----In Adrain Office---
Adrian paced the length of his office, his phone pressed to his ear. His father's gruff voice echoed through the line, sharp and unyielding as always.
"You're making a mistake, Adrian," his father said, the words laced with disapproval. "This project is a distraction. You should be focusing on what truly matters—our family's legacy."
Adrian gritted his teeth, his patience wearing thin. "The community center is important, Father. It's not just a project; it's a way to give back. Something meaningful."
His father scoffed. "Meaningful? You think building playgrounds and lecture halls will solidify your place in this family? Your priorities are misplaced. And let's not forget about the woman you've involved yourself with."
Adrian stopped in his tracks, his jaw tightening. "Sophia has nothing to do with this conversation."
"She has everything to do with it," his father shot back. "She's a distraction, Adrian. You think you can juggle this idealistic project, her, and your responsibilities to the company? It's time to grow up and act like the heir you are."
Adrian clenched his fist, forcing himself to stay calm. "This isn't about the company, is it? This is about control. You don't like that I'm making decisions without consulting you."
His father's silence confirmed Adrian's suspicion. After a moment, his voice returned, colder than before. "If you insist on pursuing this path, don't expect any support from me. You'll be on your own."
Adrian ended the call without another word, his chest heaving as he tried to calm the storm raging inside him.
---
Later that evening, Adrian drove to Sophia's apartment. He didn't bother calling ahead—he needed to see her, to talk to someone who wouldn't judge him.
When she opened the door, she looked surprised but not unwelcoming. "Adrian? It's late. Is everything okay?"
Adrian ran a hand through his hair, his usual composure slipping. "Can I come in? I just… I need to talk."
Sophia stepped aside, letting him in. She led him to the couch, her concern growing as she noticed the tension in his posture.
"What happened?" she asked softly.
Adrian sighed, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. "My father. He called today to remind me, once again, how much of a disappointment I am."
Sophia's brows knitted in concern. "Why would he say that?"
"Because I'm not following the plan he laid out for my life," Adrian said bitterly. "He wants me to take over the family business, expand our corporate empire. Anything else—especially something like the community center—is a waste of time in his eyes."
Sophia placed a comforting hand on his arm. "But the center isn't a waste of time. It's going to change lives, Adrian. You're making a real difference."
Adrian looked at her, his eyes searching hers for reassurance. "He doesn't see it that way. And he doesn't approve of you, either."
Sophia froze, her hand pulling back slightly. "Me? What did I do?"
"Nothing," Adrian said quickly. "You didn't do anything wrong. He just thinks you're… a distraction. That I should be focusing on the business instead of my personal life."
Sophia's lips pressed into a thin line, her defenses rising instinctively. "If he sees me as a distraction, maybe he's right."
Adrian sat up straighter, his expression firm. "No. Don't do that. Don't let his opinion make you question what we have."
Sophia looked away, her thoughts spinning. "It's not just his opinion, Adrian. It's everything. Your world and mine… they're so different. And maybe he's right about one thing—I don't belong in it."
Adrian reached for her hands, holding them tightly. "Sophia, listen to me. I don't care what he thinks. I'm not living my life for him. I'm living it for me. And you… you're the best thing that's happened to me in a long time."
Her eyes softened at his words, but the doubt lingered.
---
The next morning, Adrian returned to his office to find Elena waiting for him. She was sitting on the edge of his desk, flipping through a report as though she owned the place.
"Elena," he said tersely. "What are you doing here?"
"I heard about your little argument with your father," she said, closing the folder and setting it down. "I thought you could use some advice from someone who understands."
Adrian frowned. "You don't understand anything about me."
Elena stood, crossing her arms. "I understand what it's like to have the weight of expectations on your shoulders. To have a legacy to uphold. Unlike you, I embrace it."
Adrian's patience snapped. "This isn't about legacy. It's about control. And I'm done letting my father dictate my life."
Elena smirked, unfazed by his anger. "You say that now, but let's see how long you last without his support. Running a business, maintaining a lifestyle like ours—it's not as easy as you think."
Adrian ignored her, turning his attention to the stack of papers on his desk. "If you're done lecturing me, I have work to do."
Elena lingered for a moment before finally leaving, her words hanging in the air like a dark cloud.
---
That evening, Adrian and Sophia met for dinner at a small café. The atmosphere was cozy and unpretentious, a welcome escape from the chaos of their lives.
Adrian was quieter than usual, his thoughts clearly elsewhere. Sophia noticed, her own insecurities bubbling to the surface.
"Are you okay?" she asked, breaking the silence.
Adrian looked at her, his expression softening. "I'm just tired. It's been a long day."
Sophia hesitated, then reached across the table to take his hand. "You can talk to me, you know. You don't have to carry everything on your own."
Adrian's grip tightened around hers. "I know. It's just… this fight with my father, it's draining. He doesn't understand why the center is so important to me. And now Elena is trying to meddle, too."
Sophia frowned. "Elena? What does she have to do with this?"
"She's his idea of the perfect partner for me," Adrian said bitterly. "She's everything he wants—wealthy, ambitious, completely loyal to the family business. And she's not shy about reminding me of that."
Sophia felt a pang of jealousy but pushed it aside. "Adrian, you don't have to prove anything to your father or Elena. You're doing something amazing with the center. Don't let them take that away from you."
Adrian looked at her, the tension in his shoulders easing. "You always know the right thing to say."
Sophia smiled faintly. "I'm just reminding you of what you already know. You're stronger than you think, Adrian. Don't let anyone make you doubt that."
As they finished their meal, Adrian realized how much Sophia had become his anchor. Despite her own doubts and insecurities, she had a way of grounding him, reminding him of what truly mattered.
For the first time in weeks, he felt a glimmer of hope. Together, they could face whatever challenges lay ahead.