Waking to the sound of waves lapping the beach, Sophia emerged. The measured cadence starkly juxtaposed the tumult raging in her head. Andrew's surprise appearance had thrown her for a loop, but talking with him last night had cleared things up. It was time to move forward.
After a quick shower, she joined Emma for breakfast in the resort's al fresco dining room.
"Morning, Sophia," Emma said as she poured herself another cup of coffee. "How are you doing today after yesterday?"
Sophia sighed and fidgeted with the spoon in her hand. "I'm okay. Andrew's visit brought up a lot of old emotions, but I think it helped me understand something important — I'm ready to move on from the past."
Emma smiled warmly. "Good. You do deserve to be happy, Sophia. And clearly Ethan is becoming a large part of that."
Sophia blushed but said nothing.
She walked upstairs, and wandered out to the terrace looking out onto the ocean where she and Ethan were supposed to brainstorm together later that morning. The water shimmered in the sun and the scene felt almost magical as the sun's light caught the water in a golden fashion. Ethan was already there, leaned casually against the railing, perusing a few notes.
"Morning," he said, his face brightening as he spotted her.
"Morning," Sophia said, her voice quiet.
They got right to work, talking about possible locations for future shoots and how to show the resort's unique allure. Yet behind the business chatter, Sophia felt an unacknowledged tension.
Finally, Ethan set down his notes and met her gaze. "How did it go with Andrew?"
Sophia paused, unsure how much she wanted to say. "It was... emotional. But we needed that conversation, the two of us. I told him about us — about how I feel.
Ethan's expression softened. "And how does he feel?"
"He was hurt, but he understood," she said, meeting his gaze. "I guess we both kind of recognized it was time to move on."
Ethan nodded, his eyes searching hers. "I'm glad you told him. Honesty takes courage."
Sophia smiled, thankful he understood. "Thanks. It wasn't easy but it felt right.'"
For a moment, they simply stared at each other, the ocean breeze shooting past.
That night, the resort hosted a themed beachside dinner. String lights draped between palm trees, and grilled seafood wafted through the air. Sophia sat down with Emma and Claire at a table near the dance floor, the first time in days she had felt her heart feel so light.
As they chatted and laughed, her eyes kept wandering to Ethan, who was aiding with the coordination of the event. He worked the room with the ease of someone whose presence is magnetic.
"You're completely smitten," Emma said, poking at Sophia playfully.
Sophia laughed, but her cheeks flushed. "Is it that obvious?"
"Very," Claire interjected, smiling. "But don't fret, it's a two-way street. Ethan's been watching you the whole time."
Claire's words made Sophia's heart flutter. She was about to answer when she saw Andrew come into the dining area. She felt her breath freeze in her throat.
"What is he doing here?" Sophia whispered, breathing faster.
Andrew saw her and walked over, a tentative grin on his face.
"Hi, Sophia," he said, looking casual, though his eyes were scanned. "Can we talk for a minute?"
Emma and Claire both nodded encouragingly at Sophia. "Okay," she said, standing up from her chair.
They moved off from the crowd, the sound of the waves a soothing backdrop.
"I just wanted to say goodbye properly," Andrew said, his voice steady. "I had last night that I was holding on to something that no longer exists. You've gone on with your life, and I need to do the same."
She felt pangs of guilt and relief. "Andrew, you'll always mean something to me. "I'm glad you came you provided clarity I didn't even know I needed."
Andrew smiled faintly. "Take care of yourself, Sophia. And... I hope he makes you happy."
With that, he turned and departed, leaving Sophia feeling more buoyant than she had in weeks.
The evening continued, and dinner gave way to dancing. At last Ethan appeared, his black shirt undone at the collar and his sleeves rolled; he joined Sophia at her table.
"Care for a dance?" he asked, extending a hand.
Sophia paused only a second before grasping his hand. As they danced to the beat of the music, Sophia threw the burden of the past away completely.
"Are you okay?" Ethan asked, his voice low.
"We are," Sophia answered, glancing up at him. "For the first time in a long time, I'm free."
Ethan smiled. "Good. Because I don't wanna be just a distraction, Sophia. I would like to be something real for you."
Her heart pounded at Ryder's words. "You already are."
And as they swayed beneath the string lights, Sophia knew she was right. The shadows of the past
were finally over, and she was finally prepared for the future with Ethan by her side.