Fate's Dance

quisitions. Despite the importance of the meeting, Damion found himself distracted, his mind wandering to thoughts of Sophia. He replayed their brief but

ter, Maya, a bright smile on her face. “Hey, big brother,” she greeted warmly, stri

nergy. “Hey, Maya,” he replied, gesturing for her to take a

istracted?” she teased lightly, pouring hers

cted, I guess,” he admitted, running a hand through his hair. “There's this woman, So

ious. “Sophia, huh? Is she the reason y

t laughter and piercing gaze. “I can't figure her out, Maya. Part of me wants t

. “Have you tried talking to her? May

...” He paused, his voice trailing off as he remembered the hu

sted gently, reaching out to squeeze his h

s sharp gaze scanned the room automatically, and he froze when he spotted a familiar figure across the room. There was Sophia, her laug

ught bitterly, assuming the man was her new boyfriend. He watched them interact, noting the eas

They had grown up together, sharing secrets and dreams until life took them on separate paths. Akeem h

using me to make him jealous? * The possibility fueled his ang

iscomfort, touched his arm ge

orcing a tight smile. “Yeah, I'm fine,” he replied

to her,” Maya suggested qu

continue like this. *I need to confront her, * he resolved s

ng of jealousy as he saw Akeem's arm casually draped around Sophia's chair.

as she registered his presence. “Damion,” she repl

ion with curiosity. “I'll... I'll give you two some priv

rehension. He took a seat across from Sophia, his gaze

bout?” Sophia asked finally,

with him,” he started, his words coming out more bluntl

she said softly, processing his words. “No, Akeem is my childhoo

ons. “I see,” he muttered, feeling foolish for his

for sincerity. “It's okay,” she replied quietly, her v

nd emotionally drained. “Can we talk? Really talk?” he

fore agreeing. “Oka

a cafe near your office,” Damion su

thing but easy, but he needed to clear the air and understand where they stood. Deep down, he hoped that Maya was rig