The Space Between

Chapter 36: A Plan

I stood outside Bianca’s dorm room, my jaw clenched and my mind set. This wasn’t just about some petty rivalry anymore. Watching Sophia waltz in and out of everyone’s lives, messing things up, choosing Matteo over Derek like Derek didn’t even matter—it pissed me off. Someone needed to take action, and that someone was going to be me. I knocked on the door sharply, already dialing Graham. “You better be on your way, and bring Tara,” I snapped into the phone. “I’ve got a plan.”

The door creaked open, and Bianca stood there, looking amused. “Well, look who’s finally on board,” she said, letting me in with a knowing smile. “We should’ve teamed up a long time ago, Ethan.”

I didn’t bother with small talk. This wasn’t about us getting along; this was about getting Sophia out of Matteo’s life for good. “Matteo’s mom doesn’t like Sophia,” I said, cutting straight to the chase. “I noticed it back when Matteo was injured. She was cold, barely acknowledged Sophia every time she came around.”

Bianca’s eyes sparkled with the thrill of it all. “Exactly! Matteo’s mom actually called me, told me I should sort things out with him. She wants me back in the picture as her daughter-in-law, not Sophia. So we’ve got her on our side, and Matteo’s dad isn’t a fan of Sophia either after hearing about all the drama with Derek.”

Graham and Tara walked in then, squeezing into the small room. They looked curious but wary, like they weren’t sure what to expect. I shot them a quick glance, making sure they were ready for what I was about to lay down. “We’ve already got Matteo’s parents on our side,” I continued. “That’s a huge advantage. They think Bianca’s the right one for him, and they’re looking for any excuse to push Sophia out.”

Tara folded her arms, looking between me and Bianca. “So what’s the plan? Just keep playing the parents?”

Bianca smirked, her confidence practically radiating off her. “No, we need to make a big move, something they can’t ignore. His parents are already convinced I’m the best choice for him, so why not push for a surprise engagement? Matteo promised Sophia he’d talk to his mom, but if we blindside them with an engagement, she’ll think Matteo never planned to clear things up with her.”

I nodded, liking where this was going. “Exactly. We hit them when they least expect it. Graham, you drop the news before it’s official—say you heard Matteo’s getting engaged to Bianca. Sophia won’t believe it at first, but once she sees it’s true, she’ll feel completely betrayed, like everyone was in on it except her.”

Graham’s face lit up as he got the idea. “And with Marcus and Emma busy with the tournament and their families, they won’t be around to clear things up. Sophia will be on her own, blindsided.”

Bianca clapped her hands together, looking victorious. “Perfect. Matteo’s parents will pressure him into it, and he’ll have no choice but to go along with the engagement. And Sophia will finally see that she can’t just waltz in and take what she wants. We’ve got this.”

I looked around at the group, feeling a surge of satisfaction. Finally, someone was doing something about Sophia. We were taking control, and Sophia wouldn’t even see it coming. With Matteo’s parents on our side, this was going to be easier than I’d hoped. She wanted to play games? Fine. But now, it was our turn, and she wasn’t going to like the rules.