As they make their way through the bustling city, Sofia and Sebastian resume their act, putting on a facade of professionalism and indifference. Sofia, her cheeks still flushed with the memories of their time away, can't help but feel a flutter of excitement in her chest as she catches Sebastian's eye across the room.
In The Office
Damon, Sofia's best friend and assistant, notices the change in his friend.
Damon: You look good, Sofia, ( he says, his eyes narrowing slightly ). Rested and...happy.
Sofia smiles, her voice light and teasing
Sofia: What can I say, Damon? The change of scenery did wonders for me ( she replies, her voice teasing and carefree ). Maybe I should travel more often, hmm?
Damon gives her a sceptical look but decides not to press her.
Damon: Well, whatever it is, I'm glad you're doing well, he says, his voice warm and genuine.
Sofia returns his smile, a twinkle in her eye.
Sofia: Thanks, Damon. You're a good friend.
As the days pass, Sofia and Sebastian continue to maintain their charade, but the tension between them grows more intense with each passing moment. They steal glances at each other, their gazes filled with unspoken longing, their hands brushing against each other in the crowded hallways.
Despite their attempts to keep their distance, they find themselves drawn together, the desire between them almost palpable.
Sebastian, unable to contain his longing for Sofia any longer, calls for a meeting with her, hoping to see her face-to-face. But when he arrives, Sofia is nowhere to be found.
Damon, sensing the purpose behind Sebastian's visit, steps in to meet him instead. His face is a mask of cool politeness, but his eyes are hard and unyielding.
Damon: Mr. Walter ( he says, the formality of his tone conveying his displeasure ). Sofia is unavailable at the moment.
Sebastian: I understand ( he replies, maintaining his composure ). But I need to speak with her. It's urgent.
Damon: I see ( his voice still clipped ). And what exactly is so urgent that it couldn't wait until Sofia was available?
Sebastian pauses, considering his words carefully.
Sebastian: It's...personal ( he says, his voice low and strained ) I need to speak with her
Damon: Am sorry Mr Walter, she went to a dinner meeting with one of your shareholders to expand the project
Sebastian's expression darkens as he processes Damon's dismissive response. "Hmm," he murmurs, his voice low and brooding.
He knows he can't push any further without raising suspicion.
Sebastian: You can go ( he said )
Sebastian's jaw tightens as he watches Damon walk away, his mind racing with suspicion and frustration. As Damon disappears around the corner, Sebastian pulls out his phone, dialling a familiar number
Sebastian: Wilson ( he says into the receiver, his voice low ) Find out where Sofia is, and which of the shareholders she's having a meeting with
Wilson: Yes, sir. I'll get on it right away.
Sebastian hangs up the phone, his jaw clenched. He tries to call Sofia, but the line goes straight to voicemail. Frustrated, he paces his office, his mind reeling with possibilities.
A few moments later, his phone buzzes with a text from Sofia: "In a meeting".
Sebastian's frustration mounts as he reads the message.
Suddenly, his phone buzzes again, this time with a message from
Wilson: Sir, I've got the information you asked for. Sofia is having dinner with a man named Gustavo Diaz, a major shareholder in S&W firms.
Sebastian pauses, his mind racing. Gustavo Diaz.
Sebastian stares at his phone, his mind racing with possibilities. Gustavo Diaz. He knows the name, of course. Diaz is a powerful player in the business world, a man with a reputation for ruthlessness.
Sebastian's feet pound against the pavement as he rushes towards the entrance of the restaurant. The valet tries to stop him, but he brushes past, his eyes fixed on his goal.
The hostess looks up at his approach, her eyes widening with surprise.
Hostess: Sir, you can't go back there (she says, her voice tinged with alarm.)
Sebastian: where is she
The hostess, still unsettled by Sebastian's intensity, clears her throat.
Hostess: I'm sorry, sir, but our policy doesn't allow...
Sebastian cuts her off with a sharp look, his voice low and dangerous.
Sebastian: I'm Sebastian Stone. Sofia Miller is my business partner.
The hostess's eyes widen with recognition, and she stumbles over her words.
Hostess: I...I apologize, Mr. Stone. Of course, you're welcome to go through.
Sebastian nods, a grim satisfaction coursing through him as he strides towards the doors.
Sebastian pushes the double doors open, his gaze locking on Sofia. She looks up, surprise flashing across her face as she sees him standing there, his expression dark and intent.
Gustavo Diaz, a tall, imposing figure with sharp features, also turns to face him.
