Unexpected Desire

Secret Feelings

Dr. Andrew Harrison and Dr. Mark Thompson, colleagues and close friends, were on the bustling mall near their hospital. It was midday, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as they settled into a cozy corner of the café.

Andrew, his eyes bright with anticipation, leaned in slightly, his coffee cup cradled in both hands. "Mark, I can't wait to tell you about Angela and me. We're meeting next week to talk about our wedding plans."

Mark, a grin spreading across his face, chuckled softly. "That's fantastic news, Andrew! And of course, I'll be your best man. It wouldn't be right if I weren't."

Andrew nodded appreciatively. "Thanks, Mark. I knew I could count on you." He took a sip of his coffee, the warmth soothing amidst their lively conversation. "But you know, I've been thinking. Angela and I haven't dated traditionally. It's all moved so fast."

Mark raised an eyebrow, his playful demeanor softening into a more thoughtful expression. "Are you worried about that?"

Andrew sighed lightly, setting his cup down. "A bit, yeah. I mean, we've known each other for a while, but we've never really dated. I want this to be right for her."

Mark chuckled again, shaking his head. "Andrew, come on. No woman in her right mind would regret marrying you. You're not just a smart doctor; you've got looks, wealth, and even the governor's lineage. You're the whole package."

Andrew smiled wryly, a hint of self-deprecation in his voice. "I appreciate that, Mark. But I want Angela to love me for more than just what I can offer materially. I want her to love me because I love her."

Mark nodded understandingly, his gaze sincere. "I get it, Andrew. And she will. You're genuine about this, and that's what matters most."

*****

Janet, Sonia, and Grace walked through the bustling mall, the chatter of shoppers and the vibrant atmosphere surrounding them. Grace frowned at her phone, her brows furrowed in frustration.

"Angela didn't answer her phone," Grace said with a sigh. "I was hoping she could come with us."

Janet, always the level-headed one, gave Grace a reassuring smile. "Maybe she's just busy, Grace. You know how she gets caught up with things."

Before Grace could respond, Sonia suddenly tugged on both their arms. "Look, it's Andrew!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement. She pointed towards a nearby coffee shop where Andrew and Mark were deep in conversation.

"Should we go in and grab a coffee?" Sonia suggested, her excitement evident.

Janet and Grace exchanged glances and nodded. "Sure, why not?" Janet said. "We could use a break."

They entered the coffee shop, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee welcoming them. They chose a table far enough from Andrew and Mark to avoid being noticed but close enough to observe them.

As they settled into their seats, Sonia couldn't help but whisper, "Andrew is so handsome. Angela is so lucky to have him as her groom-to-be, but she's such a fool for not liking him."

Janet and Grace exchanged amused glances and stifled their laughter. "Sonia, do you have a crush on Andrew?" Janet asked teasingly.

Sonia's expression turned serious. "Yes, I do."

Grace shook her head with a smile. "But Andrew is with Angela. You should respect that."

Janet nodded. "Yeah, and besides, why don't you focus on Mark? He's a doctor too, and he's handsome."

Sonia glanced briefly at Mark but quickly returned her gaze to Andrew. "No, I like Andrew."

Janet and Grace's playful demeanor shifted as they realized how serious Sonia was. They looked at each other with concern.

"Sonia," Janet began gently, "Andrew and Angela are planning their wedding. You shouldn't get involved."

Sonia sighed, her eyes downcast. "I know, but I can't help how I feel."

Grace reached out and placed a comforting hand on Sonia's arm. "We understand, but you need to let it go. Andrew and Angela deserve their chance at happiness."

Sonia nodded, though her heart felt heavy. "You're right. It's just hard to accept."

The three friends sat in contemplative silence for a moment, the lively atmosphere of the café contrasting with their subdued mood. They sipped their coffees, each lost in their thoughts.

Janet decided to change the subject to lighten the mood. "Have you guys heard about the new store opening next week?"

Grace's eyes lit up at the mention of shopping. "No, I haven't! What store is it?"

Janet smiled. "It's a new boutique. They have some really unique pieces. We should check it out."

Sonia, though still feeling a bit down, joined in the conversation. "That sounds fun. Maybe we can all go together, including Angela."

Grace nodded enthusiastically. "Definitely. It'll be a good chance to catch up and spend time together."

Their conversation gradually became more lighthearted, the promise of a shopping trip bringing a sense of excitement. Yet, beneath the surface, they were all aware of the unspoken tension caused by Sonia's feelings for Andrew.

As they talked, Janet glanced over at Andrew and Mark, who were still deep in conversation. "Andrew really is a great guy," she mused. "I hope Angela realizes how lucky she is."

Grace nodded in agreement. "I'm sure she does. Angela's just been through a lot, and sometimes it takes time to fully appreciate what you have."

Sonia listened quietly, her emotions swirling. She admired Andrew not just for his looks but for his kindness and dedication. It was hard to let go of those feelings.

