Chapter 27: Old Flames Reignite

At the entrance of Maple Leaf Estates, Henry leaned against his car, having smoked almost half a pack of cigarettes. The ground was littered with cigarette butts, crushed under his polished shoes. His phone rang for the umpteenth time, and he answered it impatiently.

"Yes?"

"Henry, where are you?"

He exhaled slowly, feeling suffocated by the conversation. "Downstairs."

He hung up the phone and took out the artwork from his car. His gaze fixed on the woman in the drawings. Sophia had captured exactly what Henry had asked for—his perspective from high school, watching Sophia in secret. His love was hidden in the shadows, unnoticed by anyone.

Carefully, he packed away the drawings and headed upstairs. As the elevator doors opened, he saw Ariel standing there.

Ariel's makeup was flawless, and she looked as beautiful as ever. She spent a lot on her monthly beauty regimen, a luxury she could afford thanks to her inheritance. At that moment, she was wearing a silk nightgown, frowning at Henry.

Henry anticipated her next move, cutting her off before she could speak.

"Why are you always so paranoid?"

"I spoke to your secretary. You didn't go to work this afternoon."

Henry walked past her, not bothering to make eye contact. "I had things to do."

"What things?"

Ariel followed him, trying to hold onto him, but he pushed her away subtly.

"Henry, you didn't used to be like this."

Tears welled up in Ariel's eyes as she recalled their happier times. She had once been the envy of everyone, with a husband who doted on her. Henry's love seemed to wane as her family's fortunes declined. Despite everything, Ariel refused to believe the rumors.

"Don't be unreasonable, Ariel."

Henry went into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him, leaving Ariel outside. Her mind replayed the photo she had received from Ella, showing Sophia and Henry together.

Ariel clenched her fists. She would not let Sophia ruin her marriage. She knew Henry had a soft spot for Sophia. Every time Sophia was mentioned, he would change.

Trying to hold back her tears, Ariel smiled through the pain. "Henry, my birthday is coming up. I want to have a small party."

"Do as you like."

"You have to make time for it."

Ariel felt a pang of sadness. "You always used to surprise me for my birthday."

"I know."

She wiped away her tears, determined not to let anyone ruin her perfect family.

The next day, as Sophia arrived at work, she noticed Ella chatting animatedly by the front desk. Sophia walked by in her high heels, but Ella called out to her.

"What's the rush? Afraid to see me?"

Sophia stopped and smirked. "Don't you have anything better to do than to stalk me?"

"Keeping an eye on you is necessary because you're up to no good."

"Stop making baseless accusations."

"You know what I'm talking about."

Ella handed Sophia an invitation. "Ariel's birthday is coming up, and she wants you there."

Ella leaned in and whispered, "She says you were her best friend in high school, Sophia."

"You were the witness to their love."

Ella's smile was malicious. She had disliked Sophia since they were kids. Sophia had always been popular with the boys and teachers. Ella had wanted to be friends with Sophia, but Sophia's aloofness had made her resentful.

"By the way, class president Luke wants to apologize to you. You wouldn't deny him the chance, would you?"

Ella grinned. "See you on Wednesday!"

Ella gave Sophia a faux-friendly pat on the shoulder before heading into the elevator.

Sophia looked at the invitation. She didn't want to go, but when Ariel called in the afternoon, her genuine invitation left Sophia with little choice.

On the day of the party, Sophia chose a simple gift. She texted Preston about the event, and he insisted on knowing the location.

As she arrived at the hotel, Preston called.

"No drinking."

"Got it."

"I'll pick you up when it's over."

Before Sophia could protest, Preston mentioned he was nearby and would pick her up.

"Okay, I'll call you when it's over."

Sophia hung up and entered the hotel. She wore a simple white dress with a leather jacket and black boots. Her fair skin and long legs made her stand out.

As the door opened, all eyes turned to Sophia. The room was filled with Ariel's friends. Ariel greeted Sophia warmly, and Henry's face darkened upon seeing her.

Ariel introduced Sophia to everyone. "This is my best friend from high school, Sophia."

Sophia smiled politely and handed her gift to Ariel. "Happy birthday, Ariel."

She nodded at Henry as a greeting.

"This is the person who brought you two together."

Ariel laughed. "Yes, and Sophia and Henry are good friends."

Henry looked at Ariel and nodded slowly under everyone's gaze. "Yes."

Ariel led Sophia to a seat next to Luke, who handed her a glass of juice and apologized publicly.

"Last time was my fault. I'm sorry, Sophia."

"It's okay, Luke."

Luke smiled. "You're always so forgiving. Don't worry, no one will make you drink tonight."

Ella couldn't help but tease, "Luke, don't forget Sophia is already taken. Your little crush won't work here."

Henry shot Ella a cold look, and she shifted uncomfortably. "Whatever."

Ariel cozied up to Henry, making a show of their affection in front of Sophia. But Sophia focused on the food, while Luke tried to be as attentive as possible.