Chapter Nine: The Charity Event
The grand ballroom was filled with the soft murmur of voices and the clinking of glasses as guests mingled, dressed in their finest attire. Ethan, now a successful surgeon, stood with a few colleagues at the charity event hosted by Carter Enterprises and Juliton Hospital. He had been looking forward to this night, but a lingering sadness clung to him.
He had recently stalked Sophie's Instagram, and her posts from Europe had hinted that she wouldn't be attending the event. He felt a pang in his chest, wishing he could see her again, if only to catch up on their lives. The thought was bittersweet, and he tried to shake it off, engaging in conversation with his colleagues.
Just as he was starting to lose himself in work-related discussions, the room fell silent. A large clap echoed through the ballroom, drawing everyone's attention to the stage.
Ethan turned, his breath catching in his throat as he saw a stunning figure step into the spotlight. It was Sophie. She radiated confidence, her presence commanding the room. Dressed in a sophisticated gown that accentuated her fierce demeanor, she looked every bit the powerful woman she had become.
Sophie took the microphone, her gaze sweeping across the audience as she began her speech. "Thank you all for being here tonight. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. This partnership between Carter Enterprises and Juliton Hospital is about more than just fundraising; it's about creating a legacy of hope."
Ethan felt a rush of nostalgia and admiration. He hadn't seen her in years, 11 years, and the sight of her brought back a flood of memories—moments they had shared, laughter, and the unspoken connection that had lingered between them. He couldn't help but smile, pride swelling in his chest.
As Sophie continued her speech, her eyes scanned the crowd, and suddenly, they locked onto Ethan's. For a brief moment, time seemed to stand still. She looked surprised, as if she hadn't expected to see him there.
Ethan's heart raced. Does she remember me? he thought, hope igniting within him. Sophie's expression softened, and a flicker of recognition danced in her eyes, igniting a wave of emotions that swept over him.
In that crowded room, amidst the laughter and the clinking of glasses, two worlds collided once more, rekindling a connection that had never truly faded away. As Sophie finished her speech and the applause erupted around her, Ethan felt a surge of determination—he had to talk to her.
The night was just beginning, and he could sense that this moment was the first step toward a reunion that had been long overdue.
Ethan stood at the edge of the crowd, heart racing as he watched Sophie engage with the guests. She was effortlessly charming everyone around her, laughter ringing out as she shared stories, but he could see the subtle shadows beneath her bright smile.
"Man, you look like you're about to faint," Max said, joining Ethan's side. He glanced toward Sophie. "What's going on?"
"I want to talk to her," Ethan admitted, frustration creeping into his voice. "But look at that crowd. I might as well be invisible."
Max raised an eyebrow. "Well, what are you waiting for? Just go for it!"
Taking a deep breath, Ethan decided to take the initiative. He strode toward Sophie, weaving through the crowd until he finally reached her side.
"Hey, Miss Sophie Carter!" he called out, trying to sound casual.
She turned, her expression shifting from surprise to a guarded smile. "Ethan? Ethan Grant right? Oh I didn't expect to see you here."
"Yeah, I thought you were still in Europe," he replied, his heart racing.
Sophie's eyes widened in surprise. "How did you know I went to Europe? Did you stalk me or something?" She laughed lightly, but there was a hint of tension beneath her playful tone.
Ethan chuckled, relieved to see her smile. "I might have checked your Instagram a couple of times. It looked amazing."
As they spoke, Sophie noticed the crowd still watching her, and she raised a hand to wave, gesturing that she'd return soon. There was a sense of relief on her face as she momentarily escaped the attention, her gaze returning to Ethan.
"Plans changed, though," she said, her tone shifting slightly. "I couldn't miss this event."
Ethan felt a flicker of excitement the moment she recognised him, but he pushed it aside trying to compose himself. "I'd love to catch up. Do you want to step outside for a moment? It's a bit loud in here."
Sophie hesitated, glancing back at the crowd before nodding. "Sure, I guess a little fresh air wouldn't hurt."
As they stepped outside into the cool evening air, Ethan felt a rush of determination. "It's been a while, hasn't it?" he said, trying to keep the conversation light.
"Yeah, it has," Sophie replied, crossing her arms. Her smile was polite, but her eyes betrayed a hint of sadness. "I've been busy with the company."
"I saw some of your posts. You've been doing amazing things," Ethan said, genuinely impressed. "I always knew you'd excel."
"Thanks," she said, her tone a bit more reserved. "And you? How's life?"
"It's rewarding, but it can be a lot sometimes," he admitted. "But I really enjoy it. It feels good to help people."
Sophie nodded, her gaze drifting momentarily. "That's great to hear. I've been really busy with the company and trying to manage everything."
Ethan shifted slightly, searching for the right words. "I mean, it feels like ages since we last talked."
"Definitely," Sophie said, crossing her arms as if to shield herself from the moment. "I've missed our chats."
"Me too," Ethan admitted, feeling a mix of nostalgia and awkwardness. "It's strange seeing you again after everything."
Just then, Sophie glanced back toward the crowd, noting how many people were still waiting for her return. She raised a hand to wave, gesturing that she'd be back soon. The moment felt like a small escape, her expression showing relief as she focused back on him.
"Anyway, I guess I should get back in a minute," she said, her tone shifting as she faced him again. "It was really nice running into you, Ethan."
"Yeah, you too," he said, hesitating for a moment. "I hope we can catch up more sometime. It's good to see you."
"Absolutely," she replied, the smile on her face returning, though it felt a bit more reserved. "Take care, Ethan."
As Sophie turned to rejoin the crowd, Ethan watched her go, feeling a mix of emotions. It was a bittersweet reunion, a reminder of how much had changed, yet how some things still felt the same. The connection was there, but it felt tentative, like they were both trying to navigate the distance that had grown between them over the years.