Janet leaned in, her voice gentle. "Sonia, you never know what the future holds. Maybe there's someone out there who's even better suited for you."

Grace added, "That's right. And in the meantime, we're here for you, no matter what."

Sonia smiled, grateful for her friends' support. "Thanks, guys. I appreciate it."

*****

Andrew glanced around the cozy coffee shop, his eyes catching sight of Sonia, Janet, and Grace seated not far from their table. He recognized them as Angela's friends, and a faint anxiety crept over him. He turned to Mark, who was sipping his coffee.

"Mark," Andrew murmured, nodding towards Sonia's table, "those are Angela's friends."

Mark followed Andrew's gaze and grinned. "Ah, Angela's friends. They're pretty, aren't they?"

Andrew chuckled softly, though his mind was preoccupied. "Yeah, they are. I wonder why Angela isn't with them."

Mark shrugged casually. "Maybe she's busy with something else."

As they finished their break, Mark checked the time on his watch. "Well, our break's over. We should head back to the hospital."

Andrew nodded in agreement but stood up, indicating he needed to visit the restroom first. "I'll catch up with you," he said to Mark.

Mark waved as he made his way towards the exit. "Sure thing. Take your time."

Meanwhile, at Sonia's table, she noticed Andrew getting up and heading towards the restroom. She turned to Grace and Janet with a quick smile. "I'll be right back. Need to use the restroom."

Grace and Janet nodded, exchanging curious glances as Sonia stood up and walked towards the restroom area. Once inside, she took a moment to collect her thoughts, leaning against the sink as she looked at herself in the mirror.

"He's here," Sonia whispered to herself, her heart racing slightly. "Andrew is really here."

She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. Thoughts of Andrew had been swirling in her mind for weeks now, despite her best efforts to push them aside. Seeing him so close, knowing he was just a few tables away, stirred a mix of emotions within her.

Outside, Andrew washed his hands and splashed some cold water on his face, trying to shake off the unease he felt. He couldn't deny the pang of disappointment he felt upon realizing Angela wasn't with her friends. He dried his hands and took a moment to compose himself.

Andrew stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his tie and running a hand through his hair. The bathroom, shared between male and female patrons, was surprisingly quiet compared to the bustling café just outside. As he glanced into the mirror again, he noticed a figure behind him—a woman, smiling shyly.

Turning around, Andrew met Sonia's gaze. Her smile was polite but slightly nervous as she extended her hand. "Hi, I'm Sonia," she introduced herself, her voice soft yet clear.

Andrew returned her smile, shaking her hand warmly. "Nice to meet you, Sonia. Are you one of Angela's friends?"

Sonia's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Angela. She nodded, trying to keep her composure. "Yes, I am. We're here with Janet and Grace," she replied, gesturing subtly towards their table.

Andrew's eyebrows lifted in curiosity. "Is Angela with you?"

Sonia's mind raced. She knew Angela wasn't there, but jealousy surged within her despite her efforts to suppress it. "Um, no," she said hesitantly, her smile faltering slightly. "Actually, Angela is... she's on a date right now."

Andrew's expression shifted, a flicker of surprise and concern crossing his features. "Oh, really?" he asked, his tone guarded.

Sonia swallowed, regretting her words instantly but unable to retract them now. "I'm just kidding," she said quickly, her voice attempting lightness. "Angela is actually dating quite frequently these days."

Andrew's brow furrowed, his gaze searching Sonia's face. "I see," he replied quietly. "Well, we're getting married soon, so I guess it doesn't matter now."

Sonia felt a pang of guilt at Andrew's serious tone. "I'm sorry," she murmured, her smile now genuine but tinged with remorse. "I didn't mean to imply anything."

Andrew sighed softly, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "It's okay," he said, offering Sonia a reassuring smile.

With that, Andrew excused himself and left the bathroom, leaving Sonia standing there, feeling a mix of relief and regret. She leaned against the sink, closing her eyes briefly as she replayed the conversation in her mind.

Outside, Andrew’s thoughts still lingering on his brief encounter with Sonia. He walk beside Mark, who raised an eyebrow curiously.

"Everything alright?" Mark asked, noting Andrew's contemplative expression.

Andrew nodded slowly. "Yeah, just ran into one of Angela's friends in the bathroom."

Mark chuckled softly. "Oh? Which one?"

"Sonia," Andrew replied, his tone thoughtful. "She mentioned Angela's been dating quite a bit lately."

Mark leaned back, crossing his arms. "Hmm. Well, Angela's always been social. But you know, weddings have a way of changing things."

Andrew nodded in agreement, though his thoughts were elsewhere. "Yeah," he murmured, his gaze distant. "I guess so."

Mark studied Andrew for a moment, sensing his friend's unease. "Hey," he said gently, placing a hand on Andrew's shoulder, "you and Angela are good together. Don't let anything shake that."

Andrew managed a small smile, grateful for Mark's support. "Thanks, Mark. I needed to hear that."