WHEN HEART COLLIDE

Chapter 16

When Hearts Collide

Chapter 16 – Misunderstandings

Sophia couldn't stop thinking about Ethan's strange behavior.

He had barely looked at her the previous evening, and his usual calm warmth had disappeared behind a wall of silence.

The next morning, she arrived at Cole Developments hoping to clear the air.

When she reached the executive floor, Ethan was already leading the weekly project meeting.

"Good morning, everyone," he said.

His voice was professional and steady.

Throughout the meeting, he addressed every department head, discussed budgets, construction schedules, and investor reports.

But he avoided looking directly at Sophia.

She noticed.

So did Ryan.

After the meeting ended, Ryan caught up with Ethan in the hallway.

"What's going on with you?"

"Nothing."

Ryan folded his arms.

"I've known you for years. That's your 'something is definitely wrong' face."

Ethan sighed.

"I saw Sophia yesterday."

Ryan smiled.

"I know. You two work together."

"She was with another man."

Ryan's smile faded.

"And?"

"They looked... close."

Ryan raised an eyebrow.

"Did you ask her who he was?"

"No."

"Then you're making assumptions."

Ethan remained silent.

Ryan shook his head.

"For someone who runs a billion-pound company, you're surprisingly bad at handling your own feelings."

Meanwhile, Sophia was reviewing design updates when Lily called.

"How's work?"

Sophia sighed.

"I think Ethan's upset with me."

"Did you do something?"

"I honestly don't know."

Lily was quiet for a moment.

"Talk to him."

"I'm not sure he'll listen."

"If he's worth caring about, he'll listen."

Sophia smiled.

"Thanks."

That afternoon, Ethan and Sophia visited the construction site together.

The atmosphere between them was awkward.

Finally, Sophia stopped walking.

"Can we talk?"

Ethan turned toward her.

"Of course."

"You've been distant since yesterday."

"I'm just focused on work."

She looked directly into his eyes.

"No."

His expression softened slightly.

"Then tell me what's wrong."

After a long silence, Ethan finally spoke.

"I saw you at the café."

Sophia blinked.

"You did?"

"You were with someone."

Realization dawned on her.

"Oh..."

Ethan looked away.

"I assumed he was important to you."

Sophia couldn't help smiling.

"His name is Adrian."

Ethan's heart sank.

"My former fiancé."

The word former caught his attention.

"He came to apologize."

"Apologize?"

She nodded.

"For betraying me."

Ethan finally looked at her again.

"I told him I'd forgiven him."

A knot tightened in Ethan's chest.

"And?"

"And I also told him there was no future for us."

Relief washed over him so suddenly that he almost laughed.

"You should have told me."

Sophia smiled gently.

"You never asked."

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Then Ethan admitted quietly,

"I was jealous."

Sophia stared at him.

"You were?"

"I didn't like seeing another man with you."

A warm smile spread across her face.

"I was jealous of Vanessa too."

Their eyes met.

Both of them laughed at how easily a misunderstanding had created so much distance.

As they continued their inspection, a construction worker hurried toward them.

"Mr. Cole!"

"What is it?"

"We've got a problem in the east wing."

They rushed over to find that a delivery truck had accidentally damaged several support materials.

Ethan immediately organized the site managers.

Sophia quickly redesigned the temporary support layout to keep the project on schedule.

Working side by side, they solved the crisis within an hour.

The site supervisor smiled.

"I've never seen two people work together so well."

Ryan, who had just arrived, overheard the comment.

"I have."

He smiled to himself.

"They're finally acting like a real team."

That evening, Ethan walked Sophia to her car.

"I'm sorry."

She looked at him.

"For doubting you."

She smiled.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Adrian."

He nodded.

"Friends?"

She extended her hand playfully.

"Friends."

Instead of shaking it, Ethan gently took her hand in his.

"I was hoping for something more."

Sophia felt her cheeks grow warm.

"So was I."

Just as they smiled at each other, a camera flashed from across the street.

Click.

Someone had taken their photograph.

Neither Ethan nor Sophia noticed.

But the mysterious photographer quickly disappeared into the night, carrying pictures that could change everything.

End of Chapter 16