Chapter 58: Bare Truths and Broken Bonds Sophia POV

I woke to the sound of sizzling, my eyes blinking open as sunlight filtered through the blinds. I stretched under the sheets, kicking them off, then sat up, rubbing sleep from my face. The smell of bacon hit me, and I shuffled to the bedroom door, peeking out.

Jake stood in the kitchen, stark naked, flipping bacon in a pan, his back to me. I froze, my hand gripping the doorframe, a flush creeping up my cheeks. His penis dangled as he turned to grab a plate from the counter, setting it down with a clink.

"Morning," I said, stepping out, my voice catching slightly as I watched him move.

He glanced over his shoulder, a grin spreading across his face. "Morning, Soph. Hungry?"

I laughed, pushing my hair back with both hands. "You’re... cooking like that?"

"Thought I’d keep it simple," he said, cracking an egg into the pan, the yolk sizzling as it hit the hot surface. "Join me?"

I hesitated, then shrugged, pulling off my oversized t-shirt and tossing it onto the couch. "Sure," I said, padding over barefoot, feeling the cool floor under my toes.

He handed me a plate, his eyes roaming over me as I leaned against the counter, grabbing a fork. "This is new," I said, spearing a piece of bacon, the grease glistening on my fingers.

"Thought we’d mix it up," he replied, scooping eggs onto his plate, his stance casual despite the nudity. "You complaining?"

"Not at all," I said, biting into the bacon, the salty crunch making me hum. I reached for the coffee pot, pouring a mug, steam curling up as I took a sip.

We ate standing there, plates balanced in our hands, the kitchen filled with the clatter of forks and the occasional chirp of birds outside. I grabbed a napkin, wiping my mouth, my gaze flicking to Jake as he chewed, his body swaying slightly with each bite.

"Guess we’re really comfortable now," I teased, setting my plate in the sink, running water over it.

He chuckled, stacking his plate on mine, his hand brushing my hip as he passed. "Always were, Soph."

After breakfast, Jake grabbed his jeans from the floor, pulling them on with a tug, then slipped into his shirt, buttoning it up. "Work calls," he said, lacing his boots, tying them with quick loops.

"Be safe," I said, leaning against the counter, watching him grab his keys from the hook by the door.

"Always am," he replied, kissing my forehead and slapping my ass before heading out, the door clicking shut behind him.

I stood there for a moment, the silence settling in, reality creeping back. I picked up my t-shirt, slipping it on, then grabbed my jeans, tugging them up over my hips. I checked my phone, scrolling through missed calls, my thumb pausing over Ethan’s name. "Time to face this," I muttered, slipping into my shoes and grabbing my bag.

The drive to Argus Corp was quick, the city waking up around me—cars honking, a street vendor shouting about fresh donuts. I parked, adjusting my jacket as I stepped out, my sneakers crunching on gravel. Inside, I bypassed the receptionist, heading straight for the elevator, my finger jabbing the button.

When I reached Ethan’s floor, I found him in his office, hunched over his desk, papers scattered everywhere. I knocked on the open door, stepping in. "Ethan?"

He looked up, his eyes tired, his shoulders slumped. "Sophia," he said, his voice flat, pushing a stack of papers aside.

I walked over, pulling a chair closer and sitting down, my hands clasping together. "I need to talk to you. About yesterday—and before."

He leaned back, rubbing his face with both hands, then dropped them to his lap. "Go ahead."

"I’m sorry," I said, picking at a loose thread on my jeans. "For not trusting you, for pushing you away. I was wrong, and I hate how it’s affected us."

He nodded, grabbing a pen and twirling it between his fingers. "I get it. You’ve been through hell."

"That’s no excuse," I replied, leaning forward, my elbows on my knees. "I should’ve seen you were trying to help."

He set the pen down, his gaze dropping to the desk. "I’ve forgiven you, Soph. But it’s complicated now."

I tilted my head, frowning. "Complicated how? You look... broken. What’s wrong?"

He sighed, picking up a coffee mug and taking a sip, his hand steady despite the exhaustion in his eyes. "It’s not just us. Work’s a mess."

"Tell me," I urged, tapping my foot lightly against the floor.

He shook his head, setting the mug down with a soft clink. "Later, maybe. I’ve got enough to handle today."

I stood, moving closer, my hand hovering near his shoulder. "Ethan, please—"

He looked up, his expression guarded. "I said later, Sophia. I’ll call you."

I stepped back, my hand dropping to my side, my fingers fidgeting with my sleeve. "Okay. Just... don’t shut me out completely."

He nodded, turning back to his papers, picking up a pen and scribbling something. I turned to leave, my shoes silent on the carpet, when Carla passed by the door, her eyes locking onto mine with a smug glint.

"Hey, Carla," I said, my voice tight, stopping in the hallway.

She smirked, adjusting her clipboard against her chest. "Sophia. Back again?"

"What’s that look for?" I asked, crossing my arms, my foot shifting on the floor.

She shrugged, her smile widening. "Just interesting timing, that’s all."

I glared, my hands clenching into fists. "If you’ve got something to say—"

"Not my place," she cut in, walking off, her heels clicking down the hall, leaving me wondering what she knew that I didn’t.