Sophie settled back into her office chair, her mind clearly elsewhere from work.
Tricia cleared her throat, saying, "Ms. Sophie, if I may be so bold, our reality show is about to start filming soon. You'll be spending a lot of twith Mr. Burke. Perhaps it's wise to... give Colby a bit of a heads- up." Sophie glanced at the reality show proposal on her desk. "Once Upon an Ex," and with a flick of irritation, snapped the document shut. "Let him in." "Right! I'll tell the reception to accept that delivery of flowers!" "Cback!" Sophie frowned deeply. "Did I say to accept the flowers? Tell him to take them back." "...Oh." Tricia, looking somewhat regretful, turned to leave the office.
"Cback!" "Ms. Sophie, is there anything else you need?" "...Have him park his car in the parking lot. All those flowers are too conspicuous." "Yes, Ms. Sophie." After Tricia left the office, Sophie sighed as she looked down at Colby from her office window, feeling a tightness in her chest.
She had gone straight hlast night, shutting Colby out. Today, he had followed her to S Corporation, and If she didn't see him, who knows if he would follow her to the filming location. That would complicate things. Sophie poured herself a glass of water, turning back only to find herself in a warm embrace.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtColby held her tight, his voice hoarse. "Sophie, don't be mad." Hearing the plaintiveness in Colby's voice, Sophie found her anger ebbing away.
"Why didn't you think about how I'd be mad when you were arguing last night?" Sophie shrugged off Colby's arms, turning her head away in displeasure.
"I was just... scared of losing you." Colby rarely showed his serious side, often appearing defiant and carefree. It was hard to read his thoughts, but his sincerity in moments like these was rare. Sophie playfully pinched Colby's nose. "I can take care of myself. Even if I can't, you'll protect me, right?" At that, a smile finally broke across Colby's face. He wasn't afraid of anything except Sophie getting hurt. "What about the flowers?" "I'll accept them. Could you deliver them to my apartment?" Saying so, Sophie handed Colby her apartment key card. She smiled, "Make sure they fill the place." "Of course." Colby, holding the key card, smiled softly.
Meanwhile, the Burke family had also gotten wind of the situation. Bea, looking at the photos in her hands, angrily threw them onto the table.
The photos showed a man behind a convertible filled with flowers parked in front of S Corporation. Another showed a man standing beneath Sophie's apartment. He was clearly involved with her.
Another photo showed a man and Sophie sitting in a car, sharing a laugh.
The paparazzo noticed Bea's anger. He hastily said, "Bea, I got all the shots you wanted. So, my payment..." "Did you see who it was? Who is he?" "I... how would I know? I'm just the photographer." The paparazzo clearly didn't want to get involved in trouble. Bea took a deep breath and handed over the money. "Keep an eye on Sophie. If you find out who the man is, there's more money in it for you." "Of course, of course, I'll keep a close watch on Mrs. Burke!" The paparazzo pocketed the money and quickly left the Burke residence.
Looking at the photos on the table, Marian couldn't help saying, "Bea, could these photos be fake?" "Fake? All these photos? No way." Bea scoffed, Sophie really can't stay put. James was willing to overlook past disagreements to reconcile and look at her! Keeping a boy toy on the side! So much for being a lady of a reputable family!" Marian stayed silent.
"Immediately tell James to chand get Sophie back here, too!" Bea couldn't stand the thought of her grandson's wife cheating on him.
Feeling awkward, Marian still promptly called Sophie.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
Back in the S Corporation office, Sophie, surprised by Marian's call, wondered what trouble Bea was stirring up this time.
"Ma'am, Bea is furious and wants you and Mr. Burke to cback OM immediately. " Sophie laughed it off, asking, "What's the issue this time?" "Sphotos." "Photos?" Sophie frowned.
Marian explained, "They show you laughing and talking with a manm There's also one of him with a car full of flowers at your company's entrance." Sophie realized those photos must have been of Colby. She guessed the images weren't clear or perhaps didn't capture his face, so Bea didn't recognize him.
"Alright, I'm on my way back." X