Sophia Williams, a stunning 23-year-old woman, sat in the doctor's office, her long, dark hair cascading down her back like a waterfall. Her piercing emerald green eyes sparkled with a mix of anxiety and anticipation. Her smooth, caramel-colored skin glowed with a subtle radiance, a testament to her dedication to self-care. Her full lips, painted a soft pink, parted slightly as she awaited the doctor's words.
Living in the charming town of Ithaca, outside the outskirts of New York, Sophia had built a new life for herself, far removed from the painful memories of her past and her ex-husband, Reg. Her location was a secret, known only to a few. Despite her modest finances, Sophia was a strong, hardworking woman who had learned to stand on her own two feet, managing to make ends meet in her cozy apartment. She wasn't really from a rich family, but they weren't poor either.
She was finally getting her life back, slowly recovering from her past, when an unexpected life changing news, turned her world over again. She was pregnant.
"No way". Sophia exclaimed with a shocked expression.
Doctor Patel chuckled. A middle-aged man with a warm, golden-brown complexion and a kind smile, leaned forward in his plush, leather chair, his eyes filled with concern. He wore a crisp, white lab coat with a silver stethoscope draped around his neck, and his sophisticated office reflected his years of experience. The walls were adorned with framed degrees and awards, and the floor-to-ceiling windows offered a stunning view of the city.
"I'm afraid it's very possible. You're about six weeks along," Dr Patel said with a cheerful smile, but didn't get the expression he expected from Sophia.
Sophia shook her head, her mind reeling. "No, no, no! This can't be happening! I'm not ready for this." Sophia said her voice nearly a whisper.
Dr. Patel's expression turned concerned as he leaned forward on his desk. "Sophia, are you okay? You look worried...are you okay?" He asked trying to get her attention.
Sophia nodded numbly, still trying to process the news. Dr. Patel handed her the test results, as Sophia stared at them in disbelief. The proof was right there in black and white. She was pregnant.
"I can't believe this," she whispered, as she wiped the tears gathering in her eyes. Sophia felt like her world was spinning out of control. She couldn't be pregnant. Not now, when things were finally starting to look like they were falling into place. She was still reeling from her divorce from Reg, and now this?
She looked up at Dr. Patel, her eyes searching for answers. "You have to run the test again," she said, with a weak voice, looking Dr. Patel in the eye.
"Sophia, if I tell you that you are pregnant, then you are," Dr. Patel replied firmly. "This is a very strong and careful hospital; we don't make such mistakes. I am certain of those results. You are pregnant."
Dr. Patel said as Sophia let out a deep breath. "I don't know why such good news bothers you so much. Do you mind sharing with me? Dr. Patel asked his voice laced with care and concern, but he didn't get a reply.
Okay then I don't want it to seem like I'm interfering, but I just want to assure you that everything will be fine," the doctor said, placing his hands on Sophia's shoulders.
Sophia nodded silently, her eyes downcast as she slid her shoulders off his hands. "Thank you," she whispered got up with a swift motion, swung her handbag over her shoulder, and turned to leave, not giving the doctor a second glance. Her heels clicked on the floor as she walked out of the office, leaving the doctor's concerned expression behind.
As she stepped into the hallway, Sophia's shoulders squared, and her pace quickened, her dark hair bouncing with each step. She didn't look back as her eyes remained fixed on the path ahead. She didn't even know how to feel at the moment.
As she walked down the hallway, the soft hum of the hospital's activity faded into the background. Sophia's eyes gazed blankly ahead, her dark hair falling like a curtain around her pale face as she kept on wiping the tears from her eyes with the hand of her cardigan, not giving them a chance to roll down her cheeks.
She pushed through the hospital doors and out into the crisp afternoon air, taking a deep breath as if trying to awaken from a dream. But the fresh air did little to clear her foggy mind.
Sophia wandered aimlessly, her feet leading her through the quiet streets of Ithaca, as she remained lost in her thoughts.
Sophia's mind raced as she walked, her thoughts a jumbled mix of denial and panic. "How can I be pregnant? This can't be possible... I'm not ready for this... not now." Tears streamed down her face as she muttered to herself, wiping them off with her the hand of her cardigan remaining oblivious to her surroundings.
