Sophie's Life

Chapter 58: The Leave

The rain was relentless, drenching us both, but neither of us moved. James's forehead rested against mine, his breath mingling with mine as the world faded away. It was just him, me, and the echo of that kiss.  

"I meant it, Sophie," James whispered, his voice raw. "Every word."  

I pulled back slightly, just enough to look into his eyes, which reflected the golden bridge lights and a depth of emotion that left me breathless.  

"I don't know what to say," I admitted, my voice shaky.  

James's hand slid from my cheek, but his gaze didn't waver. "You don't have to say anything now. Just... think about it."  

I nodded faintly, my heart racing, the rose trembling in my hand. But before I could respond, my phone buzzed in my bag, cutting through the moment.  

James sighed, stepping back. "Go ahead."  

I fumbled for the phone, glancing at the screen. It was a message from Aiden:  

Urgent. Meet us at the lobby. It's about Daniel.

My stomach sank, the weight of the message dragging me back to reality.  

"I have to go," I said, my voice tinged with urgency.  

James nodded, his expression clouded with concern. "Is everything okay?"  

"I don't know," I replied honestly, already moving. "I'll... I'll see you later."  

---

By the time I reached the lobby, Aiden was pacing, his usually calm demeanor replaced by restless energy. Sasha and Alan stood nearby, their expressions equally tense.  

"What's going on?" I asked, catching my breath.  

"It's Daniel," Aiden said, stopping in his tracks. "He's leaving."  

"Leaving?" The word felt foreign, like it didn't belong in the same sentence as Daniel.  

Sasha stepped forward, her voice softer. "His family's company is expanding overseas. He's taking over their European division. He leaves next week."  

My heart sank further. Daniel had always talked about the family business, but I hadn't imagined it would pull him away so soon—or so completely.  

"And he didn't tell us?" I asked, my voice cracking.  

"He didn't want to make it harder," Alan said, crossing his arms. "He thought a clean break would be easier."  

"That's ridiculous," I snapped, anger bubbling up. "We're his friends. He can't just—"  

"Sophie." A voice behind me cut through my frustration, quiet but firm.  

I turned to see Daniel standing in the doorway, his usual easy smile replaced with something bittersweet.  

"Can we talk?" he asked, his gaze meeting mine.  

I hesitated, then nodded, following him outside. The rain had stopped, but the air was still cool, carrying the faint scent of wet earth.  

"Why didn't you tell me?" I demanded as soon as we were alone.  

Daniel sighed, running a hand through his damp hair. "Because I knew you'd try to talk me out of it. And I can't stay, Sophie. This is my chance to prove myself, to show I can do more than just follow in my dad's footsteps. I need this."  

I stared at him, my heart twisting. "But what about us? What about everything we've built here?"  

"I'll miss it," he said, his voice soft. "I'll miss all of you. But this... this is bigger than me."  

The words stung, but deep down, I knew he was right. Daniel had always been ambitious, always chasing something more.  

"When do you leave?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.  

"Next Friday," he replied.  

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. "Then you owe us all a proper goodbye."  

His lips curved into a small, grateful smile. "I wouldn't dream of leaving without it."  

As Daniel walked away, I felt a strange mix of emotions—pride, sadness, and a flicker of understanding.  

And as I turned back toward the bridge, I realized something else: the world kept moving, and so would we.  

---  

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