Sophia’s POV

It had been almost three months since I arrived in France, and I couldn't believe how much my life had changed. The vibrant atmosphere, the rich culture, and the artistic ambiance of this city had truly worked their magic on me.

Initially, adjusting to life here was challenging. The language barrier, the unfamiliarity of everything, and being away from home weighed heavily on me. But gradually, I found my rhythm.

I had just entered the hall where visual displays by selected graduate students of Interior Design were being exhibited.

I was immediately greeted by a sea of familiar faces – friends, classmates, and professors – all smiling and congratulating me.

As I moved through the exhibit, the compliments kept coming. “Sophia, your designs are so innovative!” one classmate remarked. “I love how you play with light and space.”

“Thank you! I've been experimenting with new techniques,” I explained, eager to share my process.

Approaching my professor, I was met with a smile of approval. “Sophia, your work is exceptional. You have a bright future ahead of you,” he said, patting me on the back.

I smiled, beaming with pride and joy. Indeed, immersing myself in my studies has paid off very well. I’ve also jumped on all opportunities to take on creative pursuits, joining exhibits like this and even doing a side hustle designing hole-in-the-wall cafes and startup offices.

Last week, our school held a design competition, and to my surprise, I won first place. It was a validation of my talent and hard work, something I never really experienced back home since I got married.

Later on, I felt an arm around my shoulders. “Ready to celebrate, Miss Super Artist?” a familiar male voice said. I turned around to see Daniel grinning at me. “Come on, my treat.”

We headed out of the campus and into our favorite pizza place nearby. Some of our other friends came to join us too.

“Ready to order?” Daniel asked.

“Of course I’ll have the usual. With extra pepperoni, please!” I quipped happily.

Living in Paris had changed me. I felt more confident, more alive. The city had a way of inspiring me, pushing me to new heights. I was becoming the person I had always wanted to be, and it was exhilarating.

“So Sophia…” one of our friends asked me with a smile, “you’ve been looking really happy, with the glow of a mom-to-be!”

As I settled into my seat, my hand instinctively flew to my belly, caressing it gently. It was showing already, and I was proud of it. I nodded. “Yes, can’t wait to meet the little one!”

“You and Daniel are such an amazing couple, and surely you’ll make great parents too.” She motioned to Daniel with her eyes as he went to order.

“Oh no, Daniel is just my friend!” I exclaimed. “We went to high school together, but it’s only now that we became close. But we're not romantically involved.”

“What?” another friend asked with disbelief. “But you guys look great together.”

“Yeah, and you seem so perfect for each other,” someone else added. “Many of us envy your relationship.”

I laughed. “We’re just friends, really.”

“He’s always taken care of you, right? And he’s always there at your exhibits, supporting your projects, and all that.”

I smiled genuinely. “Yes, he’s a very nice man and a fantastic friend.” I gazed at the returning Daniel, thinking how lucky I was to have him in my life now. He is indeed a reliable man. He treats me better than anyone has ever treated me.

As we all laughed together, I zoned out a little and thought about my future plans. Despite the challenges I've faced, I was determined to work even harder, ideally graduating before my baby's first birthday. That way, when I find a job, I can better take care of my little one.

After eating, we went to our favorite store, one that offered a unique selection of books, music, art, and artisanal crafts from around the world.

As I perused the shelves of the cultural boutique, my eyes fell upon a book that stood out among the others. Its cover featured a lineup of young billionaires, and there, among them, was Elijah's handsome profile.

I felt a twinge of recognition, but it was fleeting. Elijah was now like a familiar stranger to me, someone from a past life that felt distant and disconnected. Brushing off the momentary nostalgia, I continued browsing, my focus shifting to other books that piqued my interest.

“Find anything you like?” Daniel quipped from behind me.

“Not yet,” I answered.

My mind drifted back to Elijah for a while. I smiled, feeling free and independent, so different from what my life used to be. I never got in touch with him again after that divorce, and it was definitely liberating.

Sure, I occasionally encountered him on TV and sometimes in magazines and newspapers, but it didn’t bother me anymore like before. I no longer paid much attention.

Why was he interested in talking to me again, anyway? He had all the chances in the world before, and he never took any. Now it’s too late.

Back at home, I continued to focus on finishing my group project, immersing myself in the intricate details and deadlines. My concentration was abruptly interrupted when the video phone rang, displaying Kayla's name.

“Hey, Kayla! What's up?” I greeted, but my smile faded as soon as her face appeared on the screen. Her expression was a storm of fury.

“You're not going to believe this,” she spat, not bothering with a hello. “I've just started working at Sinclair Realty, and guess who my boss is? That bitch Serena!”

My eyebrows shot up. “Serena? As in, Elijah's ex and the queen of mean?”

“Exactly!” Kayla huffed, her face reddening. “You can't even imagine how annoying she is. She struts around the office like she owns the place, flaunting her superiority all day long. And she's even more insufferable than Elijah on his worst days.”