"Oh my goodness... this means I'm carrying Reg's child inside me..." The thought sent a shiver down her spine as she almost lost balance of her steps quickly regaining them the weak feeling in her knees only intensified the tension in her.
Lost in her thoughts, Sophia didn't notice the road ahead and didn't see the car speeding towards her even as it horns were loud as it approached her. But just as suddenly, a hand grasped her arm, pulling her back from the edge of disaster.
"Watch out!" a voice shouted, as she was yanked away from the road.
Sophia's heart racing, found herself on the ground, staring up at a stranger who had just saved her life. Their eyes locked, and for a few seconds, time stood still.
The stranger's piercing blue eyes and chiseled features made Sophia's heart skip a beat. His dark hair was perfectly messy, and his strong jawline was accentuated by a hint of stubble. He was effortlessly handsome, and Sophia felt a flutter in her chest just being close to him.
As they lay there, on the curb, the stranger's concerned expression softened, and he asked, "What were you thinking? are you trying to get yourself killed young lady?" He said.
Sophia's gaze was trapped in his, unable to look away. She felt a sense of safety and calm wash over her, as if this stranger's presence was a balm to her frazzled nerves.
The stranger, wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as people around them began to stare, and take pictures.
"What was she thinking? Is she trying to kill herself?" someone in the crowd muttered.
"I don't know, but that guy just saved her life!" another voice chimed.
As the stranger helped Sophia up, people around them began to stare, with their voices filled with shock and surprise.
"Oh my god, is that...?" A lady started to say.
"Lucas Blackwood!" another voice finished, incredulous.
"I know, right? The Lucas Blackwood?!" someone else chimed in.
"Wow, he's even more handsome in person!" a woman sighed almost loosing her stamina.
"I can't believe he just saved her life like that!" another voice added.
"I wanna jump in the road too Lucas look at me"!! Another voice said.
Lucas, oblivious to the commotion he was causing, smiled softly at Sophia, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice low and gentle.
Sophia nodded, still in shock, as Lucas wrapped his arm around her waist, leading her away from the scene.
As they walked, the crowd's whispers and gasps followed them, with people snapping photos and videos, trying to capture the moment when Lucas Blackwood, the billionaire bachelor, saved a woman's life.
"Did you see that? He just saved her from getting hit by a car. Oh he's so dreamy!. A female voice exclaimed.
"I know, I was just about to take a picture of him and then that happened!" another voice said.
"This is going to be all over social media!" someone else predicted.
Lucas, still holding Sophia close, smiled lightly used to the attention, but his eyes never left hers, filled with concern.
"Let's get you out of here," he whispered, his breath warm against her ear, sending a flutter through her chest.
CHAPTER FOUR; "I AM A BILLIONAIRE..
As Sophia and Lucas walked away from the scene, a sleek black Rolls-Royce pulled up beside them, its engine purring smoothly, as a tall, imposing bodyguard stepped out of the car, his eyes scanning the surroundings before focusing on Lucas and Sophia.
"Mr. Blackwood," he said, his voice low and deferential, as he opened the rear door of the car.
Lucas nodded, his arm still around Sophia's waist, and guided her towards the car. The bodyguard assisted them in, his movements swift and efficient.
As they settled into the plush leather seats, the bodyguard closed the door behind them, and the car glided away from the curb, leaving the commotion and chaos behind.
Sophia looked around, taking in the opulent interior of the car, feeling a sense of surrealism wash over her. She was sitting in a Rolls-Royce, next to a man who seemed to be surrounded by an aura of power wealth and fame. Lucas, noticing her gaze, smiled wryly and broke the silence. "I'm afraid I'm not used to walking," he said, his voice low and husky. "But I'm glad I was there to help you."
Sophia's eyes met his, as she sat short of words for a moment, her eyes filled with gratitude, till she finally found the words she was looking for. "Thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you for saving me."
Lucas smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You're welcome," he replied, his voice low and gentle. Sophia's gaze lingered on his face, confusion etched on her features. Who was this man who had just saved her life? She looked around the luxurious car, feeling a sense of disorientation and irresistible comfort.
Gathering her courage, Sophia turned back to Lucas. "Who are you?" she asked, her voice hesitant, piercing through the silence. Making even the driver and guard at the front seat look back at her.
