How does a man have breakfast with a girl and go out for an engagement dinner, his engagement dinner, with another girl? Sophie's world was turned upside down when she heard about Ethan's engagement news. Everywhere she turns people are whispering about how she is a gold digger and then praising Ethan for finally choosing substance over superficiality. Sophie wondered if the three years she spent with Ethan had meant nothing to him. Anyway, she wanted to pick her life up after all it was a contract so she decided to end it. But Ethan refuses and says he is the only one who can call off their relationship. Will Sophie be able to navigate this puzzle and get back to her life?
The early morning sun was streaming gently through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Ethan's penthouse, casting a warm glow over the modern, sleek kitchen. Sophie stood in the kitchen, expertly flipping pancakes while the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. The clinking of cutlery and the sizzling of the skillet were the only sounds, creating a peaceful morning symphony.
Ethan walked in, looking as dapper as ever in his tailored suit. His presence filled the room, but it was his smile that caught Sophie off guard every time. She returned the smile, feeling her heart flutter.
"Good morning, Sophie," he greeted, his voice smooth and warm.
"Good morning, Ethan. Breakfast is almost ready," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady despite the surge of emotions.
Ethan approached the kitchen counter and leaned in, peering at the golden pancakes. "This smells amazing. You're spoiling me," he teased.
Sophie laughed. "Well, someone has to make sure you eat a proper meal. You're always so busy."
Ethan's eyes softened as he looked at her. "I appreciate it more than you know."
They sat down to breakfast, the table laden with pancakes, fresh fruit, and a pot of steaming coffee. Sophie poured Ethan a cup, their hands briefly touching, sending a spark through her.
"So, what's on your agenda today?" Sophie asked, cutting into her pancake, trying to keep the conversation light.
Ethan took a sip of his coffee, savoring it before answering. "Meetings, as usual. And you? Any plans?"
Sophie hesitated, looking into his eyes. This was the moment she had been building up to, the moment she wanted to tell him how she felt. "Actually, I've been thinking... Ethan, I-"
Ethan's phone buzzed on the table, breaking the moment. He glanced at it, his expression shifting to one of annoyance. "I'm sorry, Sophie. It's urgent."
Sophie's heart sank. "Of course. You should take it."
He picked the call and then listened for some minutes before saying "I will take care of it."
Ethan ended the call and placed it back on the table, giving her his full attention again. "What were you saying?"
She took a deep breath, her courage wavering. "I just wanted to say... Thank you. For everything you've done for me and my mom. It means the world to us."
Ethan reached across the table and squeezed her hand. "You don't have to thank me, Sophie. I'm happy to help."
She smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Well, I should get going. I have a lot of studying to do." She stood up and started packing the dishes.
"Of course." Ethan nodded, releasing her hand. She stood up and went to the kitchen, taking the dishes with her. She washed the dishes, because she doesn't like piling dirty in the sink. Besides, she still has a few minutes to spare before she gets to school.
"Do you want me to drop you off at the campus?" he asked.
"No thank you. Lisa is picking me up." she answered while rinsing a cup in the running tap.
He put a hand around her waist and drew her close to him. "You should be the one picking your friends up. In your car!"
She shook her head.
"You are my girlfriend, you should have your own car."
"Nope," she said smiling.
"What brand do you want? Ferrari, Masararti, Limousine?" he asked while gently nibbling at her ear.
"Stop it!" She told him, giggling.
"Let me get you a car," he persisted.
"No, but you can get me one for my graduation next year." He turned her around and placed a peck on her nose.
"Okay," he said while releasing her.
"What will we have for dinner tonight?" he asked.
She turned around to finish her work. "It's a surprise. And you should go, you are running late already." He turned her around again and placed a light kiss on her lips.
"Have a great day, Sophie."
"You too, Ethan."
Oh the dinner is not much of a surprise because he has eaten it before. The first time she prepared it, he finished the whole plate and demanded for more. It was her father's favorite. A sad demeanor clouded her face as she remembered her father.
