Sophie's Life

Chapter 52: The Hangover

*Next Morning at a Brunch hosted by the one and only Jules*  

---

The group brunch was already in full swing when I arrived, fashionably late, of course. Jules, ever the social glue, was seated at the head of the table, laughing at something Alan had said. Aiden was beside Allie, feeding her bites of his French toast while Sasha and Nathan playfully argued over who got the last mimosa.  

And then there were James and Daniel. They were deep in conversation at the far end of the table, their easy camaraderie a stark contrast to the tension I'd felt around them last night.  

I slid into a seat between Jules and Sasha, trying not to look at either of them.  

"Morning, sunshine," Jules teased, nudging me with her shoulder. "You missed James's grand entrance."  

"I'm sure it was just as spectacular as his AI scandal," I muttered, grabbing a menu.  

Sasha snorted. "He's not even denying it. Just enjoying the chaos."  

"Of course he is," I said, stealing a glance at him. He caught my eye and smirked, raising his coffee in a mock toast.  

-

"Why do you always show up late to these things?" James asked, appearing beside me as the group dispersed to explore the buffet.  

"Why do you always make everything about you?" I shot back, keeping my tone light but my walls firmly up.  

"It's a gift," he replied with a grin. Then, more seriously, "You good after last night?"  

"I'm fine," I said, though my voice lacked conviction.  

Before he could press further, Daniel joined us, clapping James on the back. "She survived your antics, didn't she?"  

James rolled his eyes. "As if I'm the one causing drama."  

I sighed. "Can you two not?"  

---

Back at the table, Jules was mid-speech, holding the group's attention like the seasoned diplomat she was.  

"Alright, listen up. Alan's birthday is next week, and I refuse to let it be a casual dinner. This is a milestone, people. We're going all out—rooftop party, live music, the works."  

"Rooftop?" Nathan asked, raising an eyebrow. "Planning on dropping Alan off like Batman?"  

"Oh, shut up," Jules said with a grin. "The point is, James and I have been planning this for weeks."  

"You've been working with James?" Sasha asked, surprised.  

"Of course. Unlike the rest of you, I actually maintain friendships," Jules said, clearly pleased with herself.  

"Friendships," Nathan echoed. "Or a secret alliance with Daniel and James?"  

Jules shrugged. "Same thing."  

---

Fast forward to Alan's birthday. The rooftop venue was breathtaking, with twinkling fairy lights, a live jazz band, and a view of the city that could make anyone pause.  

I had avoided both Daniel and James all evening, content to stay in the orbit of Sasha and Nathan. But, as luck would have it, James cornered me on the balcony.  

"You've been avoiding me," he said, leaning casually against the railing.  

"I've been busy," I replied, taking a sip of my drink.  

"Sure," he said, his tone skeptical. "Or maybe you're mad at me for the AI scandal."  

I rolled my eyes. "Don't flatter yourself."  

"I never have to," he shot back, his grin infuriatingly charming.  

Before I could retort, Daniel joined us, holding two glasses of champagne. "Interrupting something?" he asked, handing me one.  

"Just James being James," I said, thankful for the distraction.  

"Shocking," Daniel said dryly.  

--

Later that night, as Jules gave a heartfelt toast to Alan, the group seemed to find its rhythm again. It was a rare moment of unity, and even the lingering tension between me, James, and Daniel faded into the background.  

But of course, it couldn't last.  

"Jules, where's Alan?" Nathan asked, noticing the guest of honor's absence.  

"Probably with James," she said, winking.  

When Alan finally appeared, dragging James by the arm, everyone froze. The two of them were laughing, but their sudden closeness was... suspicious.  

"Care to explain?" Sasha asked, arching an eyebrow.  

Alan grinned. "James and I were planning a surprise for Jules this whole time. She's been organizing everything for us, and we wanted to thank her."  

"You're all impossible," Jules said, pretending to be annoyed, the night went by humorously and Sophie ended up avoiding James and Daniel at all costs, Maybe it was the AI photo or The 6 years ago Ayla drama or The Mia drama but who knows what will happen was the ai photo even Ai?...