Gustavo: Mr. Stone, (he says, his voice smooth and measured ). I wasn't aware we had an appointment.
Sebastian's eyes narrow, his gaze fixed on Sofia.
Sebastian: Our company doesn't allow female staff to attend private meetings like this without proper oversight ( he says, his voice even and controlled). You should have notified me of your plans.
Sofia bristles, her cheeks flushing with colour.
Sofia: I didn't know I needed your permission, Mr Walter
Gustavo watches the exchange with interest, his eyes flickering between them.
Gustavo: I'm afraid you've caught me at a disadvantage, Mr. Walter he says, )his voice smooth and unaffected).
Sebastian keeps his gaze fixed on Sofia, ignoring Gustavo's words.
Sebastian: It's not about permission, Sofia, ( he says, his voice low and dangerous ). It's about safety. You're the precious to S&W firm. You should know better than to put yourself in a vulnerable position like this.
Sofia's jaw clenches, and she shoots Gustavo a sideways glance before turning back to Sebastian.
Sofia: I can take care of myself, Mr Walter ( she says, her voice firm). I don't need you to tell me what I can and can't do.
The tension in the room thickens, the air heavy with unspoken accusations. Gustavo, sensing the growing hostility between the two, leans forward in his seat, his expression thoughtful.
Gustavo: It seems you two have some unresolved issues ( he says, his voice measured and neutral ). Perhaps we can adjourn for the evening, and discuss our business matters at a later time.
Sebastian's jaw tightens, his gaze flicking towards Gustavo.
Sebastian: That sounds wise ( he says, his voice low and controlled ). Ms Miller and I will be in touch.
Gustavo rises to his feet, giving Sofia a brief nod before turning to Sebastian.
Gustavo: I look forward to our continued partnership, with Mr. Walter ( his voice is smooth and confident ).
Sebastian nods, his expression neutral.
Sebastian: Of course, Mr. Diaz. Until next time.
Gustavo sweeps out of the room, leaving Sofia and Sebastian alone. The silence between them is heavy, charged with emotions that have been simmering for weeks.
The seconds tick by like hours, the silence stretching between Sofia and Sebastian like a chasm. Finally, Sofia speaks, his voice low and measured.
Sofia: What was that all about
Sebastian: What were you thinking, Sofia? ( he asks, his eyes fixed on hers). You know the risks you're taking by meeting with someone like Gustavo Diaz.
Sofia bristles, her chin jutting out in defiance.
Sofia: I was thinking that I'm a grown woman, and I can handle myself ( she snaps, her eyes flashing with anger ).
Sebastian shakes his head, his expression hardened.
Sebastian: It's not about your ability to handle yourself ( his voice rising ). It's about the danger you put yourself in. People are always going to be looking for an opportunity to exploit you.
Sofia's face flushes with colour, her hands balling into fists at her sides.
Sofia: You don't trust me ( her voice quivering with emotion). You think I'm naive and vulnerable, just because I'm a woman. I will not be in your company forever am doing this to raise mine
Sebastian's face hardens, his jaw tightening as he takes in her words.
Sebastian: So this is what this is about? ( his voice is low and dangerous ). Are you willing to put yourself in danger just to prove a point?
Sofia: Yes ( she says, her voice clipped and precise ). I don't want to be a puppet.
Sebastian's eyes narrow, his body tensing as he struggles to contain his anger
Sebastian's hands clench into fists, his face a mask of controlled anger.
Sebastian: You're not a puppet, Sofia, ( he says, his voice calm but firm ). You're a valuable member of this company, and I won't let you throw that away over a misunderstanding.
Sofia softens slightly, the defiance in her eyes receding as she takes in his words.
Sofia: I know I'm valuable, but I need to do this, Sebastian. I need to prove to myself that I can succeed on my own.
Sebastian's expression softens, his anger dissipating as he takes in the sincerity of Sofia's words.
Sebastian: I understand, Sofia ( his voice quiet and thoughtful ). And I want you to succeed, I do. But I can't help but worry about you. The world isn't always a safe place, especially for women in business.
Sofia nods, her expression sobering.
Sofia: I know that, Sebastian. And I'll be careful, I promise. But I need to do this, and you were just jealous
Sofia's words catch Sebastian by surprise, a flicker of confusion crossing his face.
Sebastian: Jealous? ( his voice tinged with surprise ). What makes you think that?"
Sofia meets his gaze, her expression resolute.
