𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐀 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫

𝐅 𝐎 𝐑 𝐓 𝐘 - 𝐒 𝐄 𝐕 𝐄 𝐍

Lowin

The evening air was warm as Sofiana and I arrived at the restaurant, a luxurious place nestled in the heart of the city. The kind of place that looked like it belonged in a movie, with soft, ambient lighting and a grand chandelier that sparkled above us like a thousand tiny stars. The waiter greeted us with a smile, clearly recognizing Sofiana, and escorted us to a private table near a large window overlooking the city skyline.

Sofiana had chosen the restaurant, of course. She always seemed to know the best places, those hidden gems that were both intimate and indulgent. And as we sat down, I couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement in my chest. I was dressed up, more than I usually was, in black slacks and a white button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up to my elbows that Sofiana had picked out for me. She was dressed impeccably as always, her dark hair perfectly styled, and her eyes twinkled with something I couldn't quite place.

She reached across the table to take my hand, her fingers warm and comforting as they intertwined with mine. "You look stunning tonight, darling," she said softly, her voice sending a shiver down my spine.

I blushed, glancing down at our joined hands. "You always say that."

"Because it's always true," she replied, squeezing my hand gently. "And tonight, I'm going to spoil you a little bit. You deserve it."

I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through my chest at her words. I wasn't used to being spoiled, not like this. But with Sofiana, it felt... right. She had a way of making me feel special, of making me feel like I was the only person in the world that mattered.

The waiter arrived to take our drink orders, and Sofiana ordered a bottle of expensive red wine that I couldn't even pronounce the name of. I felt a little out of place, like I didn't quite belong in such a fancy setting, but Sofiana's presence grounded me. She made me feel like I belonged anywhere she was.

As the waiter poured our wine, I took a sip, savoring the rich flavor. I could feel Sofiana's eyes on me, watching me with that intense gaze of hers that always made me feel like she could see right through me. It was comforting, in a way, to know that she saw me, really saw me, and still wanted to be with me.

"So," Sofiana began, her tone light but curious, "how was your day, darling?"

I hesitated for a moment, thinking back to the chaos of the morning. I hadn't told her yet about Eleanor, about the bombshell that had been dropped in my lap just hours ago. And now, sitting here in this beautiful restaurant with Sofiana, it felt almost surreal to bring it up. But I knew I couldn't keep it from her, I wanted to share everything with her, even the tough stuff.

"Well," I started, taking another sip of wine to steady myself, "it was... eventful, to say the least."

Sofiana raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Eventful? Do tell."

I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before speaking. "Eleanor... she's pregnant."

Sofiana didn't look shocked at the news, which surprised me. She simply nodded, as if she had already known, or at least suspected it. "I see," she said calmly. "How are you feeling about that?"

I sighed, leaning back in my chair. "I don't know, honestly. It's just... a lot to process. I mean, she's eighteen. I never expected something like this to happen, especially not now."

Sofiana nodded again, her expression thoughtful. "It's understandable. That's a huge change, for both her and your family."

"Yeah," I murmured, staring down at the tablecloth. "And to be honest... I don't really like Jacob, her boyfriend. He's kind of an asshole."

Sofiana chuckled softly, her laughter warm and genuine. "You're protective of your sister even if you guys don't have the best of a sibling relationship. But that's still a good thing."

I smiled weakly, feeling a bit more at ease. "I just want what's best for her, you know? Even though like you said we don't have a good relationship. And I'm not sure Jacob is it."

"I understand," Sofiana said gently. "But ultimately, it's Eleanor's decision. All you can do is support her, even if you don't agree with her choices."

I nodded, knowing she was right, but still feeling that nagging worry in the back of my mind. "I just hope everything works out for her."

"It will," Sofiana reassured me, her voice full of quiet confidence. "And she's lucky to have a sister like you looking out for her."

I looked up at her, my heart swelling with affection. There was so much I wanted to say to her, so much I felt bubbling up inside me, but the words caught in my throat. I wanted to tell her how much she meant to me, how grateful I was to have her in my life. I wanted to tell her those three little words that had been on the tip of my tongue for days now, but I was scared. Scared of what it would mean, scared of how she might react.

Instead, I just smiled at her, squeezing her hand a little tighter. "Thank you," I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper. "For everything."

Sofiana smiled back, her eyes shining with something that made my heart skip a beat. "Always, darling," she replied, her voice tender. "I'm always here for you."

The rest of the dinner passed in a blur of delicious food and soft conversation. Sofiana continued to spoil me, ordering dish after dish of exquisite cuisine that made my taste buds dance. We talked about everything and nothing, the way we always did, our conversation flowing effortlessly as the night wore on.

But all the while, those three little words lingered at the back of my mind, waiting for the right moment. I wanted to say them, I wanted to let her know how I felt, but every time I opened my mouth, the words just wouldn't come out.

By the time we finished dessert, I was both full and content, but also a little frustrated with myself. I couldn't believe I'd chickened out again. But Sofiana, as always, seemed to sense my inner turmoil. As we left the restaurant, she wrapped her arm around my waist, pulling me close as we walked through the city streets.

"You've been quiet," she murmured, her lips brushing against my ear. "Is everything okay?"

I looked up at her, my heart pounding in my chest. "Yeah, everything's fine," I lied, forcing a smile. "Just... a lot on my mind."

Sofiana studied me for a moment, her eyes searching mine. "Whenever you're ready to talk, I'm here," she said softly.

I nodded, grateful for her understanding. "I know. Thank you."

We walked in comfortable silence the rest of the way, my mind racing with thoughts of what I wanted to say. But as much as I wanted to tell her, I knew I wasn't ready. Not yet. I needed a little more time, a little more courage.

But as we arrived at her penthouse and she pulled me into a tender kiss goodnight, I knew that, when the time was right, I would tell her. Because I was falling in love with Sofiana, and I wanted her to know just how much she meant to me.

For now, though, I was content to just be with her, to enjoy the quiet moments and the warmth of her embrace. And as I fell asleep that night, with the memory of her smile lingering in my mind, I knew that everything would be okay. We had time, and when the moment came, I would finally say those three little words.

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~ R