I leaned forward, frowning. “Gosh, I feel you. But you’ll be okay, for sure. You’re the strongest person I know. Don’t let her get to you. Just do your best, alright?”

“Yes, I know,” Kayla agreed. She looked as if she was physically trying to calm herself down. “It’s just infuriating to deal with her every single day.”

I nodded sympathetically. “I can only imagine. Just remember, you’re there for the experience and the connections. Serena’s just a bump in the road.”

Kayla sighed, her shoulders drooping slightly. “Thanks, Sophia. I needed that pep talk.”

Suddenly, a shadowy figure appeared in the background behind Kayla, and my heart skipped a beat. Both of us froze, our eyes widening as we heard Elijah’s voice echoing faintly.

It struck me like a bolt of lightning—Kayla had been talking to me from the Sinclair Realty office!

Sophia’s POV

My heart pounded fast in my chest. I clutched my phone, where Kayla’s face was framed by the tidy office background of her new workspace.

“I'll be right back,” she hissed anxiously, glancing off-screen.

I nodded, trying to muster a semblance of calm.

The minutes stretched on, each one feeling like an eternity. I stared at the screen, willing my breathing to slow, my heart to quiet. Did Elijah hear us talking?!

Finally, Kayla returned. “Elijah's gone,” she said. “He didn't seem to hear me talking. He's meeting with Serena again, who's happy to kiss his ass.”

A bitter laugh escaped me. Then Kayla leaned forward and spoke, her voice low and confiding.

“I don't know what’s so great about Serena that Elijah would choose her over you. And, Sophia, I know you drafted the divorce settlement without including the division of property. Are you really willing to give up everything—the property and all of your supposed share in Elijah’s assets, and the man you love—for Serena?”

I swallowed hard, my throat tight.

“It’s not really about Serena,” I began, my voice trembling but growing stronger with each word.

“After I lost my child the first time, Elijah wasn’t the same. He wasn’t as nice, or as present. I mean, we didn’t marry out of love in the first place but at the beginning, he seemed to care about me, you know? Then I had a miscarriage and he was just… gone. He buried himself in work, and I was left to fend for myself every day.”

Kayla's eyes widened, and she leaned in closer, her attention rapt.

I went on. “Elijah's house, it wasn’t a home for me. His stepmother treated me like a maid, abusing me at every turn. There was no warmth, no love. Just coldness and neglect. I started thinking about divorce then… I eventually talked to a lawyer and started preparing the papers.”

I paused, the memories washing over me, painful and raw. “Serena’s arrival was just the last straw. She made me realize, once and for all, that Elijah didn’t give a damn about me. He could never learn to love me…”

Kayla’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “Sophia, I had no idea it was that bad already. I’m so sorry.”

I offered her a weak smile, feeling a strange sense of relief. “That’s why I filed for divorce. Not because of Serena alone, but because of everything that came before. Honestly I don’t even know if they had an affair while we were still married. But it doesn’t matter… I just couldn’t keep living a life where I was constantly neglected, constantly hurting. I had to take control, for myself, for my sanity.”

Kayla’s eyes widened. “Soph, I just can’t believe it. Serena really took advantage of everything falling apart between you and Elijah. No wonder he’s been working late ever since you left. But honestly, I never saw him flirt with her after you left. Even Connor didn’t notice anything like that.”

I sighed, the old wound aching anew. “It doesn’t matter, Kayla. None of it matters to me anymore.”

Kayla's expression softened, sympathy etched in her eyes. “I know, it’s just... it’s frustrating. And by the way, Serena has been rejecting every single program I submit. Every. Single. One. She’s clearly got it out for me.”

I frowned, leaning closer to the screen. “Why don’t you go directly to Elijah? He’s professional and doesn’t let personal feelings interfere with his work.”

Kayla nodded thoughtfully. “You’re right. Maybe that’s what I need to do. Thanks, Soph.”

I gave her a small smile. “Anytime, Kayla. You’ve always got my support.”

Suddenly, I noticed her gaze shift slightly, her eyebrows raising in curiosity.

“Sophia,” she said, her voice laced with amusement, “is that Daniel outside your door?”

I glanced over my shoulder, seeing Daniel's silhouette lingering in the hallway.

Kayla giggled. “He really can't stay away from you, huh? You guys spend so much time together, helping each other out... really, won't you get attached?”

I rolled my eyes. “You know we're just friends, really…”

“Maybe for now,” she said with a wink, her tone playful. “But seriously, it's nice that you have someone around. Must make things a bit easier.”

“It does,” I admitted, smiling softly.

Kayla glanced at her watch and sighed. “I hate to cut this short, but I need to head out soon. We’ll talk again soon, okay?”

