Con

CHAPTER 57

Sophia’s POV

Kayla and I arrived at the Baker’s estate, the grand house already buzzing with activity. The party was in full swing, and I felt a pang of nervousness as we walked up the driveway.

Kayla must have noticed the look on my face. “Hey, relax,” she whispered with a smile. “You look

amazing.”

With my best friend by my side, I managed to smile and feel more confident. “Well, you did do my makeup,” I joked. “And you did pick out this dress for me.”

Kayla laughed. “Yes, you’re so lucky to have me as a friend!”

We both giggled.

“But really, Sophia, you look fabulous!”

I squeezed her hand gratefully. “Thank you. I do feel fabulous tonight.”

Inside, the house was a swirl of colors, laughter, and music. Chris Baker and his parents had spared no expense for Julia’s party. I spotted Julia across the room, looking radiant as ever, surrounded by a group of admirers including her brother and parents.

For a moment, I felt a twinge of insecurity, but it quickly dissipated. Today, I was determined to enjoy myself.

“Come on,” Kayla whispered, linking her arm with mine. “Let’s mingle.”

We moved through the crowd, exchanging pleasantries and small talk. Kayla was her usual charming self, effortlessly drawing people into conversation. And soon I was also beginning to relax and feel

awesome.

Suddenly, I spotted Elijah from a distance, standing by the bar. He stared at me, his eyes unwavering and intense. My heart jumped, a familiar flutter that I tried to suppress. I quickly turned away, seeking solace in the crowd.

“Sophia, come here, I want you to meet someone,” Kayla said, guiding me toward a handsome man standing near the large bay window. “This is Andrew. He’s a family friend of the Bakers.”

Andrew gave me a genuine smile and extended his hand. I politely shook it, and noticed that his touch lingered just a bit more than usual.

Kayla–then said, “Oh, wait, guys…. I’m sorry but I have to catch up with an old friend I ran into earlier. I’ll be back in a bit.”

My eyes narrowed for a while as I wondered if Kayla was doing this on purpose to push me to meet new people.

Luckily, Andrew was charming and polite, his smile warm and inviting. It was easy to speak to him. We chatted for a bit, exchanging pleasantries about the party and the people there. Then he began asking me about my work, so I ended up telling him about studying in Paris and then working at Urban

Next

-15 BONUS

“That’s wonderful, Sophia!” he exclaimed. “I’m quite fortunate to meet an amazing woman like you. Beauty and brains rolled into one.”

I blushed a little bit. I wasn’t used to being praised like that.

“So tell me…” he started, leaning forward. “A woman like you must be with someone already, right? Do you have a boyfriend?”

I was surprised at how straightforward he was, considering we’d only met. But I answered truthfully. Actually, I don’t. But I do have a child.”

The words slipped out before I could think twice, and I immediately regretted them. Should I have said that at all? What if he knows Elijah or tells the Bakers who then mention it to Elijah? Oh, gosh!

Andrew froze, his smile faltering as he looked at me, a little embarrassed.

“That’s… uh, that’s great,” he stammered, clearly taken aback. “How old is your child?”

“Three,” I replied, forcing a smile.

Andrew nodded, trying to recover his composure. “That’s wonderful. I’d love to meet her sometime.”

I felt a pang of alarm, my mind racing with the implications of what I’d just said. If word Elijah… I glanced around, half–expecting him to appear out of nowhere

got

back to

Andrew quickly picked himself up, his charm returning. “Well, I’d still love to get to know you better, perhaps take you out on a date sometime,” he said, his eyes hopeful.

Before I could respond, I saw Elijah walking toward us, his gaze locked on me. My breath caught in my throat, and I felt a rush of panic. Elijah’s presence was magnetic, drawing me in despite my best

efforts to resist.

Andrew followed my gaze and seemed to understand. He stepped back slightly, giving us space. leave you to it,” he said with a nod. “But the offer stands.”

TI

I barely heard him, my focus entirely on Elijah as he closed the distance between us. The room seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of us standing there, a thousand unspoken words hanging.

in the air.

But then, I remembered what had transpired with Elijah the last time we were together in that dressing. room. In that split second, I made a spontaneous decision. I quickly grabbed Andrew’s arm before he could turn away completely.

“Yes,” I breathed, gazing into his eyes.

“Huh?” He seemed confused.

“Yes, I’d love to go out with you,” I told him, my heart pounding.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Elijah stop, his brows furrowing and his features darkening. Obviously, he heard me. I didn’t know what to do so I pulled Andrew toward the buffet table.

+15 BONUS

“Maybe we should get something to eat now,” I suggested, wanting to get away from my ex–husband. Andrew chuckled, a playful glint in his eye. Leaning closer toward me, he whispered, “So…. he’s the one you care about.”

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