Sofia: I saw the way you looked at me when you found out I was meeting with Gustavo Diaz ( her voice was quiet but firm ). You were angry, Sebastian. And it wasn't just because you were worried about my safety.
Sebastian's jaw tightens, his eyes flickering with emotions he doesn't want to admit.
Sebastian's gaze remains fixed on Sofia, his expression guarded and unreadable.
Sebastian: I just want to protect you, Sofia, ( he says, his voice firm and resolute ). I don't want you to make any decisions that could jeopardize your safety or your career.
Sofia searches his face, her eyes searching for the truth in his words. But she can sense that he's holding something back, that there's more to his concern than he's willing to admit.
Sofia: I appreciate that, Sebastian ( her voice quiet and sincere ).
Sofia stands, her body stiff with frustration and longing. She knows there's more to Sebastian's concern, but she can't force him to admit it.
Sofia: I should go ( she says, her voice tight with emotion ). I need to get home and prepare for tomorrow's meeting.
Sebastian's eyes widen, his hand reaching out to stop her.
Sebastian: Wait, Sofia, ( he says, his voice low and pleading. Don't go yet.
Sebastian swallows hard, his jaw tensing as he struggles with the weight of his secret.
Sebastian: I want to make things right (his voice is low and desperate ). I don't want to lose you.
Sofia's heart races, her mind spinning with questions and doubts.
Sofia: I don't understand ( her voice trembling with emotion ).
Sebastian takes a deep breath, his gaze fixed on Sofia's face.
Sebastian: Let me take you home. We can talk there, where it's just the two of us.
Sofia: I came with my car
Sebastian: I will have someone bring it over to your house
Sofia hesitates, her body still tense with uncertainty. But as she looks into Sebastian's eyes, she can see the sincerity in his words.
Sofia: Okay ( her voice quiet and tentative ). Let's go.
Sebastian exhales with relief, his shoulders relaxing as he escorts her out of the restaurant and into the night.
As Sofia and Sebastian approach her home, Sofia and Sebastian climb out of the car, their footsteps echoing on the quiet street. Sofia and Sebastian climb out of the car, suddenly, a voice cuts through the silence, deep and commanding.
Damon: Mr. Walter ( calls out, authoritative and self-assured ).
Sofia freezes, her heart pounding as she turns to see Damon standing in the shadows. His eyes are fixed on Sebastian, his expression unreadable in the darkness.
Sofia: Damon? ( she says, her voice quavering with surprise and fear ).
Damon's gaze shifts from Sebastian to Sofia, his expression hardening as he takes in their clasped hands.
Damon: I was beginning to wonder when you'd show up ( he says, his voice dripping with disdain). I didn't expect you to bring company, though.
Sofia's mind races, her thoughts frantically searching for an explanation.
Sofia: L-Look, Damon Mr Walter just came to the restaurant for the meeting. I had a flat trye and he gave me a ride home. That's all.
Damon: You should have called me
Sofia: It was nothing. I got home safely after all.
Sofia turns to Sebastian, her eyes filled with gratitude and apology.
Sofia: Mr. Walter, thank you for the ride (her voice is soft and sincere ). I'm sorry for bothering you.
Sebastian's expression softens, his gaze fixed on Sofia with a mixture of concern and admiration.
Sebastian: It's no trouble, Sofia, ( he says, his voice low and reassuring). I'm just glad you're home safe.
Damon's eyes narrow, his jaw tensing as he takes in their exchange.
Sebastian meets Sofia's gaze, a flicker of concern in his eyes.
Sebastian: I should go
Sofia's heart aches at the thought of him leaving,
Sofia: Okay, ( her voice trembling with emotion ). Thank you, Mr Walter
Sebastian gives her a nod, his expression softening as he turns to leave.
Damon's eyes narrow, his expression darkening as he studies Sofia's face.
Damon: So, nothing is going on between you and Sebastian
Sofia's pulse quickens, her hands clenching into fists at her sides.
Sofia: No, we're business partners, nothing more.
Damon: Don't cross that line, it's for your good.
Sofia: It's getting late Damon, you should leave
Sofia's words seem to fall on deaf ears as Damon continues to stare at her with a possessive intensity. But as she turns away and walks toward her house, he lets out a low, frustrated growl, his anger and frustration palpable in the night air.
Sofia steps inside, closing the door behind her with a quiet click. Her heart is racing, her hands shaking as she leans against the door, her breath coming in quick, ragged gasps. She knows that Damon won't give up easily, but for now, she's safe. And I need to play safe