Con

CHAPTER 60

Sophia’s POV

I had been dreading this business trip. I didn’t even have much time to prepare myself emotionally!

The thought of being confined in a car with Elijah for hours filled me with anxiety and resentment. But as I stood in the driveway, watching Connor load our bags into the trunk, I reminded myself that this was just another professional obligation.

I can handle this.

“Ready to go, Sophia?” Connor called, his usual cheerful demeanor on full display. He glanced at Trevis, who was already settling into the passenger seat with a stack of papers on his lap.

“Ready,” I replied, plastering a smile on my face as I approached the car. My heart sank when I realized I’d be sitting in the back with Elijah. No avoiding him today.

As I slid into the back seat, Elijah gave me a brief nod. “Sophia.”

“Elijah,” I responded, keeping my tone neutral. The tension I expected wasn’t there, though. Instead, there was a strange calmness between us, as if we both silently agreed to keep things professional.

Connor started the car, and we began our journey to the mountains. The scenery quickly changed from urban to rural, the city’s noise fading into the distance. I took a deep breath, trying to focus on the work ahead.

“This is the surveyed landscape with all the terrains,” Trevis said, passing a folder back to me. “You can double check to see if your designs suit it.”

It was good that I also had a little background on architecture from the extra courses I’d taken up in Paris and from my many conversations with Craig before. I looked over the documents.

“The goal is to use natural materials and organic shapes to complement the surroundings,” I told them. “For instance, the main lobby will feature floor–to–ceiling windows that offer panoramic views of

the mountains.”

Trevis nodded, smiling. “Sophia’s designs have a unique ability to harmonize with their environment. Her approach will not only enhance the guest experience but also highlight the resort’s commitment to sustainability. We’re also exploring the use of green roofs and solar panels to reduce our environmental footprint.”

Elijah leaned over slightly, glancing at the documents. “Sustainability is crucial. It’s highly valued by

our clients.”

I felt myself jump just a little bit when he came closer to me. My heart began to pound, but I forced myself to focus on the discussion. “Yes, that’s why I made sure to incorporate it in every way I can. We should also have a local environmental consultant.”

“Yes, we’ve hired one,” Elijah assured me. “And when we get there, you’ll also meet the main engineer

and architect of the project.”

We spent the next hour exchanging ideas and refining our plans. The conversation flowed smoothly,

+15 BONUS

and to my surprise, it wasn’t awkward at all. Elijah and I even found ourselves agreeing on several key points. It made me feel amazing, to be able to converse with him in this manner unlike when we were married.

Later on, the hum of the car engine was a soothing lullaby that coaxed me into a much–needed nap. The trip was long, the rhythmic bumps of the road blending into a melody that lulled me to sleep.

When I woke up, the first thing I noticed was the weight of something warm draped over me. Blinking groggily, I realized it was a jacket.

Before I could fully grasp the situation, I saw Elijah glancing my way. Our eyes met for a brief moment before he looked away, a flicker of something unspoken passing between us. He leaned over and carefully removed the jacket from my shoulders, his expression unreadable. I wanted to thank him, but the words stuck in my throat. Instead, I settled for a small nod, which he didn’t acknowledge.

“Weather looks bad at our destination,” Connor’s voice broke the silence. His eyes were fixed on the darkening sky ahead, worry etched on his face. “The further we go, the darker it gets.”

Trevis, who had been quietly checking his phone, suddenly spoke up. “I just checked again. It looks like there might be a storm heading our way. We should drive faster, Connor. We need to get there before it hits.”

The urgency in Trevis’s voice added a new tension to the air. I sat up straight and looked outside. The sky had turned into a menacing shade of gray.

Connor pressed down on the gas pedal, and the car picked up speed. Soon we were nearing the designated project area. The tires skidded on the slick mountain road, the car’s headlights cutting through the darkness and the sheets of rain.

We didn’t expect us to get there by night time but the weather condition slowed us down.

Connor’s knuckles were white on the steering wheel, his jaw set in a hard line as he navigated the treacherous terrain. Trevis sat beside him, tapping furiously on his phone, probably checking the weather updates. Elijah and I were in the back, the tension thick enough to choke on.

“Almost there,” Connor updated us. The windshield wipers were working overtime, barely keeping up

with the downpour.

The storm had come out of nowhere, catching us off guard.

“I think we should spend the night at a hotel on the way,” Trevis suggested.

“Yes, that’s a good idea,” Elijah agreed. “The rest of the way will be quite dangerous in this weather at

night.”

By the time we saw the flickering sign of the lone hotel, we were drenched in anxiety and exhaustion. Connor pulled into the gravel driveway, the car lurching to a stop. We piled out, the rain soaking through our clothes within seconds. The wind howled, almost drowning out our voices as we rushed

inside.

The lobby was a stark contrast to the storm outside warm, cozy, and eerily quiet, A fireplace crackled

In the corner.

+15 BOTIUS

“Rough night,” the clerk behind the desk said. “Can I help you?”

Elijah stepped forward, shaking the rain from his hair. “We need rooms for the night,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “Any availability?”

The clerk’s smile faltered. “I’m afraid we only have one room left,” she said apologetically. “The next nearest hotel is about a forty–minute drive away.

“Oh!” I exclaimed. One room for the four of us?!

“We’ll take it,” Elijah said, cutting through the silence. “We can’t risk driving any further in this weather.”

Connor and Trevis exchanged a look, a silent conversation passing between them. Then, almost in unison, they turned to Elijah and me.

“We’re going to the other hotel,” Connor said, his voice resolute.

I opened my mouth to protest, but the words caught in my throat. The storm outside roared, rattling the windows, and I realized there was no point in arguing. The decision had been made.

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