Chapter 48 A Girl's First Kiss Is a Precious Treasure
"Sophia, are you out of your mind? Kneeling in that downpour for over two hours?" Michael frowned, pressing his hand to her forehead before pulling her tightly into his embrace.
"You have a slight fever. Are you cold?"
Sophia shook her head, settling comfortably into Michael's arms. Breathing in his familiar cologne, a smile played at her lips. "I feel much better after taking the medicine. I did martial arts training for years—this little cold won't slow me down."
Michael's brow remained furrowed. He gently pinched her cheek, not daring to use too much force for fear of hurting her. "Didn't I tell you not to push yourself like that?"
Sophia wrapped her arms around his waist, her relaxed posture revealing complete trust and dependence. "Michael, I've never felt the care of family. I didn't want you to lose your parents' love, too."
Michael's eyes trembled.
He knew that the severed mentor-student relationship with Brandon had always been a thorn in Sophia's heart. He'd even tried visiting Solstice Haven himself, hoping to bridge the gap between them.
But Brandon held deep prejudices against wealthy elites, and especially after learning Michael had come for Sophia's sake, he'd refused to see him entirely.
After several more attempts, Michael couldn't even get through Solstice Haven's gates.
He understood that only if Sophia went to beg forgiveness could Brandon possibly be moved to see reason.
Sophia knew this, too. That was why she'd knelt in the rain for two hours—for herself, but more importantly, for him.
"Sophia."
Michael tilted up her chin, love surging into desire in his eyes as his gaze fell on her pale, weakened lips. His rationality snapped in an instant, and he lowered his head uncontrollably toward hers.
But when their lips were barely an inch apart, he suddenly stopped.
'No, no, no! She isn't eighteen yet, they haven't even officially defined their relationship!'
'A girl's first kiss is a precious treasure, how could I just steal it away?'
'Michael, you can't be a complete animal!'
"What... what's wrong?"
Sophia's beautiful, expressive eyes were filled with confusion, her heart feeling as if it were being tugged by a string. The breathless tension made her heartbeat suddenly race.
She'd thought Michael was about to kiss her.
Her innocent yet vulnerable expression at that moment was utterly enticing. Michael quickly turned to look out the window, his ears reddening as he cleared his throat unnaturally, his voice slightly hoarse, "Nothing. Get some sleep. I'll wake you when we arrive."
"Okay." Sophia lowered her head against Michael's chest, listening to his thunderous heartbeat, unable to suppress a smile as sweetness flooded her heart.
James had night scenes to film and didn't get home until after eleven.
A small lamp was still on in the living room, with Mary sitting on the couch waiting for him.
"You're back?" Mary stood and went to the kitchen for water, asking casually, "Why so late tonight?"
"I had two night scenes in the show—we filmed them both tonight." James collapsed exhaustedly on the couch, accepting the glass Mary handed him and draining it in one gulp.
Mary stared at James for a long moment. Only after he set down the glass did she reach up to touch his left cheek, her brow creasing with concern. "What happened to your face? Why is it so red?"
Looking closer, she could even see finger marks—he'd clearly been slapped.
"It's nothing." James gently moved his mother's hand away, smiling faintly. "Just part of the scene. It looks worse than it is—doesn't hurt at all."
Even if he said it didn't hurt, it broke his mother's heart to see it.
Mary quickly rummaged through drawers looking for ointment. "Put some cream on it so it heals faster. Otherwise, when you go to school tomorrow, who knows what people will say behind your back."
The cool ointment soothed the burning pain instantly. James sat obediently, enjoying his mother's tender care.
Suddenly, remembering that Sophia had left in the rain early that morning, his eyes flickered as he asked, "Did Sophia come home?"
Mary sighed softly. "She's been back for hours. Went straight to her room to sleep and didn't even eat dinner. She looked pale, probably feeling unwell. I didn't want to disturb her."
James fell silent, curious about where Sophia had rushed off to in such urgency, yet feeling that, given her mysterious background, many things weren't his place to question.
If she were feeling unwell and went to bed early, she'd probably catch a chill from getting soaked today.
He'd buy her some cold medicine tomorrow.
"How's Dad? How did the interview go today?" James asked.
After applying the medicine, Mary screwed the cap back on. "He didn't go—the rain was too heavy, so they postponed it to tomorrow morning. Perfect timing, actually, he can drive you kids to school tomorrow. If Sophia's still not feeling well, you can help her call in sick."
Come to think of it, it was rather embarrassing. Sophia had been in school for half a month, yet as her guardians, they didn't even have her advisor's contact information. They wouldn't even know who to call if they needed to excuse her absence.
Tomorrow, they'd have to ask; otherwise, if something happened to her at school, the teachers wouldn't be able to reach them.
After a wonderfully restful sleep, Sophia woke up feeling much better. Apart from a slightly hoarse voice, she had no other issues and didn't feel weak or dizzy.
She changed into her Silver Fir Academy uniform and went to the bathroom to freshen up. While brushing her teeth, James arrived.
"Feeling better?" James pressed his hand to her forehead, only relaxing when he felt no fever. "Any dizziness? Should you stay home and rest today?"
"No need." Sophia's words were muffled around her toothbrush foam.
She looked energetic enough, her eyes seeming to sparkle with starlight, bright and beautiful.
James finally felt reassured, his lips curving into a smile. "Good, as long as you're not feeling unwell. Dad has his interview today, so he'll drive us to school."
After hesitating for a long moment, he asked one more question, "Where did you go so early yesterday morning?"
"Just helping out a friend."
Sophia's answer was casual, and James tactfully didn't press further.
Breakfast was ham and egg sandwiches prepared by Mary. She was always so patient, varying the children's breakfast each day with creative new options.
There was still no sunshine today, but at least the rain had stopped.
This weekend had resolved Michael's forced engagement with the Phillips Family, eased the conflict with Brandon, and secured Brandon's agreement to treat Michael's parents. Sophia felt an indescribable lightness, even eating an extra sandwich despite its simple, ordinary nature.
"Get your shoes on—time to go." Ray looked to be in good spirits, too. The rain stopping right before his interview was surely a good omen!
Lucas ran to the shoe rack first, claiming the little stool and quickly pulling on his socks and shoes.
"Your laces aren't tied properly!"
Seeing him start to run off, James strode over and pressed him back onto the stool, kneeling to tie Lucas's shoelaces for him.
Watching this scene, Sophia felt a strange pang of envy while simultaneously experiencing a warm feeling in her heart.
Perhaps this was the kind of family love that Michael so treasured.