Sophia?

Sophia lifted her head just enough for their eyes to meet. Her gaze was warm, her smile playful as she replied, “I wasn’t talking to you.” She lowered her head again, nestling against him.

Ron chuckled quietly, his fingers brushing lightly over her shoulder. “Noted. But for the record, you’re everything I didn’t know I needed either.”

Sophia’s laugh was soft, her fingers grazing his hand in a gesture of quiet affection. The cityscape of Los Angeles unfolded around them, the familiar streets and palm-lined avenues passing by in a blur as they neared Bel Air.

By the time they pulled into the gated neighborhood, the morning had fully bloomed. The sun bathed the luxurious homes in a golden glow, the manicured lawns and sprawling estates a testament to the opulence of the area. Ben maneuvered the SUV effortlessly through the winding streets until they reached Sophia’s three-bedroom apartment.

As the car came to a stop, Ron opened the door and stepped out first, extending a hand to help Sophia. She took it, her movements fluid as she stepped onto the cobblestone driveway. The sight of her home— her now sanctuary— brought a new wave of warmth to her chest.

“Let’s do this,” Ron said, his voice low but laced with excitement as they made their way to the front door.

Inside, the familiar scent of lavender and vanilla greeted them. The open-concept living room, with its modern furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows, was bathed in sunlight. The soft sound of cartoons playing in the background drew their attention to the seven-year-old boy seated cross-legged on the plush carpet, a bowl of cereal in his hands, and his sitter a few feet away from him.

“Michael,” Sophia called gently.

The boy turned, his eyes lighting up as he saw them. “Mom! Uncle Ron!” he exclaimed, scrambling to his feet and running towards them.

Ron crouched down, catching the boy in a tight hug. “Hey, buddy! Did you miss us?”

Michael nodded vigorously. “A lot! Did you bring me anything?”

Sophia laughed, ruffling his hair. “Yeah lots of them, they're waiting for you in the trunk, sweetheart."

"But there's something even better— Something  big.”

Michael’s brows furrowed in curiosity. “What is it?”

Ron glanced at Sophia, a silent exchange passing between them. He knelt down to Michael’s level, his hands resting on the boy’s shoulders. “Michael, how would you feel if I became a part of your family forever?”

Michael tilted his head, his young mind working to process the words. “What do you mean?”

Sophia crouched beside them, her voice gentle. “Ron asked me to marry him, sweetheart. And I said yes.”

Michael’s eyes widened, his face breaking into a grin. “Really? You’re gonna be my dad?”

Ron’s throat tightened with emotion, but he nodded. “If you’ll have me, buddy.”

Michael flung his arms around Ron’s neck, hugging him fiercely. “Yes! I’d love that!”

The warmth of the moment enveloped them, a shared joy that made the house feel more like home than ever before.

\--------------------

CEDRIC— A Few Months Later...

Under the warm orange glow of the evening sun, Cedric dribbled the basketball lazily, the sound of rubber striking pavement echoing through the otherwise quiet woods surrounding his glass penthouse. The court, a sleek addition to his luxurious home, was his refuge. Each bounce, each shot, was a release. The ball arced in the air— a perfect shot, netting with a satisfying swish. A rare smile ghosted his lips as he wiped sweat from his brow.

He retrieved the ball, dribbled again, and launched another shot. This time, it clanged off the rim, skidding away. Cedric sighed, running a hand through his damp hair. It didn’t matter. The motions, the physical exertion, were what he needed. His phone vibrated against his wrist— a constant nuisance since he’d stepped onto the court. He ignored it for the fifth time. Solitude was his sacred time; no one, not even Dee, could interrupt it.

After another twenty minutes of relentless shooting, the fatigue set in. His breaths came in short bursts, sweat dripping from his temple to his jawline. Cedric ambled toward the bottle of water sitting by the court’s edge. Snatching it up, he twisted the cap and gulped greedily, the cool liquid rushing down his throat.

“Ahhh,” he exhaled, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

The phone buzzed again, insistent now, as if accusing him of neglect. He glanced at it reluctantly. The screen flashed Dee’s name— his closest confidant and, annoyingly, the most persistent man alive.

“What could you possibly want, Dee?” Cedric muttered under his breath as he picked up the device, walking toward the penthouse. His sneakers squeaked on the polished hardwood floor as he entered, the glass walls reflecting the sunset in a kaleidoscope of colors.

He set the phone on the marble sink in his sprawling master bathroom and instructed, “Siri, call Dee. Put it on speaker.”

The phone obediently complied, the ringing tone filling the room before it connected.

“Finally!” Dee’s voice burst through. “Where the hell have you been? I’ve called you like ten times!”

“I was busy,” Cedric replied flatly, untying his shoelaces. “What do you want?”

"Check your WhatsApp," Dee responded, his voice brimming with excitement. "I just sent you a link."

Cedric barely glanced up, his tone remained flat. "What's the link about?"

"Just check it," Dee insisted, his impatience showing.

"Later," Cedric replied, dismissively.

"No, now!" Dee pressed, his urgency cutting through Cedric’s indifference.

Cedric frowned, tugging his sweat-soaked shirt over his head. “What’s so important it couldn’t wait?”

Dee then let out a deep sigh and said, "Why do you always have to be so stubborn?" The frustration in his voice clear. And after a brief pause, he continued, his tone shifting to one laced with anticipation.

"Fine. It’s an article," he revealed, his words hanging in the air like a challenge. Then, with deliberate emphasis, he added, "About Sophia."

The name hit him like a punch to the gut. He froze, the shirt halfway off. “Sophia?” he repeated, his voice low, disbelieving.