The clock struck midnight as Sophie entered the living room, exhausted after spending hours comforting Zara. She froze when she saw Aiden sprawled on the couch, a half-empty bottle of whiskey in his hand. His tie was loosened, and his usually composed demeanor was replaced by a haze of drunkenness.
"Sophie," he slurred, his eyes locking onto her. "Come here."
She hesitated, sensing the tension in the air. "Aiden, it's late. You should get some rest."
He ignored her protest, stumbling to his feet and grabbing her wrist. "Sit with me," he insisted, pulling her down onto the couch. He held out his glass, the amber liquid glinting under the dim light. "Drink."
Sophie shook her head. "I don't drink."
Aiden smirked, taking a swig from the glass before leaning in closer. "Fine," he murmured, his voice low. "Then let me share it with you."
Before she could react, he pressed his lips to hers, the taste of whiskey mingling with the warmth of his kiss. Sophie pushed him away, her cheeks flushing. "Aiden, stop. You're drunk."
He leaned back, his head lolling against the couch. "You don't understand," he muttered, his words barely coherent. "She's been in my mind for years… that girl… the one who sent me the letter."
Sophie's heart skipped a beat, but Aiden's eyes fluttered shut, and he fell asleep before she could ask anything. She covered him with a blanket, her mind swirling with questions.
The next morning, Aiden sat in his office, poring over the file Riley had handed him. It detailed Sophie's childhood, including her time working at the café he used to frequent. His eyes narrowed as he read the familiar name of the establishment.
"So, she worked there," Aiden mused aloud. "Does that mean she knows the girl?"
His mind raced with possibilities. Could Sophie be the link he'd been searching for all these years? Or was she hiding something from him?
Riley entered the room, interrupting his thoughts. "Sir, do you need anything else?"
Aiden looked up, his expression unreadable. "No, that's all for now. But keep digging. I want every detail about her time at the café."
Riley nodded and left, leaving Aiden alone with his thoughts. He clenched his fists, determined to uncover the truth.
Later that afternoon, "The Triffles" sat in a sleek studio, microphones and cameras pointed at them. Fans eagerly tuned in as the interviewer posed questions about their upcoming projects, inspirations, and lives outside music.
"Now, let's talk about love," the interviewer said with a sly smile. "Is there someone special in your lives?"
The band members exchanged glances, some chuckling nervously. Aiden, however, leaned forward, his expression serious.
"I've had a crush on someone for many years," he confessed, his voice steady. "But it's… complicated."
The interviewer's eyes lit up with intrigue. "A crush? That's big news! Care to share more?"
Aiden shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "Some things are better left unsaid."
The room buzzed with excitement as fans speculated about his mysterious confession. Sophie, watching the interview from her office, felt her heart tighten. Could he be talking about the girl who sent him the confession 7 years ago?
That evening, Ella walked briskly through the dimly lit streets, a bag of groceries in hand. She glanced over her shoulder, her heart racing as she noticed a group of men following her. Panic set in as their footsteps quickened.
She turned a corner, only to find herself in a dead end. "Stay back!" she shouted, clutching her bag tightly.
The men laughed, closing in on her. Just as one of them reached out, a figure appeared out of the shadows.
"Get away from her," Zane growled, his voice low and threatening.
The men hesitated, sizing him up. Despite his weakened state, Zane stood his ground, his fists clenched. "I said, leave."
One of the men lunged, but Zane dodged, delivering a swift punch that sent him staggering. The others backed off, muttering curses before retreating into the night.
Ella rushed to Zane's side as he swayed, his strength failing. "Zane! Are you okay?"
He managed a weak smile before collapsing into her arms. "Just… needed to make sure you were safe."
Tears filled Ella's eyes as she called for help. Zane was rushed to the hospital, his condition stabilizing but leaving Ella shaken.
....