A Love To Die For

CHAPTER 7: Collaborate 🤝🏻

Sophia arrived at the grand conference room, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor. The meeting was a highly anticipated event, as she and Aaron were about to present their individual pitches to secure a major project for their respective real estate companies. It was a high-stakes competition, and neither of them was planning to back down.

As she entered the room, she spotted Aaron across the table, cool and collected, his signature smirk playing on his lips. He greeted her with a teasing, "Ready to lose, Kane?"

Sophia narrowed her eyes, her voice cold and steady. "In your dreams, Norton."

The tension between them was palpable, a mix of professional rivalry and unresolved personal history. They had once been close, but after everything that happened between them, especially during their high school days, they now stood as fierce competitors.

The meeting began, and both Aaron and Sophia presented their proposals. Sophia's pitch was polished and professional, filled with innovative ideas and strategic insights. Aaron's was equally impressive, exuding his trademark charm and persuasive confidence. The board members listened intently, clearly torn between the two compelling options.

After what felt like an eternity, the decision was announced.

"Aaron Norton has won the project," the head of the board declared, his voice final.

Sophia's heart sank. She had been so sure of her pitch, so confident that this would be her moment. She glanced at Aaron, expecting to see smug satisfaction in his eyes, but to her surprise, he wasn't gloating. Instead, he gave her a look that was almost... apologetic.

Before she could process her feelings, the head of the board spoke again. "However, after further consideration, we've decided that both Norton & Co. and Kane Real Estate will need to collaborate on this project. It's too big for either of you to handle alone. You'll be working together."

Sophia's breath caught in her throat. "Together?" She echoed, disbelief clear in her voice.

Aaron raised an eyebrow, seemingly just as surprised. "Well, this is... unexpected."

The board members continued to explain how they believed that both companies' expertise and resources would complement each other, and the collaboration would ensure the success of the project. Neither Aaron nor Sophia could object—this was an opportunity neither could afford to lose.

Once the meeting concluded, and the board members began to disperse, Sophia grabbed her belongings, her mind racing. She had to work with Aaron. The thought was both infuriating and confusing. How could they possibly work together after everything?

As she reached the door, Aaron fell into step beside her, his voice soft but teasing. "Looks like we're stuck with each other, Kane."

Sophia shot him a glare. "Don't get too comfortable, Norton. I won't let you ruin this project for me."

Aaron chuckled. "Oh, I wouldn't dream of it. But who knows? Maybe we'll make a good team."

Sophia rolled her eyes. "Doubtful."

As they walked out of the building, the weight of their new partnership settled between them. Neither knew what the future held, but one thing was certain—it was going to be an interesting ride.

After few days

It had been a few days since Aaron and Sophia started working together, and tensions were already rising. The project, though massive in scope, forced them into close proximity, testing their patience and stirring up old emotions. The lines between professionalism and personal history blurred quickly.

On this particular day, Sophia was focused on reviewing the architectural plans, her attention fully on the project. Aaron, however, was in a teasing mood. He leaned casually against the table, his tone light but mischievous.

"You know," he began, "if I didn't know better, I'd say you're ignoring me."

Sophia barely looked up, her voice cool. "I'm working, Aaron. Something you should try."

Aaron smirked, undeterred by her icy demeanor. "I could help if you let me. Or we could take a break. You know, go somewhere fun. I'm good company when I want to be."

Sophia gave him a withering look. "If you're trying to impress me, Norton, you're wasting your time. My standards are too high for you to reach."

That hit a nerve. Aaron's smirk faltered, and something darker flickered in his eyes. His voice turned sharp as he replied, "Oh, I know your standards. You set them for someone who wasn't exactly... stable." He stopped himself from mentioning Jake's name directly, but the implication hung in the air.

Sophia's eyes narrowed, her jaw tightening. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"You know exactly what I mean," Aaron shot back, his voice laced with frustration. "You set your standards for a playboy, someone who—" He stopped, realizing he was about to cross a line. But the damage was done.

Sophia's anger flared instantly. She stood up from her chair, glaring at him, her fists clenched at her sides. "Don't you dare act like you know anything about my choices! You have no right to judge me or my past, Aaron."

Aaron stepped closer, his frustration evident. "I'm not judging. I'm just pointing out that maybe your 'high standards' aren't as high as you think."

Her face flushed with anger, Sophia's hands trembled. Without thinking, she lashed out, her fist connecting with Aaron's chest in a hard punch. The impact stunned him, and he staggered back, eyes wide with shock.

"I hate you," Sophia hissed, her voice cracking as tears welled up in her eyes. She turned on her heel and stormed out of the office, leaving Aaron standing there, clutching his chest, speechless.

He watched her go, the weight of his words sinking in. He hadn't meant to hurt her like that, but something about Sophia always made him lose control. His heart ached as he realized just how deeply he had wounded her.

The next day, Aaron wrestled with himself. He didn't want to apologize. He knew he was right in some way, but he couldn't deny that he had pushed too far. And more importantly, he needed Sophia's cooperation for the project to succeed. He picked up his phone, took a deep breath, and dialed her number.

Sophia answered after a few rings, her voice cold and distant. "What do you want, Aaron?"

He swallowed his pride, forcing the words out. "I'm calling to say... I'm sorry. For yesterday."

There was a long pause on the other end of the line, and Aaron could almost hear the tension in her silence.

"Really?" she finally said, her tone skeptical. "You're sorry?"

"Yes," Aaron said, though the words tasted bitter. "I shouldn't have said what I did. I crossed a line, and I'm sorry. I... need your cooperation, and we can't do this project if we're at each other's throats."

Sophia remained silent for a moment longer, and when she finally spoke, her voice was softer but still guarded. "I don't need an apology just because you need me for this project, Aaron. I need respect."

Aaron winced, knowing she was right. "You're right. I'll do better. Just... can we move past this?"

Another pause. Then, finally, Sophia sighed. "Fine. Let's get back to work."

But even as they agreed to move forward, the rift between them remained, deeper and more fragile than ever.

How was it guys! I was very confused about how they will meet again. Hope you liked this chapter. Next few chapters are amazing, look forward to it. I love you all Bieeee💖