WHEN HEART COLLIDE

Chapter 8

When Hearts Collide

Chapter 8 – Rainy Night

London woke to dark clouds once again.

Sophia sat by the window of her apartment, sipping a cup of tea as she replayed the previous night's dinner in her mind. Ethan's compliment, their dance, and the way he had looked at her felt almost unreal.

Her phone buzzed.

It was a message from Lily.

Lily: How was the fancy business dinner? Did you meet any handsome billionaires?

Sophia laughed and quickly typed a reply.

Sophia: I met plenty of business people. Stop trying to play matchmaker.

A few seconds later, Lily replied.

Lily: One day you'll fall in love again. I know it.

Sophia smiled sadly before putting her phone away. After everything Adrian had put her through, she wasn't sure her heart was ready for another chance.

By mid-morning, Cole Developments was busy preparing for an important investor inspection.

Sophia and Ethan spent hours reviewing blueprints together.

As they worked, Ethan noticed her rubbing her temples.

"You have a headache."

She looked up, surprised.

"I'm fine."

"You've been staring at those drawings for three hours."

"I'm almost done."

Instead of arguing, Ethan pressed the intercom.

"Claire, could you bring two cups of tea to my office?"

Sophia looked at him.

"You didn't have to do that."

"You work better when you're not exhausted."

A few minutes later, the tea arrived.

Sophia wrapped her hands around the warm cup.

"Thank you."

Ethan nodded and returned to the plans.

It was a small gesture, but it spoke louder than words.

That evening, the meeting with investors ran much longer than expected.

By the time everyone left the office, heavy rain was pouring outside.

Lightning flashed across the sky.

Sophia checked her phone.

Her ride-share app displayed the same message over and over:

No drivers available.

She sighed.

"Looks like I'm stuck."

"Not quite."

She turned to find Ethan standing beside her, keys in hand.

"I'll take you home."

She hesitated.

"I've already imposed on you twice."

"It's raining harder than last time."

She smiled.

"You always have an answer, don't you?"

"I try."

The streets glistened beneath the rain as Ethan drove through the city.

The windshield wipers moved steadily back and forth.

Soft classical music played quietly in the background.

After several minutes of silence, Sophia asked,

"Can I ask you something?"

"You just did."

She laughed.

"All right... Why do people call you the Cold Billionaire?"

Ethan kept his eyes on the road.

"Because it's easier."

"Easier than what?"

"Easier than letting people get close."

His answer was calm, but there was unmistakable sadness behind it.

Sophia didn't push further.

Instead, she looked out at the rain.

"I used to think keeping people at a distance protected me too."

Ethan glanced at her briefly.

"Did it?"

She shook her head.

"It only made me lonely."

For the first time in a long while, Ethan had no reply.

As they approached Sophia's apartment building, the rain intensified.

She reached for the door handle but paused.

"Would you like to come in for coffee?" she asked. "Just until the rain eases."

Ethan considered the invitation.

Then he smiled faintly.

"Another time."

She nodded, understanding.

"I'll hold you to that."

"I don't make promises I can't keep."

She stepped out of the SUV and hurried toward the entrance.

Just before she disappeared inside, she turned around and waved.

Ethan raised his hand in return.

Only after he saw the apartment lights come on did he drive away.

Back in his penthouse, Ethan loosened his tie and stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city.

Ryan called.

"So, how was your evening?"

Ethan looked out at the rain.

"Quiet."

Ryan chuckled.

"You gave Sophia another ride home, didn't you?"

Ethan sighed.

"She couldn't get transportation."

Ryan laughed.

"Keep telling yourself that."

Before Ethan could respond, Ryan ended the call.

Ethan shook his head with a reluctant smile.

For years, his life had revolved around work, deadlines, and business deals.

Now, without realizing it, he found himself looking forward to the moments he spent with Sophia Daniels.

And somewhere else in London, Vanessa Blake was determined to make sure those moments didn't last.

End of Chapter 8