Later that evening, Ammy arrived at Sophia's modestly furnished rented flat. The space was neat and tidy, each item meticulously placed to give a sense of order. Despite the simple furniture, the flat exuded a warm and inviting atmosphere. Ammy couldn't help but tease Sophia, playfully suggesting that her future brothers-in-law must be lucky men. The two friends laughed, sharing light-hearted conversations and reminiscing about old times.
After a bit of relaxation on the sofa, they decided it was time to head out for their celebration. They took the local bus from the nearby stop, the ride filled with cheerful chatter and anticipation. The evening was crisp, with the city's lights flickering as they made their way to La Dolce Vita, a quaint restaurant they both adored.
As they disembarked from the bus and approached their destination, the restaurant's sign, "La Dolce Vita," gleamed invitingly across the street. They waited at the crosswalk, the light turning green for pedestrians. With the rhythm of the city life buzzing around them, they started crossing the zebra lines, completely absorbed in their own world of celebration.
Unbeknownst to them, Alex, the powerful CEO of BW Group, was observing them from his sleek black royal race car. Intrigued by the sight of these two women and driven by a curiosity he couldn't quite place, he signaled his driver to follow them discreetly. He watched as Sophia and Ammy made their way into the restaurant, noting their joyous demeanor and animated conversation.
Alex, seated comfortably in his car, kept a keen eye on the two friends as they entered La Dolce Vita. The restaurant, with its cozy ambiance and soft, inviting lighting, was the perfect setting for a celebration. The sight of Sophia's genuine happiness and the shared excitement between the friends caught Alex's attention, and he felt a strange pull towards their moment of joy.
As the car came to a halt outside the restaurant, Alex found himself torn between the powerful urge to rush inside and embrace Sophia, to finally feel the warmth of her presence after so many years. But reason prevailed; he knew that such a bold move would be too abrupt, too soon. Instead, he leaned back in his seat, deep in thought, trying to figure out a way to connect with her without revealing himself just yet.
An idea sparked in his mind. He remembered how Sophia used to love pineapple cake mixed with chocolate—a unique combination she always craved during their school days. A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he made up his mind. He called the restaurant and discreetly placed an order for the cake, ensuring it would be the perfect blend of flavors she adored.
When the cake was ready, Alex gave the waiter specific instructions: deliver the cake to the two girls as a surprise, but under no circumstances should his name be mentioned. Instead, it would be presented as a lucky draw gift, a whimsical touch that would hopefully bring a smile to Sophia's face without raising any suspicions.
From his vantage point outside the restaurant, Alex watched through the window, his eyes fixed on Sophia. The waiter approached their table, and Alex could see the momentary confusion on Sophia's face as the cake was placed before her. The waiter explained that they had won a lucky draw, which only deepened the mystery. Ammy's eyes widened with excitement, and Sophia's expression softened into a delighted smile as she saw her favorite cake—a taste she hadn't indulged in for years.
Alex's heart swelled with a mix of longing and satisfaction as he watched Sophia cut into the cake, her joy evident as she shared the first bite with Ammy. He could see the curiosity flicker in her eyes, wondering who could have known her favorite dessert, but for now, the mystery remained unsolved.
Satisfied with the outcome, Alex leaned back into his seat, allowing himself a moment to savor the sight of Sophia's happiness. It wasn't the reunion he had imagined, but it was a start—a small, sweet gesture that brought him closer to her without revealing his presence. And for now, that was enough.
As Alex watched Sophia for a while longer, he allowed himself a small, contented smile before signaling his driver to head towards his flat. The city lights shimmered as they drove, and Alex's thoughts were consumed by the moments he had just witnessed. The sight of Sophia enjoying the cake, so reminiscent of their past, had stirred something deep within him.
Upon arriving at his flat, which was nestled in one of the most exclusive societies in the city, Alex entered the building with the usual ease afforded by his status. His flat, though a single residence compared to his many other properties, was a testament to his taste for elegance and simplicity. The space was designed to be both luxurious and functional, reflecting his preference for solitude and personal comfort.
Once inside, Alex headed straight for the bathroom, where he prepared a hot bath. The bathroom, adorned with sleek, modern fixtures and plush towels, was his sanctuary. He sank into the bath, allowing the warm water to envelop him and ease the tension from his muscles. As he relaxed, his mind drifted to the events of the day.
Sophia's image filled his thoughts, her smile from the restaurant replaying in his mind. He recalled their brief but intense moment at Hotel Paradise—the kiss that had left a lingering impression on him. The sweetness of the cake, the warmth of her laughter, and the memory of that kiss all blended together in his reflections.
Alex's emotions were a complex mix of nostalgia, longing, and anticipation. The kiss had been a glimpse into what might have been, a brief intersection of their past and present. He wondered about the possibilities of rekindling their connection, about the future that might unfold if they both allowed themselves to explore these feelings.
As the hot water continued to soothe him, Alex resolved to take things one step at a time. He knew that his next move had to be carefully considered. For now, he would enjoy the simple pleasure of the moment, letting the warmth of the bath mirror the warmth he felt towards Sophia. The journey ahead would be filled with opportunities and challenges, but tonight, he allowed himself to revel in the quiet excitement of what could be.
At La Dolce Vita, Sophia and Ammy settled into their cozy corner of the restaurant. The ambiance was warm and inviting, with soft lighting and a gentle hum of conversation in the background. They ordered a variety of dishes, each one a testament to the restaurant's reputation for quality.
As they dined, the conversation flowed easily. Ammy congratulated Sophia on her new position at BW Group, expressing her genuine happiness for her friend. "I'm so proud of you," Ammy said, raising her glass in a toast. "You've worked so hard, and you deserve this."
Sophia's eyes sparkled with gratitude. "Thank you, Ammy. I couldn't have done it without your support." They clinked their glasses and continued to savor their meal, sharing stories and laughter. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of celebration and camaraderie.
After they finished their meal, the two friends took their time leaving the restaurant, basking in the afterglow of their enjoyable evening. They caught the bus back to their respective homes, the city lights passing by as they reminisced about the day's events.
As they reached their stops, they hugged goodbye, with Ammy wishing Sophia the best of luck for her first day at BW Group. Sophia thanked her once again, feeling a deep sense of appreciation for her friend's support.
Both friends went their separate ways, carrying the joy of the evening with them as they returned to their homes, ready to embrace the new opportunities and challenges that awaited them.