Sofia's eyes slowly fluttered open as sunlight filtered through the wide glass window, spilling a warm glow across the cream-colored room. The ceiling came into focus first, as its smooth, white, and still surface reflected in her eyes. For a brief second, she forgot where she was.
Then it hit her. The hotel. The night. Chad.
She exhaled softly and turned her head. Her gaze landed on a tall, broad-shouldered figure standing near the window, his dark hair catching the faint rays of the rising sun. His bare back was to her, strong and still, and for a moment she just stared, watching him, remembering how everything had unfolded the night before.
Her lips curved slightly. The soreness she felt in certain parts of her body made it all too real, and yet she couldn't help but smile. For the first time in a long while, she felt calm. Safe even.
Chad shifted slightly, hands tucked into the pockets of his trousers as he stared out into the city below. The wind outside rustled the curtains, carrying with it a faint chill that brushed against Sofia's skin.
She moved slowly, sitting up, as soft sheets slid down to her waist. Then, without a word, she got up and walked toward him. Chad felt two soft surfaces on his back, making him smile. Sofia's arms slid around his waist from behind, her touch light but warm. Chad stiffened for a second, then relaxed under her hold.
"Good morning," she whispered, her voice low and slightly hoarse from sleep.
Chad smiled faintly. "Good morning," he replied, his tone softer than usual. He turned around, his hand gently brushing her cheek as their eyes met.
There was no awkwardness this time. No hesitation. Just quiet understanding and a lingering warmth between them.
Sofia leaned against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. "I can't remember the last time I woke up this peacefully," she said with a small smile.
"Then I guess I did something right," Chad replied with a teasing smirk.
Sofia rolled her eyes but smiled anyway. "You wish."
He chuckled, tilting her chin up so their eyes met again. For a moment, they stood like that, caught between comfort and temptation. Chad leaned in, pressing a soft kiss on her's. The room grew quieter, the only sound being the lip smacking sounds that echoed.
Slowly, Sofia pulled away and placed a hand on his chest. "We should get ready," she said gently.
Chad hesitated, his eyes still locked on hers. "You sure?"
"Yes," she replied with a quiet laugh. "We can't stay here forever, Chad."
He sighed, a small grin tugging at his lips. "You're right. But you're not making it easy."
They both laughed, and the tension in the air melted away.
After a few minutes, they began getting dressed. Chad slipping into his crisp black shirt while Sofia straightened her hair in front of the mirror. For a brief moment, she caught his reflection watching her from behind, a faint smile on his face.
"What?" she asked, meeting his eyes through the mirror.
"Nothing," Chad said quickly, adjusting his collar. "You just… seem more like yourself again. Less distant."
Sofia paused for a second. "Maybe I am," she said quietly. "Or maybe I'm just learning to breathe again."
Chad's expression softened, but he didn't press further. He just nodded and grabbed his jacket from the chair.
They left the room together, hand in hand, as the hotel staff greeted them warmly in the lobby. "Good morning, Mr. Chad, Miss Green!" one of them called cheerfully. "We hope you had a pleasant night!"
Sofia's cheeks flushed lightly, but she forced a polite smile. "Yes, it was fine. Thank you."
Chad stifled a grin as they stepped outside.
As usual, he opened the car door for her, then walked around to the driver's side. Soon, the sound of the engine filled the air, and they were back on the road toward the Green building.
For a while, neither of them spoke. The morning sun painted the city gold, and Sofia found herself gazing out the window, lost in thought. The peace she felt earlier was slowly being replaced by unease. The image of her uncle at the fundraiser replayed in her head again and again.
Why was he there?
How was it even possible?
The Graysons and the Greens were rivals. Bitter ones. Their families had avoided each other for years, and any form of association was practically forbidden. Uncle Joe had no reason to attend a Green-sponsored event. None.
Her fingers tightened slightly around her purse.
After a few more minutes of silence, Chad glanced at her. "You okay?"
Sofia blinked and looked at him. "Yeah. Just… thinking about something."
"You've been doing that a lot lately," he said lightly, his tone teasing but warm.
She smiled faintly. "Maybe I'm just thinking too much."
"Well, whatever it is, you'll figure it out. You always do."
She looked at him, his confidence in her bringing a small spark of comfort.
When they finally pulled into the Green driveway, Sofia's mother was already outside, waiting. The moment she saw her daughter step out of the car, her face filled with both relief and concern.
"Sofia!" Marie called out, rushing toward her. "Where have you been? Why did you leave the fundraiser without saying a word?"
Sofia froze, forcing a sheepish smile. "I wasn't feeling too well last night. I thought it'd be better to get some rest."
Marie frowned. "Rest? I called you so many times, Sofia. You didn't answer any of my calls. Do you know how worried I was?"
Chad stepped in smoothly. "Mrs. Green, I found her outside the hall. She looked pale, so I drove her to a nearby hotel. She just needed some rest, nothing serious."
Marie looked between them, her expression softening slightly. "I see. Next time, at least call. You scared me half to death."
Marie sighed, giving her daughter a quick hug before heading inside.
Chad turned to Sofia, adjusting his watch. "I should probably head back. Got a few meetings to handle."
Sofia smiled faintly. "Of course. Thanks… for everything."
He nodded, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "If you need me, you know where to find me."
"Yeah," she whispered.
Chad smiled and got into his car, driving off down the long driveway until the sound of the engine faded away.
Sofia stood there for a moment beside her mother, watching the car disappear. Then, as they walked toward the Green building, something struck her hard.
Her steps slowed. The memory of that familiar face at the fundraiser flashed before her again, clear and sharp.
She turned to her mother abruptly. "Mom," she said, her voice tight.
"What in hell was Joe Grayson doing at the fundraiser event?"