Sophie's Life

Chapter 54: The Encounter

Months had passen by my health gradually became better but the tension remained between me, James and Daniel, My mom's death had made a wound but my friends and my dad were right next to me when I needed them the most.

It was the night of a gala, dazzling lights and a crowded ballroom, I was wearing a beige skintight flowy and silky gown that ended right next to my heels, I had Riley and Aaron there to accompany me, I missed them bad, they were usually busy with their buisness and married life but today, it was different it was like we were teens all over again

"Hey, lovebirds"

"Hi, mon amour" Riley says beaming with a smile , I see the 3 months of France had given her some fresh new words

"Hey, Ms.Sophie, how can I help you" Aaron joins mocking my British accent 

"Uh- My accent is flawless unlike yours!" I say with a laugh, just then Aaron is pulled onto the ball floor for a dance with Riley.

As the gala buzzed with chatter and laughter, I was scanning the room, trying to ground myself in the vibrant atmosphere, when my eyes landed on James. He had just walked in, looking effortlessly perfect in a tailored black suit. His tie was meticulously done, his expression stoic as always, but what caught everyone's attention wasn't him—it was the stunning woman on his arm.

She was the kind of beauty that made people stop mid-sentence. A supermodel, I guessed, with her impossibly long legs and a sleek red gown that fit her like a glove. The crowd parted as they walked in, whispers trailing them like shadows. James didn't smile, didn't acknowledge the looks—he just moved through the room like he belonged above it all.

For a moment, our eyes met, and my breath caught. His gaze was unreadable, cold almost, but then he nodded, a subtle acknowledgment that made my heart twist. I quickly looked away, only to hear a familiar voice behind me.

"Well, if it isn't the belle of the ball," Daniel said, grinning ear to ear as he approached. He was alone, as usual, but his energy was magnetic, drawing people toward him without effort. His navy suit was slightly wrinkled, as if he'd thrown it on in a rush, but on him, it somehow worked.

"Daniel," I said, managing a small smile. "You're late."

"I make my entrances when they matter," he quipped, flashing his signature grin. "And judging by the look on your face, I arrived just in time."

I shook my head, but before I could respond, Daniel glanced toward James and his supermodel date. His eyebrows shot up in amusement. "Well, someone's trying a little too hard, don't you think?"

"Don't start," I warned, but Daniel was already chuckling.

"What? I'm just saying, Soph. He looks like he'd rather be anywhere else."

I didn't reply. Instead, I watched as James moved through the crowd, his date clinging to his arm like she was the only thing tethering him to the room. But his eyes kept drifting, scanning the crowd until they landed on me again.

"Go talk to him," Daniel said suddenly, nudging me lightly.

"What? No," I said quickly. "I don't think—"

"Hey, you'll regret it if you don't. Plus, I'll be right here if he says anything stupid." Daniel winked and stepped back, giving me a gentle push toward James.

Reluctantly, I crossed the room, my heart pounding in my chest. James noticed me immediately, his expression softening just enough to remind me of the boy I used to know. The supermodel excused herself, probably sensing the tension, and suddenly it was just us.

"Sophie," he said, his voice low and measured. "You look... nice."

"Nice?" I echoed, raising an eyebrow. "Not exactly the word every girl wants to hear."

His lips quirked into the faintest of smiles before his usual cold demeanor returned. "You know what I mean."

I nodded, trying to ignore the way my heart skipped a beat. "You're quiet tonight. Everything okay?"

He shrugged, his eyes flicking to the floor for a moment. "Gala events aren't exactly my thing."

"Could've fooled me," I said, gesturing subtly toward his date. "You seem to fit right in."

"She's... someone my manager suggested I bring," he admitted, his tone dismissive. "It's not serious."

Something about the way he said it made my chest tighten. Before I could dwell on it, Daniel reappeared, a glass of champagne in each hand. "Sorry to interrupt," he said brightly, handing me a glass. "But I figured you could use a rescue."

James's jaw tightened, but he didn't say anything as Daniel slid seamlessly into the conversation. "So, James," Daniel said, his tone light but pointed, "you planning to stick around, or is this just a cameo appearance?"

James's eyes narrowed slightly. "I'll stay as long as I'm needed."

"Good," Daniel said, flashing a grin. "Because Sophie's been through enough this year without people walking in and out of her life."

The tension between them crackled like static, but I quickly stepped in. "Daniel," I said sharply, shooting him a warning look.

"What? Just making sure we're all on the same page." He raised his hands in mock surrender, but the playful glint in his eyes told me he wasn't backing down anytime soon.

James's gaze lingered on me for a moment longer before he nodded curtly. "I'll see you later, Sophie."

And just like that, he was gone, his date quickly rejoining him as they disappeared into the crowd. I exhaled a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding, turning to Daniel.

"Was that really necessary?" I asked.

Daniel shrugged, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Maybe not. But it was fun."

Despite myself, I couldn't help but laugh. "You're impossible."

"And I am your friend for it," he said with a wink, looping his arm through mine. "Now, come on. Let's give this room a dance lesson."