Con

CHAPTER 88

Sophia’s POV

“Who was that?” Elijah asked.

“Uh, just a friend,” I answered, not wanting to get into the details. I knew that he didn’t trust Adrian. I stood up and excused myself for a while.

I went out to the balcony, feeling the cool evening breeze on my skin as I dialed Adrian’s number. He picked up after a few rings, his voice filled with a sense of urgency.

“Sophia, I’m so sorry to bother you at this time,” Adrian said, his tone cryptic. “I just didn’t know who else to contact… Uh, can you come to the grocery store near Raven Media? I need your help with something.”

I furrowed my brow, wondering what could be so important at this hour. “Sure, Adrian. I’ll be there soon,” I replied, already thinking about how to get there quickly.

Turning back inside, I found Elijah playing with Reese on the floor. “I need to go out for a bit, Elijah. Can you watch Reese for me?” I asked, trying to keep my tone casual.

Elijah looked up, concern evident in his eyes. “Where are you going? Is everything okay?” 1

“It’s just a favor for a friend, Elijah. I’ll be very quick, I promise,” I reassured him, grabbing my keys and heading for the door.

I arrived at the grocery store, scanning the aisles for Adrian. Spotting him near the dairy section, I approached, only to find him looking flustered, his hands digging through his pockets.

“Adrian?” I called out, causing him to turn around, relief washing over his face.

“Sophia, hey,” he greeted, his voice slightly breathless. “I, uh, apparently don’t havge any cash left and my cards aren’t working for some reason.”

I glanced at his basket filled with groceries. “No worries, I can cover it. Do you have your phone? You can use a payment app.”

He shook his head. “I’m so sorry… These groceries are kind of important for the week, and I’m already

here.”

I nodded, understanding his predicament. What’s a mere advance for groceries when compared to how he had saved my life at the beach?

Suddenly, he gave me a sheepish smile and said, “You know what? I’m sorry, Sophia. I shouldn’t dragged you into this. I can just come back and

have

“No, it’s fine, Adrian,” I cut him off. “I’ll pay for these. You’ve done a lot for me and this is the least I can do for you.”

He looked hesitant, then nodded gratefully. As I paid, couldn’t help but notice several credit cards in his wallet. And his wallet was of an expensive brand! I wondered what he and his sister did for a living. But of course I didn’t say anything at that moment.

Adrian seemed a bit off, different somehow. His hair was dyed, his clothes changed, He actually looked a lot more like a real musician now.

CHAPTER BE

+25 BONUS

“Thanks, Sophia. I’ll pay you back as soon as I can,” he promised, a grateful smile on his face.

“No problem, Adrian. Just let me know if you need anything else,” I replied, returning his smile, though a nagging thought lingered–I realized I didn’t really know much about Adrian beyond his love for music.

After paying for the groceries, we walked to the exit quietly.

“Sophia?” Adrian suddenly said. “Is everything okay?”

I waved a hand, trying to brush off my hesitation. “It’s nothing. Adrian.”

7 swear I’ll pay you.”

“It’s not that. Don’t worry about it.”

As we continued on our way, the rain outside seemed to intensify, the sound of it against the roof of the store loud and insistent. Adrian looked out the window, frowning.

“It’s pouring out there,” he said. “I’ll take you home, Sophia.”

Before I could protest, my phone rang. I glanced at the screen to see Elijah’s name. I answered, holding the phone to my ear.

“Hey, Elijah,” I said, trying to sound casual. “What’s up? Did Reese wake up? Is she looking for me?” “Oh, no, everything’s fine here,” he assured me. But then, his voice changed and he sounded greatly concerned. “But what about you? What time are you coming back? It’s getting late.”

I glanced at the rain outside, debating whether to tell him about Adrian’s offer to drive me home. “It’s raining pretty hard,” I said. “I don’t want to drive in this weather. You can go ahead if you need to, I’ll be back soon.”

“Where are you?” Elijah asked. “Do I need to come get you?”

Before I could respond, Adrian’s voice cut in. “Sophia, it doesn’t seem to be raining as hard anymore.”

My heart pounded wildly. Did Elijah hear him speak? What do I tell him?