The Bet & The Heart.

CHAPTER XV

The day of the gathering dawned bright and clear, a warm sun spilling golden light into Sofia's family home. The air buzzed with excitement as her parents prepared for the celebration of their daughter's return.

The living room, adorned with vibrant flowers and colorful streamers, exuded warmth and joy. But beneath the surface, Sofia felt a tight knot of unease tightening in her chest, a reminder of the unresolved emotions swirling within her.

As relatives and friends began to arrive, Sofia plastered on her best smile, greeting them with warmth and affection. "Welcome! I've missed you all!" she said, her voice brightening in an attempt to mask the turmoil brewing inside. Laughter echoed through the house, but her heart felt heavy as she thought of Syafiq, the unanswered questions lingering in her mind.

A burst of laughter drew her attention, and she turned to see a group of children racing toward her, their faces alight with excitement. "Sofia! Come play with us!" they chimed, their little hands tugging at her arms. She couldn't help but smile, the innocence of their joy temporarily washing away her worries.

"Alright, alright! What's the game?" she asked, kneeling to meet their eager eyes.

"Tag!" they shouted in unison, and soon she was swept away into their world of laughter and play. As they dashed around the yard, her heart warmed, if only for a moment. In the distance, she caught a glimpse of Nadhir standing at the side, watching her with a soft smile.

Admiration danced in his eyes as he envisioned a future filled with love and laughter, perhaps one day with children of their own.

After a while, Sofia's mom stepped outside to find Nadhir, a hint of concern crossing her face.

"Nadhir, have you seen Sofia?" she inquired, her gaze flicking toward the backyard.

He nodded his head and continued to watch Sofia play. "Yeah, she looks really happy with the kids,"

Her mom's brow relaxed as she smiled at the sight. "Oh, it's a shame that she's busy, I was hoping to borrow her digital camera to take some photos," she sighed.

Nadhir nodded, sensing an opportunity. "I can go get it from her room if you'd like."

"Would you? That would be wonderful!" she said, her gratitude evident. "It should be on her desk."

As Nadhir made his way upstairs, the laughter from the backyard faded into the background, leaving him in a cocoon of quiet anticipation. He reached Sofia's room, opening the door to a space filled with remnants of her life. Books lay scattered across the floor, colorful art supplies filled her desk, and photographs of cherished memories adorned the walls. Each item whispered stories of her vibrant spirit.

Approaching her desk, he began to search for the camera, feeling a mix of curiosity and longing as he rifled through her belongings. His heart raced as he imagined what it would be like to share moments like these with her—joyful, uncomplicated, and pure.

In his haste, he accidentally knocked over her bag, and the soft thud of something hitting the floor broke the silence. He glanced down, surprised to see a white envelope slip out, gliding across the hardwood like a silent plea.

Confusion washed over him as he picked up the envelope, the neat script of his name written on the front catching his breath. What is this? Nadhir's heart began to race, a mixture of anxiety and intrigue flooding his senses. He hesitated, his fingers trembling as he opened it, pulling out the letter inside.

As he began to read, the world around him faded. The words leaped off the page, revealing feelings and truths he never expected to uncover. Each line seemed to unravel the carefully woven threads of his heart, leaving him exposed and vulnerable.