SMITTEN BY HER (unedited)

You have no idea what you mean to me, Sophia.

The following morning, Sophia woke to the sound of birds chirping outside her window. It was a tranquil melody, but her thoughts were far from calm. The reality of the previous day's events played in her mind like a vivid dream. Her life had become something she could hardly recognize-whispers of romance with Lucius, the looming presence of Samantha, and Penelope's ever-scheming ways.

She stretched, brushing her hair back as sunlight spilled through the curtains. "A week," she murmured to herself. "Just one more week, and I'll be back in school with Ji-hyun."

The thought gave her mixed feelings. While school meant a temporary escape from the chaos of the estate, it also meant being away from Lucius. She sighed, dragging herself out of bed.

---

Breakfast in the Garden

Downstairs, the dining table was already set in the garden, adorned with freshly cut flowers and an array of dishes. Ji-hyun was already seated, munching on a croissant.

"Sophia!" Ji-hyun called out with a wide grin. "Good morning!"

"Good morning," Sophia replied, taking her seat.

Lucius appeared moments later, looking effortlessly handsome in a navy-blue suit. He nodded at Ji-hyun before turning his attention to Sophia.

"You're up early," he said, his voice carrying a hint of warmth.

"I didn't want to miss breakfast," she replied, avoiding his gaze as her cheeks warmed.

Ji-hyun watched them with a knowing smirk but said nothing.

---

The Valentine Flashback

As they ate, Ji-hyun suddenly brought up the subject of Valentine's Day.

"Sophia, remember Valentine's Day?" Ji-hyun asked with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Sophia nearly choked on her tea. "Why are you bringing that up?"

"Because it was unforgettable!" Ji-hyun exclaimed. "Lucius, do you know what happened?"

Lucius arched a brow. "I'm listening."

Sophia groaned, but Ji-hyun continued. "So, Sophia was walking home from school that day when this guy in her class stopped her. He had this big, clumsy bouquet of roses and a box of chocolates."

"Ji-hyun!" Sophia protested, her cheeks burning.

"Oh, I'm not done," Ji-hyun said, ignoring her. "The guy confessed his feelings, but before Sophia could say anything, someone showed up."

Lucius leaned forward, intrigued. "And who was that?"

Ji-hyun grinned. "You."

Sophia froze, her heart racing. The memory came rushing back.

---

It was late afternoon on Valentine's Day. Sophia had just finished her classes and was walking home when James, a boy in her grade, stopped her.

"Sophia, I... I really like you," he stammered, holding out the bouquet.

She blinked, unsure of how to respond. "James, I-"

Before she could finish, a sleek black car pulled up beside them. The door opened, and out stepped Lucius, exuding his usual air of authority.

"Miss Sophia," he said, his tone curt. "Get in."

James gaped at him, his confidence evaporating. Sophia glanced between the two, feeling the tension in the air.

"Lucius, I-"

"Now," he said firmly, cutting her off.

Reluctantly, she climbed into the car, leaving James standing there with his bouquet. As they drove off, she couldn't help but ask, "What was that about?"

Lucius's grip on the steering wheel tightened. "He's not worth your time."

"Excuse me?"

"You deserve better," he said, his voice softening. "Far better than someone who can't even stand his ground."

Sophia stared at him, her heart pounding. She didn't understand it then, but looking back now, she realized it was the first time Lucius had shown any possessiveness toward her.

---

Back in the present, Ji-hyun was laughing. "It was like something out of a drama! Poor James didn't stand a chance."

Lucius smirked. "He didn't."

Sophia buried her face in her hands, muttering, "I hate you both."

---

Meanwhile, Penelope was in the kitchen, her hands busy polishing silverware while her mind brewed new schemes. Her alliance with Samantha was still in its early stages, but she knew one thing for certain: Sophia had to go.

"Patience," she muttered to herself, glancing toward the garden where Sophia sat. "Her downfall will come soon enough."

Samantha had promised her a hefty reward for helping sabotage Sophia, and Penelope was determined to see it through.

---

Later that day, Ji-hyun begged Lucius to take them out for some fun before school resumed.

"Please, big brother!" Ji-hyun pleaded, tugging at his sleeve.

Lucius sighed. "Where do you want to go?"

"The amusement park!" Ji-hyun exclaimed.

Sophia looked hesitant. "I don't know if that's a good idea."

"Nonsense," Ji-hyun said, grabbing her hand. "You need this!"

Lucius eventually relented, and the three of them found themselves at a bustling amusement park.

---

The park was alive with laughter, music, and the smell of cotton candy. Ji-hyun ran ahead, eager to try every ride, leaving Sophia and Lucius to trail behind.

"Are you having fun?" Lucius asked as they strolled past a carousel.

Sophia nodded, her eyes sparkling. "It's been a while since I've done something like this."

Lucius smirked. "Then let's make it memorable."

He led her to the Ferris wheel, insisting they take a ride. As the wheel ascended, the view of the city spread out before them, bathed in golden light.

"It's beautiful," Sophia whispered, her breath fogging the glass.

"Not as beautiful as you," Lucius said softly, his gaze fixed on her.

She turned to him, her heart skipping a beat. "Lucius..."

He reached out, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "You have no idea what you mean to me, Sophia."

Before she could respond, the Ferris wheel stopped at its peak, leaving them suspended in a moment that felt timeless.

"Lucius, I..."

He leaned closer, his lips brushing against hers in a kiss that stole her breath away.

° I never knew this day will ever come°
---

As the day wound down, they returned to the estate, the memories of the amusement park still fresh. Sophia found herself thinking about the week ahead-her final days of high school and the uncertainties that lay beyond.

Ji-hyun, oblivious to the emotional storm raging within Sophia, was already planning their return to school. "We have to make this week unforgettable!" she declared.

Sophia smiled, but her thoughts were elsewhere-on Lucius, on the strange new feelings he awakened in her, and on the challenges that awaited them both.

---