Sophia
I woke up slowly, the soft warmth of my bed cocooning me in a familiar embrace. For a moment, I wasn't sure where I was, my mind still foggy with sleep. But then it hit me—I was in my own bed. Relief flooded through me, mixed with confusion. How did I get back here?
Before I could sort through the haze of memories from yesterday, my phone rang, breaking through the silence. The sound was jarring, pulling me fully into the present. I reached for it, the screen glowing with Jenna's name.
"Hey," I answered, my voice still thick with sleep.
"Sophia! Where have you been? I've been trying to reach you since yesterday! Are you okay?" Jenna's voice was a mix of worry and relief.
I rubbed my eyes, trying to shake off the disorientation. "I'm okay. Really. A lot happened, but I'll explain when I see you. Let's meet at the bakery."
"Alright, but don't keep me waiting too long. I'm really worried," Jenna said, her tone soft but insistent.
"I'll be there soon, I promise," I reassured her before hanging up.
Founding my way to the bathroom, i reached for my toothbrush when a knock at the door startled me, making me pause mid-motion. I hesitated, then decided to check who it was before I continued.
With the toothbrush still in my mouth, I walked out to find the maid standing there, holding several large shopping bags. She set them down near the bed without a word, the familiar logos of high-end brands instantly catching my eye.
"Mr. Russo sent these for you," she said simply, her tone professional and detached.
I blinked, staring at the bags with a mix of confusion and curiosity, toothpaste foam still clinging to the corners of my mouth. What on earth was Alex thinking?
"Thank you," I managed to mumble through the toothpaste, still processing what this meant.
The maid nodded and left as quietly as she had arrived, leaving me alone with the unexpected gifts. I returned to the bathroom to rinse my mouth, my mind spinning with questions. As I reentered the room, the shopping bags seemed to loom even larger, each one holding mysteries I wasn't sure I was ready to uncover. But with Jenna waiting for me at the bakery, there wasn't much time to linger. Still, I couldn't resist the urge to take a quick peek, wondering what exactly Alex had sent—and why.
I decided on a chic, tailored dress in deep navy blue, which felt sophisticated yet comfortable. I paired it with simple flats that matched perfectly—ideal for my quick trip to the bakery.
Once dressed, I headed out, my mind focused on getting to Jenna as soon as possible. But as I reached the entrance, a couple of bodyguards stepped into my path, their serious expressions making it clear that they weren't there for casual conversation.
"Miss, we've been instructed to ensure you don't leave without an escort," one of them said firmly.
I blinked, surprised and a bit frustrated. "I'm just going to the bakery. I don't need any help."
"We're under orders from Mr. Russo. Please, allow us to accompany you," the other guard insisted, his tone leaving no room for argument.
I sighed, feeling a mix of annoyance and resignation. There was no point in arguing with them. "Alright, fine. Let's go," I said, turning back toward the entrance. The bodyguards followed closely, their presence a constant reminder of the complicated situation I found myself in.
~~~~
I walked into the bakery, immediately hit by the warm, inviting smell of fresh coffee and baked goods. The space had a cozy vibe with its wooden tables and big windows letting in lots of light. Jenna was chatting with a customer at the counter, but her eyes lit up when she saw me.
