Sophie's Life

Chapter 48: A Long Time After

Third person POV

### Six Years Later  

The sound of heels clicking against polished marble echoed as Sophie walked into the private lounge of one of Aaron and Riley's newest ventures—a luxury airline exclusive to high-profile clients. The space was a picture of understated opulence: muted gold accents, soft leather chairs, and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city skyline.  

She had barely taken a seat when Riley entered, her signature grin as radiant as ever. Dressed in a tailored navy jumpsuit, she exuded the kind of confidence that only years of success could bring.  

"Sophie Warner," Riley said with a laugh, pulling her into a warm hug. "Still making the rest of us look underdressed, I see."  

Sophie returned the embrace, her lips curling into a smile. "Says the co-founder of the world's most exclusive airline."  

Before they could say more, Aaron strolled in, his presence as commanding as ever. "Well, if it isn't the icon herself," he teased, holding out a glass of champagne. "Sophie, you've got to stop outshining us. It's bad for our brand."  

Sophie rolled her eyes, accepting the drink. "As if anyone could outshine the power duo of aviation."  

---

Half an hour later, Sophie spotted Jules and Alan arriving together. If someone had told her six years ago that they'd end up as a couple, she wouldn't have believed it. Yet, as they walked in, hand in hand, there was an undeniable ease between them—a sense of partnership that seemed unshakable.  

Jules had transformed into a global sensation, her clothing line a favorite among celebrities and her music topping charts. Tonight, she wore one of her own designs, a sleek, shimmering dress that caught the light with every step. Alan, ever the entrepreneur, was the picture of sophistication in a tailored suit, his watch glinting subtly under the lights.  

"Look who it is," Jules called out, her voice teasing. "Miss Supermodel-slash-business-mogul herself."  

Sophie laughed, standing to greet them. "And look who's finally decided to take a night off from conquering the world."  

Alan smirked, his arm still around Jules. "We're only here because Riley promised free drinks. And maybe because we missed seeing you."  

"Only maybe?" Sophie shot back, raising a brow.  

"Definitely," Jules interjected with a wink.  

---

The four of them settled into a corner booth, the conversation flowing as easily as the champagne.  

"So," Sophie began, looking at Riley and Aaron, "what's next for your empire? Private space travel?"  

Aaron chuckled. "Don't tempt us. For now, we're focusing on expanding our luxury routes. But who knows? Give us a couple of years."  

"And you, Sophie?" Jules asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Still balancing the modeling gigs with running a business?"  

Sophie nodded. "It's hectic, but I wouldn't have it any other way. The agency is doing well, and modeling is still a passion of mine. Keeps me on my toes."  

Alan leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "You've always been good at juggling a million things at once. It's impressive."  

"Coming from you, that's high praise," Sophie said, her tone warm. "You've built a literal empire, Alan. How does it feel to be one of the youngest self-made millionaires in the world?"  

Alan shrugged modestly, though a small smile played at his lips. "Busy. But worth it."  

"And Jules," Sophie added, turning to her, "your latest album is everywhere. I swear, I can't scroll through social media without hearing one of your songs."  

"World domination through music," Jules quipped, lifting her glass in a mock toast. "One catchy tune at a time."  

---

As the night wore on, the conversation shifted to more personal topics—memories of their old group, though no one lingered too long on what had been lost.  

"I ran into Ayla at an event a few months ago," Jules mentioned casually. "She's as dramatic as ever, but I have to admit, her acting chops are incredible. And her makeup line? Insanely successful."  

Aaron smirked. "Last I heard, James was allegedly dating a supermodel. Can't say I'm surprised. The guy always had a flair for theatrics."  

"And Mia?" Sophie asked, her voice curious but not overly invested.  

"Still doing her influencer thing," Riley answered. "She's also taking over her family's fashion business. We crossed paths at a gala last year. She seemed... content."  

Sophie nodded, a faint smile on her lips. "Good for her."  

Alan, who had been quiet for a moment, spoke up. "It's strange, isn't it? How everyone ended up exactly where they were meant to be. Even if the road to get there wasn't easy."  

Jules squeezed his hand, her expression softening. "Maybe that's just life. We grow, we change, and sometimes we grow apart. But we still carry pieces of each other with us."  

---

As the evening wound down, the four of them stepped out onto the terrace, the city lights twinkling below. For a moment, they simply stood there, soaking in the view and the weight of all they had achieved.  

Sophie turned to Riley, Aaron, Jules, and Alan, her heart full despite the bittersweet tinge of nostalgia. "I'm glad we did this. It's good to see you all."  

"Let's not make it another six years," Riley said, pulling her into one last hug.  

"Agreed," Alan added, his voice steady. "Some things are worth holding onto."  

As they parted ways, Sophie felt a sense of peace. Life had changed them all, but in this moment, she was reminded of the bonds they'd once shared—and the resilience it had taken to become who they were now.