Chapter 13: The Formulaic Boyfriend

John's car rolled up to Sun High School, and he peered through the windshield at the school infirmary ahead.

He parked in the underground lot, straightened his suit, and headed toward the familiar building.

As soon as he stepped inside, the smell of disinfectant hit him, reminding him of Emily. She always had a faint scent of it. Normally, it was a bit strong, but on her, it was oddly comforting, like her own special fragrance.

"Mr. Williams, here to pick up Dr. Brown again? You two are adorable," the nurse said, standing up to greet him. She knew John was Sophia's boyfriend and had seen him here a few times before.

John nodded, his eyes scanning the room as if he was looking for something.

"Looking for Dr. Brown? She's with a kid who needed some emergency counseling. Might take a bit. You can wait on the sofa over there," the nurse said warmly.

"Thanks," John replied, heading to the sofa. He glanced at the infirmary door to his left, which had a "Leave of Absence" sign on it.

John frowned. Emily on leave? That was unusual. She never took breaks, not even after their... encounters. Was something wrong?

His mind raced, but he kept a calm face. He pulled out his phone, found Emily's number, but instead messaged his assistant, Joshua. Just as he pocketed his phone, Sophia walked over with a notebook in her arms, looking gentle in her white dress. "John, what brings you here today?"

"I had a meeting nearby and saw it was about time, so I came to pick you up," John said, standing up and looking at her. "Busy day?"

Sophia shook her head. "Not really, just a last-minute counseling session that took a bit longer. It's done now, just need to file the records." She waved the notebook with a smile. "But next time, let me know in advance. I don't want you waiting around."

"It wasn't long. I just got here. If you feel bad, you can think of a way to make it up to me."

Sophia smiled, kissed John on the cheek, and took his arm as they walked out. "Alright, I'll make you a nice dinner. What do you want to eat?"

"You," John whispered in her ear.

Sophia blushed and playfully slapped his arm. "You're terrible. Such a perv."

John chuckled but kept a straight face. No one would guess he had just whispered something so cheeky.

Sophia let go of his arm and walked over to the nurse's station, handing over the notebook. "Thanks, this is the record from earlier. Once it's filed, you can head home."

The nurse took the notebook. "Got it, Dr. Brown. Leave it to me. You should go home; Mr. Williams has been waiting for you. I'm so jealous. When will it be my turn to find love?"

"Don't worry, your time will come," Sophia said with a smile.

She quickly packed her things, said goodbye to the nurse, and took John's arm as they headed to the parking lot.

It wasn't just the nurse; lots of people around Sophia envied her relationship with John.

Thinking about it, Sophia couldn't help but smile bitterly. Relationships were like shoes; they might look good on the outside, but only you knew if they fit.

John was perfect in every way and ticked all the boxes of what a boyfriend should be. But deep down, Sophia knew she didn't feel any real love from him. His kindness and thoughtfulness felt too rehearsed, like he was just going through the motions.

But it didn't matter. She had fallen for John at first sight and wanted to be his wife. Now, she was on her way to making that happen. As for love, she believed time would take care of it. They had just started dating, and there was plenty of time for him to fall for her.

John dropped Sophia off at her door. Just as he got out of the car, his phone rang. After a quick call, he turned to Sophia. "Sorry, something came up at the office. I need to go back. We'll have dinner next time."

Without giving her a chance to respond, John got back in the car.

Sophia felt a bit upset but forced a smile. "Then I don't owe you anymore. Next time, it's your turn to make it up to me."

John nodded and drove off.