No, don't get sad, it's in the past.
She wanted to make the Chicken Alfredo pasta for Ethan because she was feeling really grateful today. After her lectures, she will go visit her mother before coming home.
When she had tidied everywhere, Sophie gathered her things and left the penthouse, her heart heavy with unspoken words.
She nearly confessed her feelings to him this morning, that was a close call. Who knows what he would have done to her. I mean it's against the 'Terms' and she knows it. Yet...
She is grateful to have Ethan in her life, he's been so helpful. But sometimes she wishes he can go further in their relationship, that he will... "Oh Sophie stop dreaming," she chided herself.
As she walked to the elevator, her phone started ringing. She pulled out her phone, and saw Lisa's name, 'maybe she is already in the basement'. She decided to answer her call and let her friend know she is close by.
"Sophie, did you see the news?" Lisa's voice was frantic.
"What news?" Sophie asked.
Lisa took a deep breath, "It's about Ethan."
Sophie laughed. "He's always in the news, most times against his wishes."
"This time it's different," Lisa insisted, almost screaming.
"Girl, what's wrong?" Sophie has begun to sense the emergency in her friend's voice.
"Check your Instagram."
Sophie ended the call and opened her Instagram and scrolled through the feed and her notifications. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw it.
In screaming letters was the headline: "Billionaire Ethan Grant Engaged to Heiress Vanessa Kingsley."
Her world spun as she read the article, detailing the engagement party scheduled for that evening, complete with photos of Ethan and Vanessa looking every bit the perfect couple. Tears welled up in her eyes as she tried to process the news.
Chapter 1 The shocking news
21/07/2024
Chapter 2 She is a gold digger
21/07/2024
Chapter 3 We need to talk
21/07/2024
Chapter 4 Her mother's health
21/07/2024
Chapter 5 Going back to the penthouse
21/07/2024
Chapter 6 I am not your doorman
21/07/2024
Chapter 7 Hello Vanessa
21/07/2024
Chapter 8 Vanessa's event
21/07/2024
Chapter 9 Ethan lives with a girl
21/07/2024
Chapter 10 Who is that girl
21/07/2024
Chapter 11 Meet Mr. Stone
23/07/2024
Chapter 12 She is out of coma
24/07/2024
Chapter 13 Lisa is duped
26/07/2024
Chapter 14 Lisa is hurt
27/07/2024
Chapter 15 I'll wait for you
01/08/2024
Chapter 16 I can shop here too
05/08/2024
Chapter 17 Matt eloped with another woman
05/08/2024
Chapter 18 Aunt Marie visits
07/08/2024
Chapter 19 Ethan comes back
10/08/2024
Chapter 20 Vanessa fights Sophie
12/08/2024
Chapter 21 Online comments
26/08/2024
Chapter 22 Hateful trolls
27/08/2024
Chapter 23 Sophie's boss calls her
27/08/2024
Chapter 24 Aunt Marie sees Ethan
28/08/2024
Chapter 25 Margaret and Marie
28/08/2024
Chapter 26 Vanessa is angry
29/08/2024
Chapter 27 Ethan retaliates
30/08/2024
Chapter 28 EROS Fashion House Job
31/08/2024
Chapter 29 Eric's new love interest
01/09/2024
Chapter 30 Sophie moves in with Lisa
03/09/2024
Chapter 31 Vanessa confronts Ethan
03/09/2024
Chapter 32 Vanessa's realization
03/09/2024
Chapter 33 Eric asks her out
05/09/2024
Chapter 34 Sophie's mother in the hospital again
05/09/2024
Chapter 35 Confronting the past
07/09/2024
Chapter 36 Ethan is angry
07/09/2024
Chapter 37 Jessica laughs at Vanessa
10/09/2024
Chapter 38 Sophie visits Ethan
12/09/2024
Chapter 39 Ethan is cooking
13/09/2024
Chapter 40 Ethan ignores Vanessa
13/09/2024
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