Sophie's Life

Chapter 56: The Rose ; )

Later, after Nathan left me alone with my thoughts, I decided to head back inside. The terrace was peaceful, but my mind was anything but. As I moved through the thinning crowd, something caught my eye. A folded piece of paper sat on the edge of the drink tray I'd left on a nearby table earlier.  

Frowning, I picked it up. Was this mine? I was about to crumple it and toss it into the nearest bin when Sasha's voice rang out.  

"Wait! Don't throw that!" she called, hurrying toward me.  

I blinked, startled. "What? It's probably just trash"

"No, wait I see some writing on it!" Sasha practically shouts,

My heart skipped a beat as I unfolded the note, my eyes scanned it as I read the words,

Meet me at the bridge outside.

My breath hitched. The bridge? Of course. The gala venue overlooked a small, picturesque bridge illuminated by soft, golden lights. It was the perfect mix of romantic and secluded—a place you'd go if you didn't want the weight of a crowd.  

Sasha didn't say anything else, but the look in her eyes spoke volumes. My fingers tightened around the note as I hesitated. Part of me wanted to stay where it was safe, surrounded by the familiar chaos of my friends. But another part—the part that knew I'd regret it if I didn't—urged me toward the door.  

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The cool night air nipped at my skin as I stepped onto the bridge, my heels clicking softly against the wooden planks. At first, I didn't see him. The bridge was empty, silent except for the faint rustle of leaves in the breeze.  

And then, there he was.  

James stood near the center of the bridge, his silhouette sharp against the golden light of the streetlamps. In his hand, he held a single rose—red and vibrant against the muted tones of the night.  

For a moment, I froze, my heart hammering in my chest. He turned at the sound of my approach, his eyes meeting mine with an intensity that made it hard to breathe.  

"Sophie," he said softly, his voice carrying over the quiet.  

I stopped a few steps away, unable to move closer. "James... what is this?"  

He exhaled, his free hand sliding into his pocket as he stepped toward me. "I didn't want to make a scene inside. I just... I needed to talk to you. Alone."  

The rose trembled slightly in his hand, and I realized with a start that he was nervous. James, the boy who was always so composed, so unreadable, was standing here looking more vulnerable than I'd ever seen him.  

I looked at the rose, then back at him, my throat tight. "You could've just—"  

"Sent a text?" he interrupted, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "I didn't think that would be enough. Not for this."  

"For what?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.  

James took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving mine. "For telling you how I feel. About us. About... everything."  

The night seemed to hold its breath, the world shrinking until it was just the two of us on that bridge.  

And suddenly, I wasn't sure if I wanted Daniel to be the one of my life..