CHAPTER 9

Sophia’s POV

Since my divorce, I've been cautious about relationships. I've learned not to assume anything unless the other person explicitly expresses their feelings.

“Kayla, Daniel and I have a platonic friendship, okay?” I insisted. “You just find it hard to believe because you always end up dating your male friends!” 

We both laughed at that. “Yeah, I guess,” she agreed, giggling. 

“Remember, let's not speak recklessly,” I reminded her gently.

“Okay, my lips are sealed. I won’t ask Daniel, but I hope he eventually opens up to you.” I could practically see her grinning at the other end of the line, even though we were continents apart. 

“Kayla!”

“Don’t worry,” she said with a laugh. “But really, I miss you. I’ll visit you there once my project at Sinclair Realty is done.”

“Wow, really?” I paused from my work, feeling a rush of gratitude and warmth.

“Yes! I promise! It’s going to be so much fun!”

We began to talk about all the things we’d love to see and do together once she was here in Paris.

“So when will you be finished, anyway?” I asked.

Kayla groaned. “I can’t wait, you know that? I hate working for your jackass ex-husband’s company! But they pay well!” She began to giggle and then sounded annoyed again after a while. 

“It’s a good thing I never run into Elijah… Oh, and it’s actually because of that bitch who keeps turning down my proposals that I’m taking so long to finish!”

“You mean Serena?”

“Who else?!” She sounded really frustrated. “But I’m not giving up. She can’t reject my proposals forever.”

“Of course,” I agreed. “And besides, they can’t get a better deal than you for this project. Why don’t you try showing it to Elijah instead? That way, you’ll have direct approval. Anyway, he also studied art like us before he got an MBA.”

“Hmmm…” Kayla seemed to be thinking hard. “You have a point, even though I hate his guts.”

I went on. “He’s got a good eye for aesthetics, and he’s quite forward-thinking too. So go and consult him. When it comes to business, he’s more reliable.”

“Alright, I’ll do that.”

“Oh, but wait!” I quickly said, remembering something. “He doesn’t like it when people skip the department heads to contact him directly, so it’s best that you talk to his assistant Connor Hayes first. He’s in charge of approving such meetings.”

“Wow, thanks for the tip.”

“Sure,” I answered nonchalantly as I continued the sketch I was doing earlier. 

“You know, Elijah can be a bit difficult to approach sometimes, but he respects people who are confident in their work. He values creativity and innovation, so if you can showcase that in your proposals, I'm sure he'll appreciate it. Just be prepared for some tough questions because he likes to dig deep into the details.”

“I see…”

“Also, Elijah has a soft spot for artists who are passionate about their craft. If you can convey your enthusiasm for your ideas, it might just win him over. And remember, he's a sucker for unique perspectives, so don't be afraid to think outside the box.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Oh, and one more thing. Elijah values transparency. If you can explain your ideas clearly and honestly, he'll respect that.”

“Okay, got that!” Kayla exclaimed with a laugh. “But I never realized you knew Elijah that well, considering you never really dabbled in the business and the two of you didn’t really talk much?”

“Oh,” I murmured, a tinge of sadness coloring my surprise. After only two years of marriage, I realized I knew Elijah quite well, but he never knew me at all. 

Ding-Dong. Ding-Dong. 

“Wait, there’s someone at the door,” I told Kayla.

“Okay, I have to go now, anyway. I’ll talk to you soon again!”

We said goodbye. I wiped my hands on my apron and went to open the door. When I saw Daniel standing there with a concerned look on his face, I was taken aback. “Hey, what’s wrong? Come in.”

He followed me inside, explaining that he’d sent me a message a while ago, but I did not reply. “Sorry, I jumped to conclusions, thinking something might have happened to you,” he said sheepishly. “Maybe I’ve been watching too many movies.”

I was touched by his sweet concern and thoughtfulness. “Probably,” I agreed, smiling. “But it’s fine, and I’m fine. Thanks so much for always thinking of me and caring for me.”

“Of course, Sophia,” he said gently as we faced each other. “You know I’m always here for you.”

“Yes, and I’m really grateful. Sorry you had to come over and check on me.”

“Nah, that’s nothing.” He grinned at me, slightly touching my cheek. “You’re forgetting I just live nearby.”

I chuckled. “I was talking to Kayla so I didn’t get to respond to your message. But since you’re already here, why don’t you join me for dinner? I’m almost done cooking.”

“I’d love that,” he answered, his gaze intensifying. As he took a step closer toward me, his eyes brimmed with affection. 

I instinctively stepped back. “You know I really appreciate you, Daniel. I’m grateful for everything you’ve done for me.” I spoke slowly and carefully. 

“But right now, I just want to focus on my studies. It’s challenging to juggle everything, given my condition…” I touched my baby bump. “I can’t consider anything more than friendship at this time.”

My words were vague, but both of us knew what I was talking about. 

“Of course,” Daniel said at once, looking surprised and disappointed at the same time. “I completely understand.”

He looked crestfallen, so I quickly changed the topic. “Come on, help me out in the kitchen. I’m starving!”