"Is it just me or do you seem really close with the fashion designer?" Aida asks as I walk past her. I pause in my tracks, turning back to look at her, my heart skipping a beat at her question. I had been so deep in my thoughts, I hadn't noticed her at all in the hallways. Her back is still turned to me, but she slowly turns toward me, and I can feel my stomach tie itself into knots when I see the knowing look in her eyes even as her face remains unreadable. It immediately makes me sick, and a groan escapes my lips before I get the chance to stop it."What do you mean?" I ask, hating the way my voice sounds defensive."You know exactly what I mean," she insists, her eyes flicking towards the garden where Sophie still was, lost in her own world. My heart skips a beat at the mention of her name, and I feel a sudden tension coil in my chest, my palms growing clammy with sweat. "The two of you spend quite a bit of time together," she adds, crossing her arms."I do not know what you're tal
After hours of anxiously waiting for Marcus to arrive, I hear the familiar rapping at my windowsill, and my heart skips a beat before thrumming in excitement. Marcus is here. Without even thinking about it, I jump out of my bed and hurry to the window, flinging it open to the window balcony where Marcus is standing, watching me.His hair tousled and the moonlight shining against his face, Marcus looks even more breathtaking than I've ever seen him. I suck in a breath, doing my best to calm the racing of my heart. Growing shy all of a sudden, I feel like a schoolgirl about to meet a boy, and the two of us nervously exchange greetings."Hey..." I mutter, wringling my hands behind my back as he takes a step toward me, his heavy breathing in rhythm of my heartbeat."Hi, yourself." He mutters as he walks close to me, his eyes glinting with gladness and something I couldn't quite decipher."Took you long enough." I mumbled with a mock frown and watched as the smile on his face grew wider. "
The moonlight bathes the lake in a soft, silvery glow, casting shimmering reflections across the water's surface. Standing at the edge of the lake, I watch as Marcus dives into the water, his laughter echoing through the night air. Part of me wants to join him, to let go of my inhibitions and dive into the cool embrace of the lake. But another part of me hesitates, afraid of getting wet and making a fool of myself."Come on, Sophie! The water feels amazing!" Marcus calls out, splashing playfully.I smile nervously, shaking my head. "I don't want to get wet," I reply, my voice barely audible over the gentle rustle of the leaves.Marcus pouts, pretending to be hurt. "Fine, I guess I'll just have to swim all by myself," he says, turning away from me with mock disappointment.My heart sinks at the thought of Marcus swimming alone, and before I can stop myself, I reach out to grab his arm. "Wait, Marcus! I didn't mean it like that," I stammer, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks.He turns b
Sophie Franklin."Ik ben misschien verliefd op je geworden."I may have fallen in love with you.I wake up to the bright ray of sunshine that sneaks between the tiny gap in the curtains and slants across my face. Stretching my body, I immediately become aware of the soreness between my legs, marks on my body, and the faint smell of sex surrounding the room, a pressing reminder of what transpired last night between me and Marcus. My breathing hitches, and I cautiously turn around to find him still asleep, a peaceful look on his face, one hand draped around my waist. Memories of the night before flood my brain, and a deep blush envelops me from the crown of my head to the very soles of my feet. Oh God... Last night wasn't supposed to happen. I need to get out of here now!Cautiously sliding out of the bed, I immediately pick up all my discarded clothing, hurriedly putting them on and sneaking out of the room. Checking one last time to see if he's already awake, I let out a sigh of relie
(Six months later)I sit at my cluttered desk in the heart of New York City, surrounded by bolts of fabric, sketches, and the faint scent of lavender. The morning sunlight filters through the large floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a warm glow over the studio. With a pencil in my hands, I begin to sketch the perfect wedding dress for my newest client, Reina Felipe, a Spanish aristocrat planning to marry into nobility.Reina, my client, perches on a plush velvet chair, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she describes her dream wedding dress. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and I can't help but smile as she gestures animatedly, her words painting a vivid picture of the gown she envisions."I want it to be ethereal, like something out of a fairytale," Reina says, her voice filled with anticipation and her eyes sparkling as she gestures with her fingers. "I want layers of delicate lace, a flowing train, and just a touch of sparkle. It has to be perfect."I nod, my mind already spinning w
Hours have passed since Reina and Marcus left my studio, yet their lingering presence continues to disrupt my focus. Clutching the document before me, my attempt to read devolves into a futile struggle against memories of Marcus and the revelations unveiled just moments ago.Across the table is my sister Jessica, who has been going on about the progress of my business and several things we could do to make it better. Things I'm barely listening to right now. While I am the creative director of my brand and devote all of my time to the dresses I make, Jessica handles all the business parts. She's the best manager I could have ever asked for though she could be rather annoying when she wants to be. The disadvantage of having a relative to run your business along with you.When she sees I'm not responding, she pauses in her speech and leans forward, her eyes scanning my face with an unwavering gaze. "Sophie, is everything alright? You've barely said anything since I arrived."I let out a
At my interruption, Sophie twirls her head in my direction and stiffens, her eyes growing wide as saucers. Ignoring her for a moment, I cast a malevolent glance at the man who is still holding on to her wrist. He shrinks under my intense gaze and starts backing away."Sorry man, didn't know she was with you," he says, letting her go and scuttling away. I watch him leave before returning my gaze to Sophie, standing like a goddess under the shifting lights. My breath hitches, heart skipping a beat as I stare at her. By the gods, she looks absolutely divine.My eyes trace the contours of her face, the subtle play of shadows accentuating the delicate lines that define her. Her lips, parted in surprise, and filled with so much sexual allure I'm overcome with the urge to go over there, crush her against my chest, and kiss her. Instead, I drop my gaze down to her straight shoulders, her tattoo sleeve on her right arm, and delicate fingers before dragging my gaze back up to her face. The flic
The pounding music fades into the distant hum of New York City as I step out of the club, leaving the neon lights behind. The cool night air hits me, a sharp contrast to the heat and chaos inside. I pull my coat tight around me, the city lights stretching high into the sky. A slight shudder courses through me. I purse my lips and make my way to my car, getting in and driving off without so much as a backward glance. I'm too scared to turn around and find Marcus standing there, a distraught expression on his face.The road is alive with the energy of the night, cars rushing by, and people weaving through the sidewalks. But I can barely register anything going on around me, lost in my thoughts. Absentmindedly driving home, I turn on the radio, needing the noise to drown out the voices and emotions Marcus has stirred within me. New York City, with its towering buildings and bustling streets, feels both comforting and suffocating.I finally get to the high-rise building where my apartment