The morning sun peeked through the curtains, illuminating the snow-covered grounds of the Lee estate. Sophia was already in the kitchen, tying her apron as she prepped ingredients for a special Boxing Day meal.
The aroma of traditional Nigerian spices filled the air, mingling with the warmth of the crackling fireplace in the dining room.
Ji-hyun wandered in first, still in her pajamas, her hair a fluffy mess. “Something smells amazing! What are you making, Sophia?”
“Jollof rice and suya,” Sophia replied with a grin, stirring the pot. “It’s a staple where I’m from. Spicy, smoky, and perfect for the cold.”
° Trust me na°
Ji-hyun leaned against the counter, watching in fascination. “I didn’t know you could cook like this!”
Sophia chuckled. “You haven’t seen anything yet. I used to help my mom cook for special occasions back in Nigeria.” A shadow passed over her face as she thought of her wicked Aunt Rachel and the life she’d left behind.
° This one na small something°
Ji-hyun noticed the shift and gently nudged her. “You’re amazing, you know that? Oppa’s lucky to have you here.”
Sophia laughed softly. “I think he’d disagree.”
“Don’t let him fool you,” Ji-hyun said with a wink. “He likes having you around more than he’ll admit.”
---
As Sophia plated the last of the dishes, she turned to find Mr. Lee standing in the doorway, impeccably dressed in a tailored black coat and scarf. He looked at her with an intensity that made her pause mid-step.
“You’re coming with me today,” he announced, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Sophia blinked. “What? Where?”
“Shopping,” he replied simply, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Her jaw dropped. “Shopping? With you? I don’t think—”
“Just go!” Ji-hyun chimed in, pushing Sophia toward the door.
“It’s Boxing Day. He’s paying, so you might as well enjoy it.”
“But—” Sophia started, only for Ji-hyun to give her a sly smile.
“Oppa doesn’t do anything without a reason. If he’s taking you shopping, trust me, it’s a big deal.”
Still hesitant, Sophia untied her apron. “Fine, but this doesn’t mean I’m going overboard.”
Mr. Lee’s lips curved into a faint smirk. “We’ll see.”
---
The car ride to the city was quiet but charged, the air between them filled with unspoken words.
When they arrived at the luxury mall, Sophia hesitated, overwhelmed by the sheer opulence of the place.
“I can’t afford anything here,” she murmured as they entered.
“I didn’t ask you to pay,” Mr. Lee said, his hand lightly grazing the small of her back to guide her inside.
At one boutique, he gestured toward the racks of designer coats and dresses. “Choose something.”
“I don’t need—”
“Sophia,” he interrupted, his tone firm yet teasing. “Didn’t I tell you to call me Lucius? And didn’t I also say I’d handle everything today?”
She flushed at the sound of his name, its weight still unfamiliar on her tongue. “Lucius, I appreciate it, but—”
“No buts,” Ji-hyun’s voice echoed in her mind. With a sigh, Sophia allowed herself to browse, choosing a simple yet elegant dress.
The sales assistant wrapped it up quickly, and Mr. Lee handed over his card without blinking.
---
When they passed a luxury spa, Mr. Lee stopped.
“You’ve been working hard. It’s time you relaxed.”
Sophia raised an eyebrow. “You’re sending me to a spa?”
“No, I’m taking you to a spa,” he corrected, pushing the door open.
For the first time in her life, Sophia experienced the indulgence of a manicure, pedicure, and even a relaxing massage.
She tried to protest, but Mr. Lee’s unwavering expression silenced her.
As they sat side by side during the treatments, she glanced at him, marveling at how out of place he looked in such a serene setting.
Yet, his eyes were softer than usual, almost as if he was enjoying watching her relax.
“Why are you doing all this?” she finally asked, her voice quiet.
He tilted his head, his dark eyes meeting hers. “Do I need a reason?”
“Yes,” she said firmly.
He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a murmur. “Maybe I just wanted to see you smile.”
Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly looked away, unsure how to respond.
---
Later, as they sat in a cozy café, sipping hot chocolate, Sophia finally brought up the topic that had been weighing on her mind.
“Lucius, about our agreement…”
He arched an eyebrow, his attention fully on her.
“I haven’t forgotten,” she continued. “You said you’d help me go back to school so I can pursue being a veterinarian. I’m grateful for everything you’ve done, but I can’t lose sight of that.”
For a moment, his expression was unreadable. Then, he set down his cup and leaned forward. “Do you think I’ve forgotten?”
“I don’t know,” she admitted.
He reached out, brushing a stray curl from her face. The gesture was so intimate that it made her breath catch. “I don’t break my promises, Sophia. You’ll have your dream.”
His voice held a quiet power that sent a shiver down her spine. “And if anyone stands in your way, they’ll regret it.”
The intensity of his words left her speechless, her cheeks heating under his gaze.
---
By the time they returned to the estate, Sophia was carrying bags of new clothes, shoes, and gifts for Ji-hyun and Crystal. She still felt overwhelmed by the day, but there was a warmth in her chest she couldn’t deny.
Ji-hyun greeted them at the door, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the gifts.
“You survived Oppa’s shopping spree!”
Sophia laughed. “Barely.”
As Ji-hyun helped carry the bags, Mr. Lee paused, his hand resting on Sophia’s shoulder.
“Thank you,” she said softly, looking up at him.
His lips curved into the faintest of smiles. “Merry Christmas, Sophia.”
And for the first time in years, Sophia felt like it truly was.
YOU ARE READING
SMITTEN BY HER (unedited)
Romance"Beyond Shadows" In a world where darkness reigns, a young orphan's dreams of becoming a veterinarian are shattered by her aunt's cruelty. But when she's drawn into the mysterious world of enigmatic Mr. Lee - a powerful figure rumored to be "more th...
