𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝑰𝒏 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 29

It's been almost two weeks since Sophia left for Greece, and the house feels emptier than I ever imagined it would. I knew I'd miss her, but I didn't realize just how much her presence filled every corner of my life.

The first morning was strange. Normally, I'd hear her humming softly from the kitchen or feel the warmth of her good morning kiss before I even opened my eyes. But this morning, there was just silence. I went through the motions-made coffee, checked my emails, tried to focus on work-but there was this constant hum of unease, like something was missing. Of course, I knew exactly what it was.

The first event I had to attend without her was a charity gala. We were supposed to go together, but now it was just me. I could've skipped it, but I knew that wouldn't sit well. So, I put on my best suit, plastered on a smile, and walked into the ballroom alone. As soon as I stepped in, I felt it-the absence. She always made these events easier, turning awkward small talk into genuine conversations and making connections in a way that felt effortless. Without her, I was just going through the motions. People came up to chat, and I nodded along, but the whole time, my mind was elsewhere, wondering what she was doing in Greece.

Then there was the business dinner a few days later. Normally, Sophia would've been there to help guide the conversation, smoothly transitioning from small talk to business without missing a beat. But with her gone, I had to step up. I managed to hold my own, but it wasn't the same. I felt like I was just ticking off boxes, keeping up appearances.

Meanwhile, Sophia's been busy in Greece. She texts me every day-little snapshots of her life there. She's been helping Chloé open her boutique, and I can hear the excitement in her messages. It's good to know she's doing something she loves, but every time I see her name light up my phone, I'm reminded of how much I miss her here.

The nights are the hardest. I'll get into bed and instinctively reach out for her, only to find empty sheets. It's a small thing, but it hits hard. I've realized how much I depend on her presence, the way she balances everything so naturally. Without her, I feel... off-balance, like I'm missing a part of myself.

I keep thinking about the moment she'll come back, about how different everything will feel once she walks through the door again. These two weeks have felt long, but I know they'll make me appreciate her even more when she returns.

~~ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆ ~~

The sound of the door unlocking brought me out of my thoughts. I hadn't heard that sound in what felt like forever, but it was unmistakable. I froze for a second, almost like I was dreaming of it. Then I heard the familiar rustle of her keys, the soft thud of her bag hitting the floor.

I practically flew to the door, but when I saw her, I stopped. Sophia stood there, framed by the late afternoon light, her suitcase at her feet, her hair a bit windblown from the trip. She looked tired, but there was something about the way she smiled at me-like she'd never really left, like everything was right again.

"Hey," she said, her voice soft and warm, and suddenly, I felt a knot in my chest loosen.

I didn't say anything at first. Instead, I just walked over and pulled her into my arms, breathing her in. The familiar scent of her perfume, the way she fit so perfectly against me-it all came rushing back. Two weeks apart, I felt like an eternity, and I hadn't realized just how much I'd missed her until that moment.

"I missed you," I finally whispered, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. It wasn't enough, though. I needed to see her face, to make sure she was really here.

Sophia pulled back slightly, looking up at me with that knowing smile. "Missed you too. Greece was beautiful, but... there's nothing like being home."

I could see the tiredness in her eyes, but also relief, like she'd been waiting for this moment just as much as I had. She kicked off her shoes and sighed in contentment. "You're not going to believe how hectic things were over there."

"Oh, I believe it," I replied, but my focus was entirely on her. "I want to hear everything... but first, come here." I pulled her back into my arms, tighter this time, as if holding her could make up for every second she'd been gone.

We spent the evening catching up-her telling me about Chloé's boutique and the last-minute chaos before the opening, me filling her in on the mundane details of my last two weeks. But the conversation flowed naturally, like no time had passed at all.

As we sat on the couch later that night, her head resting on my shoulder, I realized how different the house felt with her here. It wasn't just about filling the silence; it was about the way she brought life to everything. The space felt warmer, lighter, like the energy had shifted now that she was back.

When she finally drifted off to sleep, her hand still curled in mine, I looked down at her, and that familiar peace washed over me. The chaos of the past two weeks melted away, and all that mattered was that she was here, right where she belonged.

"Hello," I answered my phone, my gaze solely focused on Sophia. "Young Master. There is to be a family dinner tomorrow evening," I heard Andrea on the other side. "Matser Vasilios requires every one of you to attend."

"Of course. We will be there," I pushed the curls away from her eyes. "Splendid. Young Master," he ended the call.

Family dinner. What is the worst that could happen.