Chapter 24: Invitation to Meet

Preston didn't rush to get out of the car. He rubbed his chin, observing Sophia, whose dark eyes darted back and forth. She looked sincere and adorable.

"The penalty for breaking the lease is one thousand."

"That much?" Sophia frowned. When she rented her first apartment right after graduation, it didn't cost that much.

What Sophia didn't realize was that their neighborhood was one of the priciest in the city, a prime location with sky-high property prices.

Mentioning the penalty, Sophia naturally felt reluctant to part with one thousand.

When Fiona was discharged from the hospital, Preston personally drove to pick her up and even bought flowers.

Fiona was very pleased with her son-in-law.

"Preston, you and Sophia should consider having children," Fiona said.

Sophia's lips tightened, and her eyes darted nervously to the side.

Preston's gaze swept over Sophia's slightly red earlobes, "Understood, Mother. We'll consider it."

Fiona settled into the apartment next door, and Preston thoughtfully hired a caregiver for her.

Fiona kept insisting it wasn't necessary, saying she could take care of herself.

Sophia had thought about hiring help but hadn't expected Preston to be ahead of her, considering every detail.

After settling Fiona in, Sophia took out her salary card and handed it to Preston.

"Here's my month's salary. You've already paid for the apartment; I can't let you cover the caregiver too."

Preston leaned against the cabinet, staring at her.

The caregiver they had hired was from a professional agency, and even the lowest level caregivers cost a lot, let alone the top-tier one they had.

"It's not expensive."

Preston returned the card to her pocket, "I can handle this."

Sophia frowned, determined to give him the salary card.

"We're married, we should share the burden," she said, looking up at Preston with determination in her eyes.

Preston had clearly spent more.

Handing over her salary card to Preston, Sophia found the next days tight.

Her project was still pending, so no bonuses were in sight.

She borrowed a hundred from Isabella, who understood their financial strain and transferred two hundred instead.

"I don't need it urgently. If you need more, just ask."

"By the way, how's your shop doing?"

Sophia shook her head. The shop had been quiet for almost a month, and she'd been taking frequent leaves from work, resulting in deductions from her salary.

After finishing her tasks, Sophia checked her online shop and saw someone had placed dozens of orders.

Excited, she quickly became the attentive customer service representative.

"Hello, how can I help you?"

"I want to prepare a surprise for my wife's birthday. We've been together since college."

Sophia set aside her instant noodles, realizing this customer wasn't only romantic but also generous.

Listening to his love story brought tears to her eyes.

She noted their details and started preparing.

"When will it be ready?"

"Are you in a hurry?"

"Yes, her birthday is in a week. I can pay extra."

The man was generous, and Sophia desperately needed the money. She gritted her teeth and decided to pull a few all-nighters.

Sophia created a storyboard and started working after the man approved it.

Preston returned from a late business dinner, noticing the light on the balcony even though it was nearly midnight.

Sophia was so focused on her work that she didn't notice Preston's return.

Preston loosened his tie, slightly frowning, and walked towards the light.

"You."

Preston leaned on the table, his presence close. He smelled faintly of alcohol and perfume.

Sophia's hand froze, her back tensing, her breathing irregular.

"Why aren't you sleeping?"

"I have to work."

Preston glanced at her sketches and then at the clock, "It's midnight."

"I need to work a bit longer."

Preston nodded and walked to the sofa.

Sophia's mind was filled with his scent. Perfume? Did he meet women at the dinner?

She dismissed the thought. It was normal for Preston to socialize for work.

Preston seemed to fall asleep on the sofa.

Sophia, her thoughts in turmoil, put down her pen and walked over.

She knelt beside Preston, who had one hand covering his face, revealing only his jawline and thin lips.

She'd heard that kissing men with thick lips felt great. How would it feel with Preston?

As the thought crossed her mind, she pressed her lips together.

What was she thinking?

Preston's hand fell away just then, and Sophia blinked nervously.

He frowned, looking uncomfortable.

Sophia fetched a glass of water, the cool touch waking Preston for a moment.

"Why aren't you asleep?"

His hoarse voice made Sophia blush.

"Go to your room."

"I'll go myself."

"Okay."

As she pulled away, Preston grabbed her hand.

They both froze.

Sophia wore white cartoon pajamas, the loose skirt revealing her long legs.

Preston's gaze fell on her, the alcohol making him bolder. He grabbed her wrist.

Sophia's heart raced.

Not wanting to scare her, Preston mumbled a name, pretending to be drunk.

"Laura."

Hearing another woman's name, Sophia's heartbeat calmed.

Laura must be someone he couldn't forget.

Sophia covered him with a blanket, "I'm here, sleep."

Preston's lips curled up slightly.

Sophia patted him gently, "Sleep."

Pretending to be someone else, Sophia looked adorable and unexpected.

She understood that a man like Preston would have a past.

They had married quickly without much emotional foundation.

But Preston had been good to her. Sophia saw her actions as repaying him, a way of showing her gratitude.