Daddy's Best Friend

Four years ago CHAPTER 2SOPHIA’S POVI sat close to the school library, it was close to the driveway and far from the hallway, it had become my new favorite spot, it was far from the classroom, from the people in high school, You know that saying about high school being the worst moment of your life, it was precisely that for me. Growing up, I was constantly criticized and made fun of for how I looked. I was a chubby girl, well, I used to be a chubby girl. Then I made it a daily task to work out and become the cheerleading squad captain.“How do you think he would ever notice you if you constantly shy away from him,” Kylie spoke, startling me from my ever-lost thoughts. “I don’t want him to notice me,” I muttered, and continued sketching a familiar figure on my notepad, Kylie and I have been friends since we were kids and since my foster dad adopted me, we have been inseparable. She is the only one who knows all my dirty little secrets, especially my little crush on my dad's frien

CHAPTER 4SOPHIA’S POVThe sun sneaked through my curtains the next morning, a new day beginning. I shuffled out of bed, my thoughts heavy with the conversation from last night. Henry's impending departure echoed in my mind, a heavy weight in my chest. This was going to be a heavy blow on me, and there was all the other things I needed to deal with, like confessing my feelings to Henry. I got off my bed and went downstairs.Downstairs, I heard Dad's laughter, the familiar sound of amusement he reserved for Henry. My heart clenched. They were on the phone, and I strained to listen without seeming obvious."...traveling tomorrow for a few months," Henry's voice came through the receiver. "Won't be back for a while."Devastation crashed over me like a tidal wave. A few months? It was like someone had punched the air out of my lungs. This was it, the moment I had been dreading. I couldn't let him leave without telling him how I felt. It was more than a crush; it was real.Decision in mind

CHAPTER 6SOPHIA’S POVI was zipping up my suitcase when my phone rang. Dad's name flashed on the screen. I answered with a grin, holding the phone between my shoulder and ear as I continued packing. Her is out on a business trip and I miss him so much, I really wish he would be here today, but I think I will cope just fine. "Hey, Dad!""Hey, sweetheart," he greeted warmly. "Just wanted to give you a little advice before you head off to college." Here he goes again, my father would get an award if they were one giving for constant advice.I chuckled, rolling my eyes playfully. "Dad, seriously? I'm not a kid anymore. I can handle myself."He laughed too, a warm sound that made my heart feel lighter. "I know you're not a kid, Sophia. But old habits die hard, you know."I sighed, feigning exasperation. "Dad, I promise I won't set the dorm on fire or anything." I know if not for his constant check up, I would have done that to our home, I am a terrible cook and he has always been the one

CHAPTER 8Sophia’s POVHenry ushered me into his house, and I watched closely from where I stood and couldn’t resist but take in the grandeur of the place. He introduced me to Lynda, the woman who was all cozy with him a minute ago, who greeted me with a friendly smile. I managed a polite hello, but I couldn't shake off the unease that settled in my gut as I saw her being so cozy with him. She leaned in to give him a peck on the cheek before leaving, and I clenched my fists to suppress the annoyance that surged within me. As soon as Lynda was gone, Henry turned his attention back to me. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming today?" he asked, his tone a mixture of surprise and warmth.I mustered a smile, wanting to keep up the surprise act. "I wanted to surprise you."He chuckled, and I couldn't help but feel a flutter of relief in my chest. "Well, you definitely succeeded."I took a step closer to him, trying to ignore the lingering image of Lynda's peck. "Is it because of Lynda th

CHAPTER 10SOPHIA’S POVI raced through the bustling campus, my heels clicking against the pavement with each hurried step. My heart was racing, not just from the physical exertion, but also from the realization that I was about to be late for my meeting with my faculty guidance. I was mentally calculating the quickest route to the meeting spot when, in my haste, I collided with someone."Can't you see I am running?" I blurted out in frustration, my annoyance clear in my tone. But the guy I had bumped into didn't seem impressed by my irritation. He should watch where he is going. He shot back with equal vehemence, "You were the one that bumped into me! Now I'm to blame? Should I be watching out for everyone who thinks walking is for aliens?" I would have smirked at his humor but I had no time for that and I was not about to give the satisfaction of having a better combat.My eyebrows shot up in disbelief. I didn't have time to argue with a stranger, I needed to get to that meeting be