Con

CHAPTER 54

Sophia’s POV

+15 BONUS

“Sophia, can we talk?” Julia’s voice was soft, almost hesitant. I glanced up, seeing the remorse in her eyes. She looked genuinely sorry, but I couldn’t shake the irritation bubbling within me.

“Sure,” I replied, trying to keep my tone neutral. Julia closed the door behind her and took a seat across from me.

“I owe you an apology,” she began, wringing her hands nervously.

“I know my design was too similar to yours, and I’m sorry that I thought there was a chance you copied some of my elements. Honestly, it wasn’t intentional. I saw some of Craig’s sketches accident, and they must have stuck in my mind. I didn’t know that you two have been workin together.”

I raised an eyebrow. “So you’re saying it was subconscious?”

“Yes,” Julia nodded vigorously. “I never meant to cause any harm. And now, Craig is the one suffering for it, and that’s not fair. I’ve withdrawn from the project, hoping it might make things right.”

I sighed, leaning back in my chair. “It’s not Craig who should be suffering, Julia. He’s one of our best designers and a great architect too. He follows all the rules.”

“I know,” she said, her voice breaking slightly. “I feel terrible about what happened to him. I just… I hope you can forgive me.”

For a moment, I considered her words. I had always had a soft spot for Julia, with her bright personality and genuine passion for design. It was hard to stay mad at her, even now. I took a deep breath, letting go of the lingering resentment. Besides, I didn’t like holding grudges.

“Alright, Julia,” I said, my tone softening. “I forgive you. But you need to be more careful in the future.”

Her face lit up with relief. “Thank you, Sophia. I promise I’ll be more mindful. And… I wanted to give you this.” She handed me a small, elegant envelope.

I took it, curious. “What’s this?”

“An invitation to my party next week,” Julia said with a hopeful smile. “I’d really like it if you came. It’s just a small gathering, but I think it could be fun.”

My eyes narrowed as I glanced at the invitation, then back at Julia. “I’ll think about it.”

“Great,” Julia said, standing up. “Thank you, Sophia. It means a lot.”

Days passed and I threw myself fully into the project driven by the need to prove that I was worthy of being assigned to it despite all the issues. I also wanted to show Morgana that I could do it with flying colors.

Over the weekend, though, I decided to take a little break. Besides, my best friend Kayla was coming home from France so I was excited.

+15 BONUS

The airport was bustling with the usual chaos of weekend travelers, but all I could focus on was the excited chatter of my three–year–old daughter, Reese. She clutched her stuffed bunny as we waited -near the arrivals gate, her eyes scanning every face that emerged.

“Mommy, is Auntie Kayla here yet?” Reese asked for the fifth time, her small hand tugging on mine.

“Soon, sweetie,” I replied, brushing a stray curl from her forehead. “She’ll be here any minute now.”

Just as I said that, a familiar figure appeared, wheeling a suitcase and waving energetically. Kayla’s smile was as radiant as ever.

“There she is!” I pointed, and Reese’s face lit up with pure joy.

Reese squealed, running toward her. Kayla scooped her up in a big hug, spinning her around before setting her down. “Oh, I’ve missed you so much, little one!” she exclaimed, then turned to me with a wide grin. “And you, Soph! It feels like ages.”

I hugged her tightly. “I know… Welcome back, Kay.”

After chatting a bit about Paris, Kayla suddenly asked me, “By the way, did you get an invitation from the Baker family?”

I blinked, the question catching me off guard. Images of Julia’s face flashed in my mind, along with the invitation she’d handed me a few days ago. Julia is being welcomed back as Sabrina, I thought bitterly. That makes it so official.

“Yes,” I said slowly. “But I’m not going.”

Kayla looked at me curiously. “Why not? I thought you and Julia had made up already. And this could be a good way for you to meet new people again, to take a break from your work routine…”

“Well, you know it’s complicated,” I said, glancing down at Reese, who was now entertaining herself by making her bunny hop along the tiled floor. “Julia and I aren’t the friends we used to be anymore… Plus Elijah’s going to be there, and I don’t want to entangle myself with their history.”

Kayla nodded, her expression understanding. “I get it. But you know, sometimes facing the past can be the best way to move forward.”

I sighed, knowing she was right but feeling unprepared to deal with something like this. “Maybe… don’t know…”

“And don’t you want to show Elijah that you’re not affected by Julia turning out to be Sabrina, his childhood love and best friend?” Kayla added, her tone a little bit teasing.

She did have a point. 1

“And… Do you really want Reese to grow up without a daddy?” Kayla asked, lowering her voice.

Suddenly, Reese looked up at us and began chanting “Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!”

I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. It was definitely a shocking moment.

“There you go…” Kayla pointed out jokingly. “If you’re really over him…

+15 BONUS

“Okay, fine,” I finally said. “Maybe I’ll drop by just to show them I’m not affected. But about the dad thingie… Let’s see…”

Kayla grinned. “You’re strong enough now, Sophia. Everything will be good.”

That same afternoon, the three of us went shopping together after Kayla settled in at home.

“Why don’t I buy you a new dress for that party, huh?” Kayla offered with a huge grin, pointing to a beautiful blue dress in a boutique. “Your beauty, your confidence, and this dress will blow their minds, for sure.”

We both laughed. But I could certainly picture it in my mind.

Just then, hearing some voices made my heart skip a beat. I’d certainly recognize those voices.

I

anywhere! And when I turned around, I was right. It was Elijah and Julia, going around the same boutique together. Holy shit.

When Elijah turned his head, I immediately ducked and crouched down, pretending to speak to Reese. Meanwhile, Kayla had wandered somewhere else.

Reese and I have to get out of here, I thought in panic. I grabbed my daughter’s hand and hurriedly led her out of the shop.

We stopped at a bench outside the boutique, which was partially hidden by some trees in the mall’s pocket garden. I decided to just send Kayla a message to inform her where we could meet.

But suddenly, a familiar male voice rang in my ears. “Sophia?”

My heart dropped to the ground.

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