We put the phone down just as Daniel knocked and made his way in through my slightly open door. “Hi, Sophia!” He greeted me cheerfully. “Have you eaten dinner yet?”

I shook my head and explained that my conversation with Kayla had unexpectedly stretched longer than I’d expected.

“Oh, you know you can’t be missing your meals or eating too late,” Daniel said. “Let me make dinner for you.”

He strolled over to the kitchen before I could stop him.

“Hey, it’s fine,” I told him. “I’m pregnant, but I can handle that myself. Don’t stress yourself out too much.”

He smiled gently at me. “Yes, I know that. You’re truly an amazing woman, Sophia, and very much capable of taking care of yourself. But I like doing things for you, really. I enjoy being able to look out for you…”

I didn’t know how to react. He came forward and took my hand in his. “You know, ever since high school…”

I could sense where this was heading, and my heart raced. I quickly interrupted, needing to set boundaries before he could continue. “Daniel, I'm really focused on school right now,” I said, my voice firmer than I felt. “I just got divorced, and I'm pregnant. I can't think about anything else right now.”

He nodded, understanding but undeterred. “You're right,” he agreed, though his eyes held a hint of persistence. “Your focus should really be on your studies and on your baby.”

He finally let go of my hand, to my relief. “Just know that I’m always here for you.”

Elijah’s POV

It’s been weeks now since I last heard from Sophia. I couldn't shake the unsettling thought of the man who had answered Sophia's phone. His voice was unfamiliar, and I was certain I didn't know him. The realization that Sophia was with someone I had never even met was unacceptable.

Desperation gnawed at my resolve as I reached out to her adoptive mother and brother, only to be met with the chilling news that they too had lost contact with Sophia. She must have changed her contact number! Was it because of me? How could she just cut off all ties with me like that?

That whole day, I couldn’t focus on anything. I was still thinking about Sophia when I saw a familiar woman running across the lobby of our office, holding some huge envelopes. Kayla Davis, Sophia’s best friend.

“I can’t believe her! She keeps rejecting all the programs I’ve submitted!” I heard her say furiously. That’s when I noticed that my assistant Connor was walking beside her, trying to catch up with her fast pace. “She doesn’t even review them thoroughly. Maybe she doesn’t look at them at all!”

Connor looked at her sympathetically. That’s when Kayla suddenly looked up and saw me. Her eyes immediately lit up. “Just the person I wanted to see!” she exclaimed excitedly. “Hello, Elijah! I’ve been meaning to book an appointment with you, that’s why I was talking to Connor here…”

“Kayla, hey,” I greeted casually. “What can I do for you?”

“Well, Serena hasn’t been seriously considering the designs I’ve submitted,” she told me with irritation. “I think she just wants to spite me or something. So Sophia said I should come to you because you have integrity and surely you’ll handle this matter impartially.”

My heart skipped a beat at the mention of my ex-wife. I couldn’t deny the flutter in my chest. “Sophia? Did she really say that?”

Kayla rolled her eyes. It seemed like she didn’t want to flatter me by answering the question. But eventually, she said yes.

I felt pleased. And suddenly, I had a great idea. “Okay, hand those over and I’ll review them and deal with Serena… But…” I trailed off.

“But what?” Kayla asked, puzzled.

“You must tell me where Sophia is at the moment,” I finished.

Her eyes grew wide. “I can’t do that! Elijah, even though you're my current boss, I can't tell you anything about my friend.”

I tried to keep my frustration in check. “Come on, Kayla, I'm not asking for state secrets. I just need to talk to her.”

Kayla shook her head, her expression resolute. “I'm sorry, Elijah, but I can't help you.”

“Please, Kayla,” I pressed, “it's important.”

She sighed, glancing around the lobby before leaning in closer. “Alright, I'll tell you this much—she's in Paris. To study art.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Paris? Art studies?”

Kayla nodded, then quickly covered her ears with both hands, her eyes wide. “That's all I can say! I really can't say anything more.”

I couldn't help but smile. “Okay, thanks.” I took her designs and began walking away, with Connor following behind me.

When Kayla was finally out of earshot, I turned toward my assistant. “Book me a flight to Paris, Connor. I must go there on a business trip.”

We stepped into the elevator together. He looked doubtful but he nodded at me. “Right away, sir. I’ll book your flight to Paris.”

Just then, a familiar voice spoke up. “You’re going to Paris?”

I was surprised to find Serena standing inside the elevator too. I didn’t realize that she’d already been there when we had come in.

“Why do you need to go there immediately?” she inquired, looking at me suspiciously.

“I have a project to take care of with our partners there,” I answered nonchalantly.

She suddenly grinned at me, linking her arm with mine. “Oh, what a coincidence! I just got off the phone with our partners there, and it just so happens I’m the head designer coordinating with them at the moment. Let me come with you, Elijah.”

And before I could even respond to that, she turned to Connor with a huge smile. “Book my ticket as well, Connor.”