Chapter 2: The Night Out
Sophia couldn't believe what her father had just asked her to do. Get married within six months? It was absurd. She had always known that her father was old-fashioned and traditional, but this was taking it to a whole new level.
As she left her father's office, Sophia felt a mix of emotions: anger, frustration, and sadness. She didn't know how she was going to do this. She wasn't even dating anyone, let alone thinking about getting married.
Sophia decided to call her best friend, Emily, and meet up with her at a bar downtown. She needed to talk to someone about what had just happened, and Emily was always a good listener.
As Sophia arrived at the bar, she spotted Emily sitting at a table, sipping a cocktail. Sophia waved at her and made her way over.
"Hey, girl!" Emily exclaimed, as Sophia sat down. "What's going on? You look like you've lost your last marble."
Sophia took a deep breath and filled Emily in on the conversation she had just had with her father. Emily listened attentively, her expression growing more and more shocked.
"Six months?" Emily repeated. "That's crazy! What are you going to do?"
Sophia shook her head. "I have no idea. I'm not even dating anyone right now. And even if I was, I'm not sure I'm ready to get married."
Emily nodded sympathetically. "I get it. Marriage is a big deal. But maybe this is an opportunity for you to find someone special. You never know what might happen."
Sophia sighed. "I guess you're right. But it's hard to think about finding someone to marry when I'm still trying to figure out my own life."
Emily put a hand on Sophia's arm. "You'll figure it out, Soph. You're strong and capable. And I'll be here to support you every step of the way."
Sophia smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her friend. "Thanks, Em. Just talking to you makes me feel better."
The two friends chatted for a while longer, enjoying their drinks and each other's company. As the night wore on, Sophia began to feel more and more relaxed. She was starting to see that maybe, just maybe, this whole marriage thing wouldn't be so bad after all.
As they were getting ready to leave, Emily suggested they go to a new club that had just opened up downtown. Sophia agreed, and they hailed a taxi to take them to the club.
The music was loud and the lights were flashing as they made their way onto the dance floor. Sophia let loose, dancing and laughing with Emily. She was having the time of her life.
But as the night wore on, Sophia began to feel the effects of the alcohol she had been drinking. She stumbled and staggered, holding onto Emily for support.
"I think I need to go home," Sophia slurred, her words barely intelligible.
Emily nodded, concern etched on her face. "Okay, Soph. Let's get you out of here."
As they made their way out of the club, Sophia stumbled and fell, skinning her knee on the pavement.
"Ow!" Sophia cried out, tears of pain and frustration welling up in her eyes.
Emily rushed to her side, helping her up. "Soph, I'm so sorry. Let me call us a taxi."
But as they waited for the taxi, Sophia realized that she had left her phone and purse inside the club. And to make matters worse, the taxi they had called never showed up.
"I'm going to walk," Sophia said, her voice slurred and her words barely intelligible.
Emily grabbed her arm, holding her back. "No, Soph, don't be ridiculous. It's not safe."
But Sophia shook her off, stumbling down the sidewalk. Emily followed close behind, trying to keep up with Sophia's erratic pace.
As they walked, Sophia became more and more disoriented. She stumbled and staggered, holding onto Emily for support.
Just as it seemed like things couldn't get any worse, Sophia's heel got stuck in a grate, causing her to fall and skin her knee again.
As she sat on the sidewalk, crying and laughing at the same time, Sophia realized that she was completely and utterly lost.
And that's when she saw him - a handsome and charming stranger who would change her life forever.