The cool evening breeze carried the faint scent of flowers as Sophie sat in Zara's backyard, her hands wrapped around a warm mug of tea. Ethan Carter sat beside her, his calm presence providing a strange sense of comfort.
"You've been through a lot," Ethan said gently. "I'm here for you, Sophie, no matter what."
Sophie smiled faintly, though her heart was heavy. "Thank you, Ethan. It's just… everything feels so overwhelming."
Ethan nodded, placing a reassuring hand on hers. "Take your time. You're stronger than you realize."
Before Sophie could respond, a familiar figure emerged from the shadows. Aiden's intense gaze locked onto hers, his emotions a mix of longing and frustration.
"Sophie," he called out, his voice laced with desperation.
Ethan immediately rose to his feet, positioning himself protectively between Sophie and Aiden. "She doesn't want to talk to you, Aiden," Ethan said firmly.
"This is between Sophie and me," Aiden argued, trying to move past Ethan.
But Sophie shook her head, her voice barely audible. "Ethan's right. Please leave, Aiden."
Her words pierced Aiden's heart, but he stepped back, respecting her wishes even though it killed him inside.
---
Later that night, Aiden received an unexpected call from Scarlett Stewart. He answered with a sigh, already dreading the conversation.
"Aiden," Scarlett's voice purred through the phone, "we need to meet. It's urgent."
Curiosity and suspicion tugged at him. "Where?"
"Meet me at the café on Westbrook Street in an hour," she replied before hanging up.
Aiden arrived at the café, finding Scarlett seated elegantly by the window. She greeted him with a smug smile.
"What do you want, Scarlett?" Aiden asked, sitting across from her.
She leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with confidence. "I want you to marry me."
Aiden scoffed. "Not happening."
Scarlett's smile didn't falter. "Oh, but you might change your mind when I tell you I know where your mother is."
Aiden froze, his jaw tightening. "You're lying."
"Am I?" Scarlett said, arching an eyebrow. "You've been searching for years, haven't you? Marry me, and I'll tell you everything."
He stared at her, his mind racing. The thought of finally finding his mother warred with his hatred for Scarlett's manipulative tactics. After a long pause, he nodded reluctantly.
"Fine," Aiden said, his voice low. "I'll marry you. But you better keep your end of the deal."
Scarlett's grin widened. "Of course, darling. You won't regret it."
---
Meanwhile, Zara and Kai had been spending more time together. One evening, they decided to take a stroll through the park.
"I'm glad we're hanging out more," Kai said, his tone light.
Zara chuckled. "Yeah, it's nice. You're one of the few people who can make me laugh these days."
Kai smiled warmly. "That's what best friends are for."
As they walked, Zara suddenly stopped and looked at Kai. "Do you ever feel like life just keeps throwing curveballs at you?"
Kai nodded thoughtfully. "All the time. But it's how we handle those curveballs that defines us."
Zara smiled softly, grateful for his presence. "Thanks, Kai. You always know what to say."
"Anytime, Zara," he replied, his voice sincere.
---
At work, Sophie tried her best to avoid Aiden. She focused on her tasks, refusing to acknowledge his presence. But Aiden couldn't help but steal glances at her from across the room.
During a meeting, Sophie presented her ideas with confidence, her passion evident. Aiden watched her, his admiration growing with every word she spoke.
When the meeting ended, Aiden approached her desk. "Sophie," he said softly.
She didn't look up, her voice cold. "What do you need, Mr. Wilson?"
The formality stung, but he pressed on. "I just wanted to say… you did great in the meeting. Your ideas were brilliant."
"Thank you," she replied curtly, still not meeting his gaze.
Aiden sighed, his shoulders slumping as he walked away. He couldn't blame her for ignoring him, but it didn't make the pain any easier to bear.
---
As the day ended, Sophie found herself reflecting on her feelings. Despite everything, a part of her still longed for Aiden. But she couldn't let herself be vulnerable again—not after all that had happened.
Aiden, on the other hand, sat alone in his office, staring at the engagement ring Scarlett had given him. The weight of his decision pressed heavily on his chest. He had agreed to marry Scarlett, but his heart remained with Sophie.
Both of them were trapped in their own worlds of pain, longing for a connection that seemed further out of reach with each passing day.
...