kyla said
"Ryan Aredian is a friend of mine. Right now he's under a lot of stress from this whole wedding thing."
"...and how's that my concern?" Sophia asked
"Well, your father is the only one who's got the power to call off this wedding without affecting the deal signing between your family and the Aredians." Kyla said.
"If you tell him you don't want to get married to Ryan with D.J as your reason, I believe he'd call off the wedding." She said
"And the deal?" Sophia asked
"I believe it won't be cancelled if you sincerely ask him not to" Kyla said, but Sophia shook her head in disbelief.
"That's the thanks you owe me Sophia, I mean..., you should let me take your place." Kyla blurted out
"What?!" Sophia exclaimed, but Kyla remained poised with the usual coy smile across her face. Sophia stared into space lost in her own thoughts.
"You've got tonight to think this through Sophia, time waits for no man" Kyla said. She left the bar with a feeling of satisfaction. She wasn't sure what Sophia's answer will be, but she was positive it was going to be a "yes". As she dipped her hands into her coat in search of her phone, Ryan's call came through.
"Hello Ryan" she spoke in the most polite and endearing tone.
"How'd it go Kyla?" Ryan asked a bit worried
"I'm still on it..." She said
"...but I'll need your cooperation in this."
"What will you have me do?" Ryan asked, but Kyla smiled.
"Let's meet up, this can't be discussed over the phone" she said.
"I'll get Catherine and Greg" Ryan replied, but Kyla's brows furrowed.
"It'd be best you come alone for now, too many cooks spoil the broth remember?" She spoke in her favourite idiom
"Alright, text me a place to meet" Ryan replied. When Ryan had hung up the call, Kyla dialed her father
"This is it Kyla.." he said as soon as Kyla told him she had spoken to Sophia.
"Let's do this" he said
"It's for a good course right?" She asked, but Mr Jordan spoke in a rather calm voice.
"Sooner or later you'd realize just how good a decision this is my child. It'd be beneficial for everyone, trust me" he said
"Okay dad" Kyla replied.
After she had texted a meeting place to Ryan, she sighed caressing her engagement ring. She thought for a while before she finally slipped it off her fingers and placed it gently inside her purse.