Confrontations 2
983 Words
Across the hall, Julian had watched everything.
His eyes followed Sophia the moment she walked away from Edward. He had been distracted the entire evening, barely hearing half the conversations directed at him because his attention kept drifting back toward her. Every movement she made pulled him in without effort.
“Mr. Vale?”
Julian blinked slowly and realized one of the investors was still speaking to him.
“My apologies,” he muttered distractedly and one of them smirked knowingly.
The moment he noticed Sophia leaving the ballroom area entirely, he immediately stood up. “Excuse me for a moment,” he added before walking away before anyone could stop him.
He followed her trail through the hallway quietly.
The farther he walked from the ballroom, the quieter things became. The loud music faded behind him until only soft instrumental echoes remained.
Up ahead, he noticed Sophia disappearing around the corner and so, quickened his pace slightly.
At first, he assumed she was heading toward the restroom area, but as he approached, he overheard two women speaking excitedly nearby.
“Did you see Sophie Monroe out on the balcony?” one whispered. “I swear she looks unreal.”
“I hear she's Sophia King now. God! I’ve never seen someone carry themselves like that. A literal goddess.,” the other replied.
Julian’s heartbeat quickened instantly. Without thinking further, he headed toward the balcony.
The cool night air hit him the moment he stepped outside. The city lights were visible from where he stood, glowing beautifully beneath the dark sky. His eyes scanned the area slowly before they landed on the woman he had been searching for for five years.
Sophia stood near the railing with her back facing him, her hair moving gently with the breeze. The black dress hugged her figure perfectly, elegant without trying too hard.
For several seconds, Julian simply stood there silently. He couldn’t stop staring at her.
Everything about her looked different now. Her hair was darker now, longer even and her back looked like she had been religiously visiting the gym. Aside from her physical appearance, the timid woman who used to wait endlessly for him had disappeared completely, replaced by someone confident, calm, and impossibly distant.
Then suddenly, Sophia chuckled softly.
“I really can’t have a moment to myself tonight, can I?” she said without turning around.
Julian froze briefly. She already knew he was there.
He cleared his throat awkwardly. “I didn’t mean to sneak up on you.”
Sophia scoffed lightly. “You didn’t mean to?” she repeated. “You’ve been standing there for over five minutes.”
Julian let out a small breath of disbelief before shaking his head slightly. “I forgot how observant you are.”
The moment the words left his mouth, silence followed. Sophia’s expression changed slightly before she finally turned around slowly. Her face was calm again. The coldness he had encountered in the ballroom faded, replaced with an almost blank expression.
Maybe he just couldn't read her anymore.
“Why did you follow me, Mr. Vale?” she asked.
Julian winced at her choice of words, staring at her quietly before answering. “I’ve been trying to speak to you all evening.”
“We have nothing to talk about.” The response came immediately without hesitation.
Julian stepped closer anyway. “Sophia…”
“That’s Miss King to you.” she corrected again, her expression hardening. Julian swallowed but nodded. It was a relief she didn't use a 'Mrs'.
“I was wrong,” he admitted quietly. “About everything.”
Sophia’s expression remained unreadable.
For years, Julian had imagined what he would say if he ever saw her again. He thought apologizing would somehow make things easier. Instead, standing before her now only made him realize how unforgivable he truly was.
“I know I hurt you,” he continued softly. “I know I made so many mistakes but I know better now. I know the truth, Soph--”
“I came here for business, Mr Vale” Sophia interrupted before he could go any further. Her cold tone was back and her expression soon followed suit..
“If you want to discuss work matters, your assistant already has my contact information.”
Julian stared at her desperately. “Sophie, please. Just listen to me.”
“There is nothing else to discuss.” She turned immediately and started walking away.
Panic rose in Julian’s chest instantly.
“I’m sorry!”
His voice echoed louder than intended across the balcony, causing Sophia to pause but for only half a second. Then she continued walking.
Julian remained standing there alone as he watched her disappear back inside the building. The apology he had carried for five years suddenly felt painfully small. It was never going to be enough. He knew this but he wanted to try.
However, now there was hope. Sophie was back.
By the time Sophia returned to the main hall, her expression was composed again and her poker face was back on. Dan spotted her almost immediately and hurried over.
“Miss King,” he greeted politely.
Sophia nodded. “My assistant has already wired the donation for tonight’s charity,” she informed and Dan blinked in surprise before quickly recovering. “Thank you for your donation, Miss King. That was very generous of you.”
He didn't need to ask what the amount was. She was Sophia King.
“Please send me an email regarding the business meeting,” she continued calmly. “My schedule will determine whether I attend personally.”
“Of course,” Dan replied quickly then hesitated briefly before asking, “Are you leaving already?”
Sophia nodded, satisfaction flashing in her eyes as she saw her former family staring at her with hate and resentment.
"My work here is done."
- Writer
