FALLING INTO ILLUSIONS

Disrupted Priorities

At noon, Lisa was discharged. So, Brian took her home. Near the stairs in her apartment, she pretends to be faint and dizzy, a feigned look of faintness washing over her features, adding a dramatic touch to the scene. Brian carefully lifts Lisa into his arms and headed upstairs toward her apartment, her head resting against his shoulder.

Brian's concern is evident as he adjusts his hold to make her more comfortable. His expression shifted from alarm to a protective tenderness, a smile appeared at the corners of his lips.

Lisa's voice was soft, but clearly audible, "Brian, I'm feeling so lightheaded. I can't manage on my own. I am sorry for troubling you so much."

His expression softened, a blend of tenderness and worry etched across his features as he gazed down at her.

Meanwhile, Sophia stressed about Brian's disappearance, and on her way to meet her best friend. As she turned the corner, she halted abruptly, her breath catching in her throat. There was Brian, effortlessly carrying Lisa up the stairs, Her eyes widened as she sees the intimate scene unfolding.

As Brian adjusted his hold, Lisa noticed Sophia's gaze. So, leaned in and placed a soft kiss on Brian's cheek. Brian, taken aback, smiled at her, a flicker of warmth igniting in his gaze, but the kiss felt innocent, unintentional. He smiled and started to walk towards her apartment, holding Lisa securely.

Sophia's expression hardened, grappling with the chaos of emotions rising within her. Her heart sank as she absorbed the scene. The soft glances exchanged between Brian and Lisa seemed to speak volumes, a silent conversation that made Sophia feel like an outsider in a moment she had never wanted to witness.

Sophia stormed down the street, her mind a whirlwind of betrayal and disbelief. "So, this is what you meant by an important private matter, Brian?" she fumed to herself, the words seething with hurt. "This is (romance) what your important matter which you cannot miss, Brian."

When she finally reached her home, visibly frustrated. Mr. Harrington, noticing her distress, called out to her, his voice laced with concern. "Sophia, is everything alright?" But she didn't hear him, too lost in her turmoil to respond. She marched straight to her room, slamming the door behind her.

Sinking into her chair at the desk, trying to process what she witnessed. "How could he do this to me after I helped you through the crisis?" she thought, the betrayal slicing deeper with each passing moment. Each moment now tainted by the betrayal she felt.

With a determined exhale, she picked up her phone and dials Brian's number. After several rings, it goes to voicemail.

"Brian," she said, her voice sharp and resolute, "I need to speak with you urgently about the contract. Please call me back as soon as possible." Her tone was clipped, each word carefully chosen to mask the whirlwind of emotions roiling beneath the surface.

After hanging up, her frustration grew. She quickly dialed Alex's number.

Alex (on the other end). "Hello, Alex here."

Sophia firmly asked, "Alex, have you managed to contact Mr. Luther? I've been trying to reach him, but his phone is off. I need to know what's going on. This situation is critical for our project."

"I understand, Ms. Harrington," Alex replied, his tone calm and professional. "Mr. Brian is currently occupied with a personal matter, but he's aware of the urgency. I've made sure to emphasize...."

Sophia furiously hung up, felt a flash of irritation. "A personal matter?" She stares out of the window, deep in thought, her mind racing with the implications of what she'd just seen.

There was a firm knock on the door, and Sophia's irritation flared. "Leave!" she called out, her voice sharp.

The door creaked open anyway, concern etched across his features. "I said—" she began, but the words faltered as she turned to see her dad standing there. Her voice softened. "Dad."

Edward stepped inside, a gentle smile breaking through her frustration. "What makes my elegant daughter so sad yet aggressive?"

Without thinking, Sophia rushed into his arms, seeking comfort. "It's... it's just work-related, Dad. Nothing to worry about."

"Are you sure?" he pressed, his voice warm but firm. "Would you like me to help?"

She pulled back slightly, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "First rule, Dad, remember?" Rule: I'll handle while you let me.

He chuckled softly, "Okay, okay. But don't stress yourself. Work is a part of life, but health and peace are life."

Sophia smiled slightly, "Thanks, Dad! I'll remember that."

Edward sensed, situation related to her feelings toward Brian, but he trusted his daughter to handle the situation on her own.

Edward offered to go on lunch with him, but Sophia politely refused. Edward gently patted her shoulder and kissed her forehead.

He said: "Dad, will always be beside you, remember that." With that, he left her alone in her room.

Sophia nodded and sat back at her desk, felt gratitude with residual frustration.

Her father's words provided a momentary balm to her wounds, but the sting of seeing Brian and Lisa together lingered.

She picked up her phone again, contemplating whether she should try calling Brian once more. After a moment, her mind continued to churn over the earlier events, but she knew she couldn't let her personal frustrations derail her professional responsibilities.

She put the phone back down and instead took a deep breath, trying to focus on the work that still needed her attention.

However, Brian carefully carried Lisa into her home and gently sat her down on the couch. He then began looking for a glass of water to help her hydrate. As he looked around to the interior of the house, his gaze fell on photos of Lisa from various stages of her life, including a particularly touching portrait of her with parents.

Trying to lighten the mood, Brian smiled and said, "I've got to say, you were adorable as a kid."

Lisa asked with a hint of sarcasm, "Just as a kid? I remember someone once looking for me eagerly in a bar and leaving his number for me just in case."

"I'd have to agree, you're still pretty charming." Brian laughed and gave her a playful wink. "Honestly, it was one of the worst days of my life when your smile enchanted me." He approached her with a smile, adding, "You certainly know how to keep someone on their toes."

Lisa laughed, "I like to keep things interesting. Plus, you could use a bit of a distraction from all that serious business. At least, I do when I'm uncertain how to proceed in career. "

Brian, teasingly, asked: "Speaking of which, what do you do besides hang out in bars and hospitals?"

Lisa chuckled at Brian's question, shaking her head with a hint of amusement. "Well, there's actually more to me than just bars and hospitals. I like to do painting and spend my free time exploring nature. It's a nice escape from the chaos."

Brian raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Painting, huh? I wouldn't have pegged you as an artist. What do you like to paint?"

Lisa's eyes lit up as she spoke, "Mostly landscapes and abstract pieces and if I see a charming face then portraits. It helps me unwind. I have a few pieces hanging around here if you're interested in taking a look."

Brian: "I'd love to. Maybe it'll give me some insight into your charming, creative side."

As Brian and Lisa talked, Lisa's initial discomfort seemed to fade, replaced by the warmth of their easy conversation. She couldn't help but wonder, "Who is actual Brian Luther? A ruthless man who ruins someone to the death or the person in front of me."

The scene ends with a split view: Brian by Lisa's side, while Sophia is dealing with the disruption caused by Brian's sudden departure.