Chapter 2
1194 Words
What??” I had screamed
I bit my tongue hard as I stormed out of Ethan’s office. I was supposed to be an intermediary between where I worked and the Blackwood’s enterprise. I can’t believe my boss totally sold me off to Ethan. So I no longer had a job there? But now a fully employed staff of Blackwood’s. This is infuriating as it is.
Ethan’s wicked smile replayed in my head.
“Sophie?” Someone had called out. And I know who it was. I smiled as I turned towards Adrian, my number one supporter and best friend for three years. I had met him just after I stormed out of Ethan’s life, and he had been the one who helped me grow past my confusing love life.
“Girl what are you doing here? I didn’t expect to run into you and here of all places?” He looked at me with his eyebrows arched. “Don’t tell me…” He said covering his mouth as what seemed like realization dawned on him. He pushed me away from the onlookers. We took a walk to a porch behind the company.
“Girl don’t tell…” he paused, as if waiting for me to correct whatever he’s about to say. “Are you and Ethan back together?”
I burst out laughing, spitting out my coffee as I looked at him in amusement “hell no”. I said, trying to catch my breath. “The company I told you about, the one where I said we would be representing in the media world” I looked at him hoping he understands. And yes he did.
“Sophie, this is a dangerous game. Don’t you remember all the things he did to you?”
I knew this was bad for me, both physically and mentally, but I can’t lose my job now.
“ Adrian, my job is hanging on this, I have no choice. And this is a very important moment for me, and my company. Don’t worry, I got this.” I said, trying to assure Adrian. He didn’t look convinced, but he knows better than to prove further.
The cold January air hit my face as I stepped into the parking lot to my car. Apparently I had just today to myself, I was to begin work as soon as possible again, according to Ethan. I drove to the grocery and as I strolled through the grocery aisles, my mind was far from the fresh produce and neatly stacked canned goods. Adrian's words kept ringing in my ears. "Don’t you remember all the things he did to you?"
Of course, I remembered.
I remembered the nights I stayed up crying, the way he had pushed me away as if I meant nothing, the cruel words that cut deeper than any blade. And yet, he had the audacity to act like I was the one who had abandoned him?
I gritted my teeth and reached for a bottle of wine. Tonight was going to be one of those nights where I needed a drink.
Just as I placed it in my cart, I heard a soft grunt and turned to see an elderly woman struggling to pick up a bag of oranges that had spilled onto the floor. Without hesitation, I hurried over and knelt to help her gather them.
"Oh, dear, you’re too kind," she said with a warm smile, her silver hair neatly pinned back. "These hands aren’t what they used to be."
I smiled back. "It’s no trouble at all. Do you need help with anything else?"
Her face lit up. "Actually, yes! My son was supposed to help me, but he’s always late. If you wouldn’t mind keeping me company while I finish up?"
Something about her reminded me of my own mother, gentle yet strong. "Of course."
For the next twenty minutes, we wandered through the store, chatting about everything from cooking to the best brands of tea. She introduced herself as Eleanor, and with every passing moment, I found myself genuinely enjoying her company.
"You have such a lovely spirit, dear," Eleanor said as we reached the checkout. "My son could learn a thing or two from you. Maybe he wouldn’t be such a stubborn businessman."
I chuckled. "I’m sure he’s not that bad."
She sighed dramatically. "Oh, he is. But don’t worry, you’ll meet him soon enough. He’s coming to pick me up."
I nodded, not thinking much of it. After paying for her groceries, I helped her carry the bags outside, the cold air brushing against my cheeks. Then, a sleek black car pulled up, and my entire body froze.
No.
Not him. What was he doing here?
The driver’s door opened, and Ethan Blackwood stepped out.
For a moment, we just stared at each other, the weight of his eyes pressing down on like an invisible force that was going to choke me . His sharp blue eyes darkened in recognition, and for the first time in years, he looked genuinely speechless.
Eleanor, oblivious to the tension, clapped her hands together. "Oh, wonderful! You two know each other!"
Ethan’s jaw locked, as he said with closed eyes. "You could say that."
"Ethan, dear, this is Sophia. She was kind enough to help me shop. Isn’t she lovely?" She turned to me, completely unaware of the fires she was about to ignite. "Sophia, this is my son, Ethan."
My throat went dry. Of all the people in this city, how did I end up helping his mother?
"It’s… a small world," I managed to say, forcing a polite smile.
Ethan exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "Very small."
Eleanor beamed, clearly pleased. "Well, isn’t this fate? You know, Ethan’s been single for quite some time now. A strong, kind woman like you"
"Mother," Ethan interrupted, his voice edged with warning. "Let’s not do this."
I wanted to disappear. The last thing I needed was Ethan’s mother trying to play matchmaker.
Eleanor merely waved him off. "Nonsense. You work too much, Ethan. You need someone who can keep you in check. And Sophia seems just the type."
Ethan turned to me, his gaze unreadable. "Sophia, I"
"It was lovely meeting you, Eleanor," I cut in, forcing a bright tone. "I should be going."
Eleanor pouted. "So soon? But Ethan can drive you home."
I shook my head quickly. "No, really. I have my car." I pointed at my G63.
Ethan studied me for a long moment, as if debating whether to say something more. Instead, he exhaled and turned back to his mother. "Let’s get you home."
Eleanor sighed. "Alright, alright. But I still think you two should catch up."
I turned away before I could see his reaction. As I walked back to my car, my heart was beating fast in my chest in my chest. The encounter had shook me more than I wanted to admit.
Just as I reached my car, my phone buzzed. A message from an unknown number.
See you tomorrow”
I didn’t have to guess who it was. Ethan Blackwood.And I hate my life rn.
- Writer
