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.”