Con

CHAPTER 34

Elijah’s POV

+25 BONUS

“Hi, Sophia,” I heard myself say to her. My voice was filled with mixed emotions upon seeing her.

Sophia looked shocked at first, but then she relaxed and managed a faint smile. “Hello, Elijah.” She didn’t give me a chance to say anything else, though. It was as if we were acquaintances chancing upon each other. She just simply continued to walk on.

I turned around, trying to decide if I should follow her. I saw her eventually put her phone to her ear.” Daniel?” I heard her say. “Meet me now at Georgia’s.”

Hearing Daniel’s name and Sophia’s tone of voice, I felt a surge of curiosity. As she passed by the little girl’s table, I decided to follow her, intrigued by their interaction. Sophia seemed unusually distant from the child, almost as if she were pretending not to know her. I watched them closely, trying to gauge their connection.

Sophia didn’t even glance at the child. She walked much faster toward the exit while talking on the phone.

“Reese, darling!” I suddenly heard someone say. A brown–haired woman who looked nothing like the little girl came toward her and gave her a hug. The scene seemed strange to me, as if it wasn’t natural.

She doesn’t look like the child’s mom! But she could certainly pass off as Sophia’s little girl, the way they look so much alike!

I glanced at Sophia’s retreating back and her face flashed back in my head. Yes, they really look alike.

“Hi! Sorry I’m late.” I saw Daniel entering the restaurant and kissing Sophia on the cheek. They even embraced each other warmly, which definitely pissed me off.

Why does this man always get in the way? I thought bitterly. He’s a total pain in the ass.

I watched them take their seats at one of the tables. From time to time, Daniel would smile and reach out to briefly touch her hand or her arm. I glared at them from where I was standing.

I couldn’t help myself then, and I soon found myself joining them uninvited, sitting across from Sophia. It’s really good to see you both back here,” I said nonchalantly, as if we had always been good friends.” How are you both?”

Sophia threw me a puzzled look. But she still answered, “We’re fine.”

”

I tried to observe their body language closely, trying to determine if they were finally together after three years. I couldn’t tell for sure.

“So how long are you staying here in the US?” I asked, wanting to strike up a conversation. I didn’t know why, but I wanted to just linger there.

“Sophia’s working on a new project here while I’m expanding my business,” Daniel answered for both of them. “We’ll probably stay a few months before we head back to our home in Paris.”

Our home. What the hell did he mean?!

“What project are you working on, Sophia?” I asked curiously.

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CHAPTER 34

+25 BONUS

Sophia hesitated before opening her mouth. “Just some design that my boss needs for his business partner.”

“She’s been chosen out of the many designers available,” Daniel quipped. “Sophia has risen so much from her humble beginnings in the industry, and to think she just graduated!”

I frowned as he kept on answering my questions while Sophia looked at me coolly, like she just wanted it all to be over because she had other better things to do.

I don’t like Daniel one bit.

It was a woman’s voice that cut through our rather interesting conversation. “Sophia, you’re here too!” she said in a cheerful voice.

When Pturned to look at her closely, I was shocked. I found myself staring at a face that reflected Sabrina’s strongest features. The young woman didn’t even notice me as she took a seat beside Sophia. “Hey, I didn’t know you were coming here already!” Sophia said in a friendly manner. She appeared to be close friends with this girl. “When did you arrive?”

“I flew in yesterday.” As she began gesturing with her hands while talking about some project she had to finish revising before her flight, I noticed the bracelet dangling from her right wrist.

Holy shit! I know that bracelet.

It was made with purple and green strings, Sabrina’s favorite colors. And there were a few charms attached.

I can’t be mistaken. That bracelet used to be Sabrina’s. I know because I made it for her! Suddenly, I got so excited that I grabbed the woman’s wrist and demanded, “What’s your name?”

Her head whipped around, and her eyes locked onto mine with a sudden gasp. For a moment, she just stared at me wide–eyed. Sophia froze as she watched us.

I held my breath, waiting for her answer. She seemed to relax as she continued to gaze into my eyes, her surprise turning into intrigue and fascination. A soft smile began to play on her lips and her eyes glimmered with interest.

“I’m Julia,” she finally said, her voice slightly breathless. “Julia Stanford.”