chapter 22

The Wrong Woman...

Sophie Bennett wasn't used to losing.

Growing up, people gave her what she wanted.

Not because she demanded it.

Because she rarely had to.

She was beautiful, intelligent, wealthy, and connected to one of the most respected families in the country.

Most doors opened before she even reached them.

Which was why Liam Smith's rejection felt so humiliating.

And it was not because he had said no.

Because he had never even considered saying yes.

Sophie sat in a private lounge overlooking the city, absentmindedly stirring her coffee.

Her best friend, Claire, watched her carefully.

"You haven't touched that in ten minutes."

Sophie sighed.

"I'm thinking."

"That's dangerous."

Normally, Sophie would've laughed.

Today, she didn't.

Claire's expression softened.

"Still about Liam?"

Sophie looked away.

That answer alone was enough.

"Can I be honest?"

Sophie gave a dry laugh.

"You usually are."

Claire leaned back.

"I think you've spent years loving an idea."

Sophie frowned.

"What does that mean?"

"It means you've built this fantasy where Liam eventually realizes you're the perfect woman for him."

The words stung.

Mostly because they weren't entirely wrong.

Claire continued carefully.

"But has Liam ever actually given you a reason to believe that?"

The silence that followed was painful.

Because Sophie couldn't think of one.

Not a real one.

Liam had never flirted with her.

Never ever chased her.

Never even promised her anything.

He had simply... allowed her presence.

For years Sophie had mistaken tolerance for affection.

And now she was being forced to face the difference.

───

That evening, Sophie attended a charity fundraiser she almost canceled.

Then decided against it.

Staying home wouldn't solve anything.

Unfortunately, neither did attending.

Because less than thirty minutes after arriving, she overheard a conversation.

"...heard Liam attended another appointment with Judith."

"Really?"

"Apparently he's very involved."

The women lowered their voices.

But not enough because Sophie heard every single word.

Every single one clearly.

She left shortly afterward.

Not because she was upset.

Because she couldn't stand listening anymore.

The drive home felt longer than usual.

By the time she arrived at the Bennett estate, frustration was simmering beneath her calm exterior.

For years people linked her name to Liam's.

For years she had believed time was on her side.

Now everything seemed to be slipping away.

And the worst part?

Judith wasn't even trying to compete.

A few days later, fate decided to make things worse.

Sophie arrived at a luxury shopping center for a meeting.

As she stepped out of her car, she spotted two familiar figures.

Judith and Liam.

Across the street.

Together.

Instinctively, Sophie stopped walking.

They hadn't noticed her.

The two of them stood outside a baby store.

Judith looked mildly annoyed while Liam looked unusually determined.

Even from a distance, Sophie could tell they were arguing about something.

A few seconds later, Judith folded her arms and Liam said something that made Judith roll her eyes.

Then laughed.

Actually laughed.

The sight hit Sophie harder than she expected.

Because Liam looked different.

Lighter, more expressive and human not the robot she knows.

The version standing beside Judith wasn't the cold businessman most people knew.

It was someone else entirely.

Someone Sophie had spent years hoping to see.

Inside the store, Judith was trying very hard not to smile.

"This is ridiculous."

Liam held up another baby item.

"Why?"

"Because the baby won't need this for years."

"We should be prepared."

"You sound like my brother."

"Julian and I finally agree on something."

Judith laughed despite herself.

The horrified expression on Liam's face made it worse.

"Don't ever tell him that."

Now she was openly laughing.

A few nearby shoppers glanced their way.

Neither noticed.

For a moment, Liam simply watched her.

The laughter.

The smile.

The way her eyes brightened.

God, he'd missed that more than he'd realized.

For years he had taken moments like this for granted.

Assuming they would always be there.

Now every one felt precious.

Temporary.

Earned.

Outside the store, Sophie quietly turned away.

For the first time, she understood something important.

The problem had never been Judith.

It wasn't the pregnancy.

It wasn't timing.

It wasn't family pressure.

The problem was much simpler.

Liam loved Judith.

Maybe he hadn't realized it before.

Maybe he had realized it too late.

But he loved her.

And Sophie couldn't compete with that.

No one could.

That realization should have set her free.

Instead, it made her angry.

Not at Liam.

Not even at Judith.

At herself.

Because deep down, she knew her grandfather had been right.

She had spent years waiting for a man who was never hers to begin with.

Meanwhile, Judith and Liam left the store carrying far more bags than necessary.

"You're impossible."

Liam opened the passenger door for her.

"You've mentioned that several times."

"Because it's true."

He smiled.

The kind he rarely showed anyone.

"I'll survive."

Judith shook her head and got into the car.

As Liam closed the door, something unfamiliar settled in his chest.

Was it contentment?

Just a simple afternoon.

No business meetings.

No contracts.

And somehow it had become one of the best days he'd had in months.

The realization was both comforting and terrifying.

Because every day he spent with Judith only made one thing clearer.

Losing her had been the biggest mistake of his life.

And winning her back was going to be far harder than falling in love with her had ever been.