Realizing how that came out, she apologized.
I'm sorry it came out that way…I just … I'm .. it's just that it's not something casual for a guy like you to you know.. just show up and help a lady like me. And still give her a ride". Sophia said as she looked Lucas in the eye, suddenly realizing the gaze of amusement in his them.
Feeling like she already said too much Sophia began apologizing again.
Oh I'm sorry, you know what just forget I said anything I'm j-
No no it's okay I understand your point of view. You should never be sorry for speaking your mind Lucas said with a light smile on his face.
To be honest…. even I don't know why I'm giving you a ride, but I just guess we moved wit the flow didn't we?
I can stop if you don't want -
No no that's not what I meant Sophia cut in with a mild voice.
Lucas's smile faltered for a moment, before he said. "I'm Lucas Blackwood".
Sophia's eyes widened, her mind racing. Lucas Blackwood? The name sounded familiar, but she couldn't quite place it.
"Who's that?" Sophia asked, her voice barely above a whisper, as the driver and guard at the front took a second look at her and at themselves at the same time before looking forward again.
Lucas chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I'm a businessman," he said, his voice low and husky. "And apparently, a lifesaver."
Sophia's gaze lingered on his face, trying to read between the lines. There was something about him that seemed familiar, something that made her feel like she should know him. But she couldn't quite put her finger on it.
Lucas's eyes widened in surprise, his eyebrows shooting up. "You don't know who I am?" he asked, his voice tinged with incredulity.
Sophia shook her head, feeling a sense of trepidation. "I'm sorry am I supposed to?"
Lucas's expression changed from surprise to shock, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You're the only person I've ever met who doesn't know who I am," he said, his voice low and husky.
Sophia shrugged, feeling a sense of confusion. "I don't know what that means," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Lucas leaned back in his seat, his eyes never leaving hers. "I'm a billionaire, Sophia," he said, his voice dripping with wealth and power. "I own half of this city. And you don't know who I am?"
Sophia's eyes widened, her mind racing. A billionaire? That explained the Rolls-Royce and the bodyguard. But why did he feel like she should know him?
Sophia's eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze piercing through Lucas's confident facade. She could sense the underlying assumption that his wealth and status made him feel somehow superior.
"I see," Sophia said, her voice neutral, her tone measured. "You're a billionaire."
Lucas nodded, his smile returning, seemingly expecting Sophia to be impressed, or even intimidated.
But Sophia's expression remained calm, her eyes never leaving his. She could see the hint of surprise in his eyes, the faintest glimmer of confusion that she didn't seem to be awed by his wealth. Maybe being with one that already shattered her heart made her feel that way.
"It's nice to meet you, Mr. Blackwood," Sophia said, her voice polite, but distant.
Lucas's smile faltered for a moment, before he regained his composure. "Please, call me Lucas," he said, his voice smooth, but with a hint of irritation.
Lucas's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "You're different, Sophia. Most women would kill to spend five seconds with me, but you... you seem unimpressed." He leaned in, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "I find that intriguing." Sophia's heart skipped a beat as she met his gaze.
She couldn't deny the spark of attraction between them. "I'm just not easily impressed," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Lucas chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I like that….. I like you."
Lucas's words rang in her head like a huge bang on a metal tray in an empty hall. She knew where this was going, so she leaned back in her seat as she cleared her throat. Understanding her expression, Lucas drew back too, and they both let out deep breaths at the same time.
Finally, close to her apartment, Sophia asked the driver to stop. "Please, stop here," she said, as the car came to a slow halt. Turning back to Lucas, as she grabbed her bag from the leather seat, Sophia thanked him again. "I'm really grateful. Thank you so much. Who knows what would have happened if you weren't there?" She said, as they kept a fixed gaze for some seconds before the guard opened the door for her to step down.
But before she could take a step away, Lucas stopped her. "Wait," he said, his voice low and smooth. He handed her a sleek black card. "In case you need anything," he said, his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. "I'm not expecting anything in return, but just in case..." Sophia took the card, her fingers brushing against his. "Lucas Blackwood" was embossed in bold silver letters, along with a phone number and email address. She felt a shiver run down her spine as she met his gaze. "Just a call away," he said, before she walked away.