Chapter 135 Let Nature Take Its Course

Chapter 135 Let Nature Take Its Course

Sophie froze at his question, unsure how to respond.

She understood what Matthew was getting at. If they kept this up long-term, it would give him the wrong idea.

She didn't want to hold him back. After a moment's hesitation, she said softly, "Matthew, I'm not worth your time. You deserve someone better."

"There's no one better than you." Matthew's voice was hoarse but firm. "I know you have your concerns, but I'm not in a rush. Sophie, will you at least consider me? I won't push you."

Sophie frowned. "I don't want to drag you into this. Preston is a psycho. We can't keep hiding forever. If he—"

Matthew cut her off. "I've taken over the company now. I'll keep getting stronger until I can protect you."

He'd been working toward that all along.

He didn't enjoy the corporate politics—he'd rather be a lawyer.

But he knew being a lawyer wouldn't be enough to protect Sophie.

So he'd accepted his father's challenge and returned to the company, determined to become strong enough to help her.

She'd become his reason to fight.

Sophie's heart pounded wildly.

She didn't know what this feeling was, but to say she felt nothing for Matthew would be a lie.

After all, he'd protected her when she was most helpless, most vulnerable.

But to call it love? That didn't seem quite right either.

She'd loved Preston. She knew what loving someone felt like.

"I don't know... Matthew, I just don't know..." Her fingers went numb around her phone, her voice tinged with confusion.

Matthew's warm, gentle voice came through the receiver. "That's okay. We have plenty of time. Sophie, with me, you'll always be free."

He wanted to follow her, not cage her.

She could do whatever she wanted. As long as she wanted it, he'd support her.

The old Sophie had thought Preston's suffocating love was what love should be—that loving someone meant that intensity.

Now she understood that wasn't healthy.

Maybe Matthew's way was right.

Loving someone, but giving them freedom.

Sophie decided to let things unfold naturally. "When are you coming? There's a show in a few days—my first since joining Master Harris's company. Want to come?"

Hearing the acceptance in her words, Matthew's heart soared. "Of course. I'll definitely be there."

"Good. I'll be waiting."

After Sophie hung up, her heart was still racing.

She pressed a hand to her restless chest, frowning slightly.

Was this too fast?

She was still so confused herself. Had she sent the wrong signal by being so receptive? What if he—

But then she relaxed.

Matthew wasn't Preston. They could take things slow, like friends.

As for the future? They'd deal with that later.

Four days later, Sophie went to the airport to pick Matthew up herself.

Just a few days apart, yet something seemed different.

Matthew had dark circles under his eyes, but he looked energized.

When he spotted Sophie, he hurried over. "Have you been waiting long? You didn't have to come get me."

His gaze fell to her noticeably rounded belly, his eyes softening. "Has the baby been good? Not giving you too much trouble?"

Sophie looked down, gently stroking her stomach with a smile. "No, the baby's been very good."

"That's good."

A sudden silence fell between them. Something had quietly shifted.

On the way to the venue, they chatted about things back home.

When Preston came up, Matthew glanced at Sophie hesitantly.

"Elena's moved into the Davis family home now, though she still doesn't have official status. But she's been calling herself Mrs. Davis in public."

Sophie's lips curved in a mocking smile.

Elena must be desperate. The public opinion back home couldn't be good.

After all, it hadn't been long since she—the previous Mrs. Davis—had supposedly died, and Preston had already moved on to someone new.

Well, not exactly new.

News of their affair had spread far and wide. Preston's company stock had probably taken a hit, but even so, he'd let Elena move in.

Seeing Sophie's expression darken, Matthew pressed his lips together. "I've been fanning the flames online. I won't let them off easy."

Sophie looked up at him.

Matthew watched her carefully, as if afraid she might be hurt.

Sophie smiled at him. "I know what you're thinking. Don't worry—I'm not upset."

She'd already seen Preston's true colors. Why would she be upset over him?

Matthew nodded.

Master Harris had apparently heard from Sophie that Matthew was coming and personally waited at the venue entrance to greet them.

Watching the man carefully help Sophie out of the car, he approached with a smile and extended his hand. "Mr. Howard, welcome. Today I'm putting Sophie entirely at your disposal."

Master Harris's eyes gleamed with amusement as he spoke.

He'd long known about their relationship and was happy to play matchmaker.

Matthew's lips curved upward as he shook his hand. "I'll take you up on that. And I wish you all success with today's show."

Master Harris led Matthew inside with a smile.

After they'd settled into their assigned seats, Matthew leaned close to Sophie's ear. "Will your work be shown today too?"

Sophie nodded, her eyes sparkling. "This is my first show with the company."

She'd held shows before on her own, but this was different.

"I believe in you," Matthew said without hesitation. "Master Harris has an eye for talent. If he says you can do it, you absolutely can."

The three-hour show passed quickly.

Master Harris couldn't get away himself, but sent word inviting Matthew to the evening celebration.

"Are you going?" Matthew's first instinct was to ask Sophie.

Sophie nodded. "I don't need to worry about the rest. I'll just head straight to the party."

They were considerate of her pregnancy and hadn't burdened her with too much.

Hearing she'd be there, Matthew immediately nodded to the messenger. "I'll attend tonight."

Master Harris's assistant smiled knowingly at them both. "Wonderful."

After the assistant left, Sophie's ears burned.

She turned to Matthew, hesitating. "Do you want to change for tonight?"

His current outfit was presentable enough, but not quite right for a formal event.

Matthew glanced down at himself. "I'll have my assistant pick something up."

"No need." Sophie pulled him toward her office. "I've actually made a few men's outfits recently. See if any of them fit."

"You made them yourself?" Matthew's voice held a note of delight.

Sophie's designs—Preston had never even worn those!

And now he'd be her first male model.