WHEN HEART COLLIDE

Chapter 13

When Hearts Collide

Chapter 13 – The First Kiss

The smile on Ethan's face disappeared the moment he saw Ryan's expression.

"What happened?" Ethan asked.

Ryan lowered his voice.

"One of our investors just received an anonymous email claiming that confidential plans for the Riverside Heights project have been leaked."

Sophia's heart sank.

"What?"

"The board is demanding an explanation," Ryan replied.

Ethan remained calm.

"Let's go."

Inside a private meeting room, several board members were already waiting.

One of the senior investors placed printed documents on the table.

"These drawings were sent anonymously."

Sophia immediately recognized them.

"They're our preliminary designs."

Another board member frowned.

"How did someone outside the company obtain them?"

The room fell silent.

A director glanced toward Sophia.

"Only a few people had access."

Sophia looked up in disbelief.

"Are you suggesting I leaked them?"

"We're asking questions."

Before anyone could continue, Ethan stood.

"That's enough."

Every eye turned to him.

"Ms. Daniels has my complete trust."

His voice was firm and unwavering.

"If someone leaked these documents, we'll find the real person. Until then, no one will accuse a member of my team without evidence."

The room fell silent.

Sophia looked at Ethan, surprised that he had defended her without hesitation.

The meeting ended with an internal investigation being opened.

As guests slowly left the gala, Sophia stood alone on the balcony, staring at the city lights.

She felt disappointed that such a wonderful evening had ended with suspicion and accusations.

A moment later, Ethan joined her.

"I'm sorry."

She looked at him.

"You have nothing to apologize for."

"I should have protected the project better."

Sophia shook her head.

"You protected me."

Ethan looked into her eyes.

"I always will."

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

The noise from the ballroom faded into the background.

Sophia smiled softly.

"You really believed I wasn't responsible?"

"I never doubted you."

"Not even for a second?"

"Not for a second."

Her eyes shimmered with emotion.

"No one's ever trusted me like that."

Ethan stepped closer.

"You've earned my trust."

The cool evening breeze gently lifted a strand of Sophia's hair.

Without thinking, Ethan reached up and tucked it behind her ear.

Their eyes met.

Sophia's heartbeat quickened.

She didn't step away.

Neither did he.

Slowly, almost hesitantly, Ethan leaned closer.

Sophia closed her eyes.

Their lips met in a soft, gentle kiss.

It lasted only a few seconds.

But for both of them, it felt like time had stopped.

When they finally pulled apart, neither of them spoke.

Ethan rested his forehead lightly against hers.

"I've wanted to do that for a long time."

Sophia smiled.

"So have I."

Neither of them noticed the figure standing in the shadows at the end of the terrace.

Vanessa.

She had witnessed everything.

Her hands tightened into fists as anger burned in her eyes.

"So," she whispered bitterly.

"It wasn't just business."

She turned and walked away without making a sound.

As she reached the parking area, she took out her phone and dialed a number.

"I need your help," she said coldly.

"Someone has to disappear from Ethan Cole's life."

The voice on the other end agreed without hesitation.

Vanessa ended the call and looked back toward the ballroom.

"If I can't have Ethan..."

Her eyes hardened.

"...then neither will Sophia."

Far above the glittering city, Ethan and Sophia stood together, unaware that their first kiss had marked not only the beginning of their love story—but also the beginning of the greatest challenge they would ever face.

End of Chapter 13