CHAPTER 16 Sophia’s POV I couldn't help feeling a mixture of embarrassment and annoyance as I stood there, caught in the awkward aftermath of Lynda's departure. "Um, sorry for interrupting... whatever this is," I mumbled, my cheeks growing warmer.Lynda flashed me a warm smile. "Oh, no need to apologize, dear. It's always nice to see you around again."I nodded, trying to play it cool despite the tension in the room. "Yeah, it's been interesting getting used to UCLA and California."Lynda's eyes twinkled with amusement, and I could sense that she had picked up on my attitude. She turned to Henry. "Well, I'll leave you two to your... whatever it is. Henry, hope to see you at dinner tonight."As Lynda left, Henry and I were finally alone, and I couldn't help but address the elephant in the room. "I thought you said you guys are friends."Henry's expression remained composed as he replied, "We are, Sophia. Can't I have dinner with a friend?"I crossed my arms, trying to maintain a nonc
CHAPTER 17HENRY’S POVThe restaurant was buzzing with laughter and animated conversations as my friends and I settled into our seats. Lynda, Jacob, Bryan, Katie, and I were finally taking a break from the chaos of work to enjoy a dinner together. Our careers in various industries meant that our get-togethers were a rare treat, and we were determined to make the most of it.I leaned back in my chair, surveying the group with a grin. "Well, well, well. Look at us, the titans of industry, taking a breather from conquering the world."Lynda raised her wine glass with a smirk. "To brief moments of sanity in the midst of the corporate madness."We all clinked our glasses together, the clinking sounds echoing through the restaurant. Katie chimed in with a laugh. "So, Henry, tell us, how's life as the untouchable billionaire?"I chuckled, sipping my wine before responding. "Oh, you know, just another day of counting my millions and dodging paparazzi."Bryan chuckled. "And here I thought you
CHAPTER 18 Henry’s POVAs the dinner wrapped up, Layla turned to me with a warm smile. "Henry, would you like to hang out for a little while longer?"I hesitated, not entirely sure if I was up for more socializing after the orchestrated dinner setup. But before I could formulate a polite refusal, Lynda chimed in, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Come on, Henry, it'll be fun!"I shot her a mock glare. "You're enjoying this way too much."Layla laughed, her eyes dancing. "Well, what do you say, Henry?"After a bit of good-natured back and forth, I found myself agreeing. "Alright, sure."With that, Layla and I left the restaurant and headed to a late-night comedy show. The atmosphere was lively, with the sound of laughter filling the air. As we settled into our seats, Layla and I fell into an easy conversation.The comedian on stage cracked a joke, and Layla's laughter was infectious. "I've always loved comedy shows," she admitted.I nodded in agreement, enjoying the light-hearted atm
CHAPTER 19 Sophia's POV I had just settled into my room, flipping through some notes for my next class, when my phone rang. Glancing at the caller ID, I saw it was my father. With a mix of excitement and apprehension, I answered the call."Hey, Dad," I greeted with a warm smile, as if he could see it through the phone."Hey, sweetheart," his voice came through, sounding just as familiar and comforting as ever. "How's everything going over there?"I leaned back against the pillows, my notes momentarily forgotten. "Good, good. School's keeping me busy, you know how it is."He chuckled on the other end. "I remember those days. So, how are your classes? How's UCLA treating you?"I launched into a detailed account of my classes, professors, and the various projects I was working on. It was always nice to catch up with my father, to hear his genuine interest and support. We discussed my creative writing program, my interactions with peers, and even the new friendships I was forming.We al
CHAPTER 20Henry’s POVLayla's entrance into my home was like a breath of fresh air. She looked stunning, and I couldn't help but offer her a compliment as I welcomed her in. "You look absolutely beautiful tonight, Layla," I said, my voice genuine.She smiled graciously, her eyes sparkling. "Thank you, Henry. You clean up rather nicely yourself."I chuckled, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. The atmosphere was light, and I could tell this evening might turn out better than expected. I guided her towards the sitting area, I couldn't help but think that Layla had a way of putting me at ease. Her presence was calming, and her smile was infectious. "What would you like to drink?" I asked, motioning towards the well-stocked bar.She paused for a moment, considering her options. "Red wine, please. Your choice."I reached for a bottle of my finest red wine, a vintage that had aged gracefully over the years. Pouring it into two elegant glasses, I handed one to Layla. She took a sip, her
CHAPTER 21 Sophia’s POV The music was pounding in my ears, and the neon lights flashed erratically, casting a surreal glow over the crowded dance floor. Jason had dragged me here with the promise of a good time, but my mind was far from the pounding bass and swirling dancers. It was consumed by the image of Henry with another woman.I half-heartedly moved to the beat as Jason settled onto a barstool beside me. He could sense my unease, but he was determined to make me enjoy the night."Are you having a good time?" he asked, shouting over the music.I shrugged, not wanting to dampen his enthusiasm. "It's not really my scene, to be honest."He chuckled, shaking his head. "Sophia, you need to let loose once in a while. Life isn't just about work and studies."Jason waved over the bartender and ordered a shot of whiskey. He slid one over to me, and I hesitated before accepting it. The burning sensation down my throat was both familiar and foreign.With a half-smile, he leaned closer, hi
Chapter 21 part 2Henry’s POV I grabbed Sophia's hand and lifted her up from the bench. I wasn't done with her yet, so I quickly pulled up my pants while she did the same, and I held her hand, leading her toward the toilet cabinets close to the mirror . She willingly followed me. The toilet was spacious and empty as we entered and locked the door behind us even though we knew no one was coming in. I pushed her against a counter, and she looked at herself in the mirror, placing her hands on the stall.“I think we should not do this, you are drunk,” I protested with my las will to fight her.“ I am not drunk Henry, I am way sober now and I want this so much you can’t imagine for how long,” I lowered her skirt, and my tongue gently touched her wet core. She whimpered and moaned as my tongue explored her inner depths. I could see her flushed face reflected in the mirror as I pleasured her, and she bit her lower lip with her eyes closed. I craved more of her taste, wanting to savor her j
CHAPTER 22SOPHIA’S POV"Fuck," I woke up with a pounding headache, my brain feeling like it had been run through a blender.Ugh, the unmistakable signs of a hangover. Groaning, I forced myself to sit up in bed. Memories of last night began to trickle in like a fragmented puzzle, and I winced as I recalled the ill-fated party.Henry. I had called him, begging him to pick me up like some damsel in distress. And he had. My knight in shining armor. But after that... well, things got hazy."What did I do, what did I said," I tried for remember but things were hazy up there in my memory. The worry was gnawing at me. What did I say or do last night? I had been so drunk, and drunk me was never a reliable narrator. Did I spill my guts to Henry? Confess some secret love? Make a complete fool of myself?" I am such a fucking mess and I don't seem to know what to do about that" I groaned to myself. Dragging myself out of bed, I attempted to piece together the fragments of last night's escapa