103

103
Chapter 103

The office atmosphere felt calmer now that it was almost closing time. Sophia finished organizing the last few files on her desk before shutting down her computer. Returning to work had turned out better than she expected. The day had gone smoothly, and surprisingly, she had enjoyed having someone new around.

Just as she picked up her bag, she heard footsteps approaching. She looked up and saw Jessica walking over with a bright smile.

Jessica stopped beside her desk.

“So,” she said casually, “when are we going out again?”

Sophia blinked and looked at her, not expecting that. Jessica laughed softly.

“Our last outing…”

Immediately, Sophia remembered the evening they had spent together. Since Damien had canceled dinner that night, she had unexpectedly ended up spending time with Jessica instead, and she had enjoyed it.

Sophia smiled. “Oh.”

It was funny that it skipped her mind for a while, but that was okay.

Jessica folded her arms lightly.

“I had fun.”

Sophia’s smile widened slightly. “That’s nice.”

Jessica nodded. “So, when next?”

Sophia adjusted her bag. “I’ll get back to you.”

Jessica smiled immediately. “Okay. Don’t forget.”

Sophia laughed softly. “I won’t.”

After saying goodbye to everyone, Sophia finally left the office. The drive home felt unusually peaceful. Maybe because she was already looking forward to relaxing after the day.

When she arrived at the Sterling mansion, she unlocked the door and stepped inside, then paused.

Her brows slowly pulled together as she noticed something looked different.

The living room lights looked softer than usual and there was a pleasant scent in the air, then her eyes lowered to see flower petals.

Her eyes widened slightly. Flower petals stretched from the entrance towards the dining area.

Sophia looked around; confusion slowly mixed with excitement. She carefully followed the trail, step after step. The petals continued until she reached the dining room and immediately, she froze.

Damien was there, seated calmly at the table.

He looked up. For a second, neither of them moved.

The dining area looked beautiful with candles, fresh flowers and the entire table had been arranged elegantly with several dishes sat neatly prepared. But Sophia barely noticed any of that.

She was looking at Damien, and then he stood up. His expression softened immediately when he saw her.

Sophia remained standing there quietly. For some reason, she suddenly felt shy.

Damien slowly walked towards her, noticing that. When he finally reached her, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her gently into a hug.

Sophia immediately hugged him back. He lowered his head and kissed her slowly and softly, like he had missed her.

After a few moments, he pulled away slightly and looked at her.

“I missed you so much.” He said, his eyes fixed on her.

Sophia looked at him quietly before smiling.

“You canceled dinner.”

His lips curved. “I know.”

“You could have told me though.”

His hand brushed lightly against her hair.

“I wanted to surprise you.”

Her face warmed immediately. She looked around again, taking in the beauty of the decorations, the flowers and everything.

Her smile softened.

Damien smiled too before stepping aside. Then he pulled out a chair for her.

Sophia looked at him suspiciously. “Who are you and what did you do with my husband?”

Damien laughed quietly. “Sit.”

Sophia laughed softly and sat down. The moment she looked properly at the table, her eyes widened.

There were so many dishes. Everything looked beautifully arranged, and the scent alone made her stomach react immediately.

“Looks like I’m going to have a good feast here.” She said, giggling happily.

Damien laughed softly and took his seat across from her.

“I was hoping you’d say that.”

She looked at him suspiciously. “Did you make any of this?”

He looked offended immediately.

“That’s rude.”

Her eyes widened dramatically. “You did?”

His lips twitched. “No.”

Sophia burst into laughter.

“I knew it!”

He shook his head. “I arranged it.”

“That counts.”

She picked up her fork and took a bite, and immediately, her eyes widened.

“This is good.”

Damien watched her quietly. For some reason, seeing her enjoy herself seemed to make him happier than the dinner itself.

The evening passed comfortably after that and they talked while eating. She told him about work and how things had gone better than expected. She also mentioned Jessica briefly and how she seemed nice.

Damien listened while occasionally teasing her. At one point, she narrowed her eyes.

“You’re unusually attentive today.”

He looked innocent.

“I’m always attentive.”

She gave him a look. “Interesting.”

His quiet laughter filled the room.

By the time they finished eating, Sophia felt relaxed and unexpectedly light. After dinner, Damien stood and held his hand out.

She looked at him. “What?”

He nodded towards the balcony.

“Come.”

Sophia took his hand.

The night breeze greeted them immediately and the city stretched beautifully below with lights glowing in the distance.

Sophia leaned lightly against the railing and breathed in.

“This feels nice.”

Damien stood beside her quietly. For a few seconds, neither of them spoke and then she suddenly felt him looking at her.

She turned. “What?”

His eyes moved over her face like she was the only thing that mattered.

“You look pretty tonight.”

Her face warmed instantly and she looked away.

“You’re acting suspicious.”

His mouth curved and he stepped a little closer.

“Can’t I compliment my wife?”

She narrowed her eyes.

“You definitely want something.”

He smiled.

“I missed you.” He said softly.

That softened her immediately and she smiled faintly.

“I missed you too.”

His eyes changed slightly after hearing that, then he moved closer.

Sophia laughed softly.
“I want nothing.” He said, but his hand gently found her waist.

Sophia looked at him, then she shook her head.

“You’re not subtle at all.”

His lips brushed lightly against hers and Sophia smiled against his lips.

Eventually, he rested his forehead against hers.

“Come inside.” He said softly.

She looked at him before smiling. She just knew what was going to go on.

And later that night, behind closed doors, they stayed close, wrapped in warmth and affection, enjoying being together after time apart before eventually falling asleep.

~

The next morning, Sophia woke up feeling refreshed. After getting ready and saying goodbye to Damien, she headed to work.

She arrived earlier than usual, and the office was still quiet.

She walked in while checking something on her phone, then stopped when she realized someone was already there.

It was Jessica; she was sitting alone.

Her shoulders were slightly hunched, and she was crying.

Sophia’s expression changed immediately. She slowly walked closer.

“Jessica?”