Sophia stared at her phone, Adrian's name glowing on the screen. He'd texted her twice that day, both times checking in and suggesting they meet for dinner again. She hadn't replied yet. It wasn't that she didn't want to see him—far from it—but her thoughts were a chaotic tangle of emotions. Adrian's persistence was both flattering and terrifying, and she wasn't sure how much longer she could keep him at arm's length.
She sighed, setting the phone down on her desk and turning her attention back to the blueprints spread out in front of her. Work had always been her refuge, a world where everything made sense—plans, measurements, clear objectives. But today, even the carefully drawn lines and calculations failed to quiet her mind.
Her office door opened, and Maya peeked in. "Hey, you up for lunch?"
Sophia looked up, grateful for the distraction. "Yeah, I could use a break."
--- Over Lunch with Maya ---
The two women settled into a corner booth at their favorite café. Sophia stirred her iced tea absentmindedly while Maya studied her, a knowing smile playing on her lips.
"Okay, spill," Maya said. "What's going on? And don't even try to tell me it's work."
Sophia let out a frustrated laugh. "You're too perceptive, you know that?"
"Years of practice. Now, tell me what's bothering you. Is it Adrian?"
Sophia nodded. "He's... persistent. He keeps reaching out, wanting to see me, but every time I think about letting him in, I panic. I've spent so much time building this life, this independence, and the thought of risking it for something that could fall apart... it's terrifying."
Maya reached across the table, placing a comforting hand over Sophia's. "Soph, I get it. You've been hurt before, and that's not easy to shake off. But Adrian isn't Ethan. From everything you've told me, he seems genuine."
"I know," Sophia admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "But what if he isn't? What if this ends the same way? I don't think I could survive that again."
Maya leaned back, her expression thoughtful. "You can't live your life expecting the worst. Adrian is trying, Soph. Maybe it's time you let him show you what he's really about."
Sophia mulled over Maya's words as they finished their lunch. She wanted to believe in Adrian, but her fears were a powerful force holding her back.
That evening, Adrian called. Sophia hesitated for a moment before answering, her heart racing as his deep voice filled her ears.
"Hi, Sophia," he said, his tone warm and familiar. "I was starting to think you were avoiding me."
Sophia chuckled nervously. "No, just busy with work."
"Understandable," Adrian said. "But I was hoping you'd let me take you out again. No pressure, just dinner. What do you say?"
Sophia bit her lip, torn between her desire to see him and the nagging voice in her head urging her to keep her distance. "I don't know, Adrian. Things are... complicated right now."
"I get that," he said gently. "But I'm not asking for anything complicated. Just your company for one evening. If it's too much, we can call it a night, no hard feelings."
His sincerity caught her off guard, and before she could overthink it, she found herself agreeing. "Okay. Dinner. But just dinner."
"Deal," Adrian said, his smile evident in his voice. "I'll text you the details."
The day of their dinner, Sophia found herself pacing her apartment, second-guessing her decision. What if this was a mistake? What if Adrian's persistence only led to more heartache?
Maya called as if sensing her hesitation.
"Don't even think about canceling," Maya said before Sophia could speak. "You're going. End of discussion."
Sophia laughed despite herself. "You're relentless, you know that?"
"Someone has to be. Now go, have fun, and try not to overthink everything."
Taking a deep breath, Sophia grabbed her coat and headed out.
--- A Night to Remember ---
The restaurant Adrian chose was cozy and intimate, a stark contrast to the high-profile gala where they'd reconnected. As she stepped inside, she spotted him waiting near the entrance. He looked effortlessly handsome, his casual attire a refreshing change from the polished suits she was used to seeing him in.
"You came," he said, his smile lighting up his face.
"I did," Sophia replied, her nerves easing slightly under his warm gaze.
Over dinner, their conversation flowed easily. Adrian shared stories from his travels and the challenges he'd faced in building his business. Sophia found herself laughing more than she had in months, her initial hesitation melting away as she listened to him.
"I want to ask you something," Adrian said, his tone turning serious. "Why do you keep pulling away?"
Sophia froze, her fork halfway to her mouth. She set it down slowly, searching for the right words. "It's not about you, Adrian. It's about me. I've been hurt before, and I've spent so much time trying to move on from that. Letting someone in again... it's scary."
Adrian reached across the table, his hand resting lightly over hers. "I understand. And I'm not asking you to rush into anything. But I hope you'll give me a chance to show you that I'm not going anywhere."
His words were simple, but they carried a weight that made Sophia's chest ache. She wanted to believe him, to trust that he was different, but the scars of her past were hard to ignore.
Over the next few weeks, Adrian continued to show up for Sophia in ways that surprised her. He sent thoughtful messages, asked about her work, and never pushed her for more than she was willing to give.
But the more time they spent together, the more Sophia felt the walls she'd built around her heart begin to crack. Adrian's persistence was steady but gentle, his actions speaking louder than any words.
One evening, after a particularly long day at work, Sophia found herself calling him.
"Adrian," she said when he answered, her voice soft. "I just wanted to say thank you. For being patient with me. For... everything."
"Always," he replied without hesitation. "Take all the time you need, Sophia. I'll be here."
Despite Adrian's reassurances, Sophia's fears didn't disappear overnight. There were moments when she felt herself leaning into him, letting her guard down, only to pull back again when the memories of Ethan's betrayal resurfaced.
One weekend, as they strolled through a park together, Adrian noticed her quietness.
"Penny for your thoughts?" he asked.
Sophia hesitated, then said, "I'm scared, Adrian. Of getting hurt. Of falling for someone and losing myself in the process."
Adrian stopped walking, turning to face her: "You don't have to lose yourself, Sophia. I don't want you to. I want you to be exactly who you are—strong, independent, and incredible."
His words were like a balm to her soul, soothing the wounds she hadn't realized were still so raw.
"I'm trying," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
"And that's enough," Adrian said, his eyes full of understanding.
As they continued walking, Sophia felt a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, she could find the courage to let Adrian in. But for now, she would take it one step at a time.