The buzz around "The Triffles" upcoming concert filled the air. Fans had been camping outside the stadium for days, eager to see their favorite band perform. Sophie, as the band's manager, was ensuring everything ran smoothly. Her emotions were in turmoil, but her professional demeanor remained intact.
The stadium was packed to capacity, the roar of the crowd echoing as the band took the stage. Liam, the youngest member of the band, started with an electrifying guitar riff, setting the tone for the evening. Aiden's deep voice filled the stadium, mesmerizing the audience. Sophie watched from backstage, her heart swelling with pride.
As the final song concluded, the crowd erupted into cheers. The band members—Aiden, Liam, Noah, Oscar, Logan, and Hunter—took a bow, thanking their fans. Sophie stepped forward to congratulate them.
"Fantastic performance, everyone," she said, clapping.
Aiden caught her eye, his gaze lingering a moment longer than necessary. Before she could interpret his expression, a voice interrupted.
"Aiden!" Scarlett Stewart's sultry tone sliced through the air. The stunning woman, dressed in a sleek red gown, approached with an air of entitlement.
Sophie's heart sank. Scarlett was Aiden's fiancée, as announced at the banquet.
Scarlett looped her arm through Aiden's. "Dinner's on me tonight, darling. Let's go."
Aiden hesitated, glancing at Sophie, but Scarlett tugged him away before he could protest. Sophie masked her heartbreak, focusing on the band's logistics instead.
Later that evening, Sophie decided to visit her younger brother, Lucas, at the rehab center. The thought of seeing her brother in a better state lifted her spirits.
Lucas greeted her with a shy smile. "Hey, Sophie."
She hugged him tightly. "You look so much better!"
"The therapy's helping," he admitted. "I'm learning to control my impulses. The counselors say I'm making progress."
Tears welled in Sophie's eyes. "I'm proud of you, Lucas. Just a few more months, and you'll be back home."
They spent the evening talking about lighter topics, laughing about childhood memories. For the first time in weeks, Sophie felt a sense of peace.
The next day, Sophie, Kai, and Zane gathered at the airport to bid farewell to Zara Bennett. The cheerful model had landed a six-month project in America, an opportunity of a lifetime.
"I'm going to miss you guys so much," Zara said, her voice thick with emotion.
"We'll miss you too," Kai replied, pulling her into a hug.
"Don't forget to video call us," Zane added, trying to mask his sadness.
Zara turned to Sophie. "Take care of yourself, okay? And don't let anyone bring you down."
Sophie nodded, her throat tight. "You too, Zara. Shine bright out there."
As Zara waved one last time and disappeared through the gates, the trio stood in silence, each lost in their thoughts.
Meanwhile, Aiden sat across from Scarlett at an upscale restaurant, barely touching his food. Scarlett prattled on about wedding plans, oblivious to his disinterest. His mind kept drifting to Sophie—the way her eyes sparkled when she smiled, her determination at work, her vulnerability when she let her guard down.
"Aiden, are you even listening?" Scarlett snapped.
He sighed. "Scarlett, I think we need to talk."
"Not now," she interrupted, waving at the waiter. "We have more important things to discuss."
Aiden clenched his jaw, frustration building. For now, he remained silent, but his heart knew where it truly belonged.
....