Con

CHAPTER 05

#25 BONUS

CHAPTER 85

Sophia’s POV

I froze, my heart pounding in my chest, as Daniel’s words sank in. “I’ve liked you since high school,” he confessed, his voice filled with sincerity. “Back then, I thought you were too focused on your studies to pay attention to me. And I guess I was too… afraid to approach you.”

High school felt like a lifetime ago. I had been so engrossed in my academic pursuits that I hadn’t paid much attention to anything else. Certainly not to Daniel, who had apparently been quietly looking out for me all along. I did vaguely remember some encounters we had then, but we never even became close friends during that time.

“Even in college, though I was studying abroad, I still kept checking your social media,” he admitted. “And asking some people about you.”

“Oh,” was all I could say at the moment. This was indeed a revelation.

“I was sad when I found out you were married,” Daniel continued, his eyes searching mine. “But it was even harder to learn that you were unhappy. I was very happy that we ended up studying in Paris together and becoming very good friends. I was so glad to have had that chance to take care of you and Reese in France, and even here.”

I

His words were like a whirlwind, stirring up emotions I had long buried. Gratitude, guilt, confusion–all swirled together as I struggled to find the right words.

“… I’m truly grateful, Daniel,” I began. “But I… I only see you as a friend. You know that. I’ve told you this before.”

The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken feelings. Daniel’s expression faltered, a flicker of disappointment crossing his features before he masked it with a smile. But his eyes were red, almost on the brink of tears.

I felt burdened with guilt, but I had to be honest with him. “I’m sorry, Daniel.”

He nodded with understanding. But then, he still looked troubled. I’ve noticed that you and Elijah have gotten close. He was never like this to you when you were married. That’s what you told me. But now, he’s pursuing you and he wants to get back with you, right?”

I was flabbergasted and didn’t know how to answer. But yes, he was right. I could feel that–and Elijah had been quite vocal about it too.

“What do you think of him, Sophia?” Daniel asked outright, his voice wavering a bit.

I sighed. “Daniel, I only think of Elijah as Reese’s father. Nothing more. And I think it’ll stay like that for a long time… Because you’re right about him. I still don’t know if I can rely on his words or his actions now. And besides, I’m not looking for a relationship. I just want to focus on my career. You know how long I’ve waited to have this opportunity to realize my dreams.”

He nodded. “Yeah, I know. But… I was just afraid… that you might fall for him again.”

1 shook my head. “It just so happened that I’m working for Trevis and Urban Next here in the US is partnered with Sinclair Realty. I guess there will always be things that will connect Elijah to me.”

CHAPTER 85

+25 BONUS

Suddenly, he stepped closer and held my hand. “Sophia, I can stay here with you and help you take care of Reese if you want to be busy with your career. I’ll treat her as if she were my daughter.”

I pulled my hand away gently, shaking my head. “No, Daniel. I can’t ask that of you. You’re much too good to become just that for me… like a… like a house–husband? No way. It doesn’t suit you at all. The nanny comes often, anyway, so don’t worry about me. And you’ve got your businesses to run too.”

“I don’t care,” he said in a stubborn tone of voice. “I only care about you and being with you. I want to protect you and take care of you, and make sure that you won’t get harmed anymore.”

I felt paralyzed as Daniel’s words hung in the air, his face inching closer to mine. My heart pounded and I

about to meet mine, the shrill sound of the doorbell shattered the

couldn’t move. Just as his lips were

moment.

Oh, thank God. Saved by the bell.