Rivals in Love And episode
714 Words
Chapter Eleven – Tension in the Air
By the time dessert was served, Sophie was still locked in an unspoken war with Daniel. Every time he laughed with that woman, she felt an irrational spark of annoyance. And every time she leaned toward the guy next to her, she saw Daniel’s jaw tighten.
As the night ended, Sophie grabbed her coat, determined to leave first. But Daniel caught her wrist.
“Carter,” he said lowly. “What was that?”
She forced a smile. “Nothing.”
His gaze darkened. “You were trying to make me jealous.”
She scoffed. “You wish.”
Daniel leaned in slightly, his voice teasing yet serious. “I don’t have to wish, Sophie. I saw it.”
Her heart pounded. She pulled away. “Goodnight, Hayes.”
And with that, she walked away—ignoring the way her skin still tingled where he had touched her.
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Chapter Twelve – The Almost Confession
The next morning, Sophie was drowning in work, trying to push Daniel out of her thoughts. But then—
“Morning, Carter.”
She froze. He stood in front of her desk, holding out a coffee.
She eyed it suspiciously. “What’s this?”
Daniel smirked. “You lost the bet. You complained first.”
Her jaw dropped. “I did not.”
“Oh, you did.” He slid the coffee toward her. “But don’t worry. I won’t make you pay for a whole month.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Why?”
His smirk faded slightly. “Because I don’t mind bringing you coffee.”
Her heart skipped. She hated how effortlessly he made her nervous.
“Thank you,” she muttered, taking a sip.
Daniel watched her for a moment longer before walking away.
And Sophie? She was in big trouble.
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Chapter Thirteen – The Breaking Point
Weeks passed, and the tension only grew. Sophie and Daniel worked late nights, side by side. Every accidental touch, every lingering glance—it was becoming unbearable.
Until one night, it finally snapped.
Sophie slammed her laptop shut. “I can’t do this anymore.”
Daniel looked up. “Do what?”
She exhaled sharply. “This. Us. Whatever this weird thing is between us.”
His expression darkened. “You think it’s weird?”
“I think it’s… confusing.”
Daniel stood, walking toward her. “You want me to make it simple?”
Her breath hitched as he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper.
“I like you, Sophie.”
Silence.
Sophie’s heart pounded. But before she could respond, her phone buzzed—a work email, breaking the moment.
She looked at the screen, then back at Daniel. “I—”
But he was already stepping back, nodding. “Forget it.”
And just like that, the moment was gone.
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Chapter Fourteen – Avoidance is Not the Answer
Sophie avoided Daniel for two whole days. She buried herself in work, refused to acknowledge the elephant in the room.
Until Mia cornered her.
“You’re being ridiculous,” Mia said. “You like him.”
Sophie groaned. “It’s not that simple.”
Mia smirked. “Oh, but it is.”
And deep down, Sophie knew Mia was right.
The only question was—what was she going to do about it?
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Chapter Fifteen – The Grand Gesture
The answer came unexpectedly.
Daniel was about to leave for an important meeting—one that could send him across the country for months.
Sophie stood outside his office, heart pounding.
If I don’t say something now, I never will.
Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open.
Daniel looked up, surprised. “Sophie?”
She marched forward. “Before you go, I need to tell you something.”
He stood, eyes locked on hers. “What?”
She hesitated—then threw caution to the wind.
“I like you, too.”
A slow, breathtaking smile spread across his face. “Finally.”
And before she could overthink it, he pulled her in and kissed her.
It was fireworks, chaos, and everything in between.
And in that moment, Sophie knew—this rivalry had never been about competition.
It had always been about love.
- Writer
