SMITTEN BY HER (unedited)

Can we start over?

---

The soft glow of morning light bathed the grand estate, and the distant chirping of birds set a calm ambiance. Ji-hyun was humming softly as she zipped up her suitcase, her excitement about returning to school in Seoul evident. Across the room, Sophia sat by the window, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on the glass.

"You're unusually quiet this morning," Ji-hyun noted, glancing over at her. "Excited about going back to school?"

Sophia forced a smile. "Something like that."

The truth was, Sophia's thoughts were consumed by Lucius. Ever since their misunderstanding days ago, his cold demeanor had unsettled her. She missed their shared moments, his subtle smirks, and the way he seemed to soften just for her.

Meanwhile, in another part of the estate, Lucius was in his study, staring blankly at a document he couldn't bring himself to read. Penelope entered with a tray of coffee, her movements calculated and her expression smug.

"You seem distracted, Mr. Lee," she commented, setting the tray down.

He barely acknowledged her, his focus elsewhere.

Penelope seized the moment. "If I may be so bold, it seems like Sophia's presence has been... disruptive."

Lucius's gaze snapped to her, his tone cold. "Stay out of it, Penelope."

"But I only mean-"

"I said, stay out of it," he repeated, cutting her off.

---

Sophia, who had been walking toward the study to return a book, paused outside the slightly ajar door. Penelope's voice carried through.

"She's just a girl. Surely, she's not worth the distraction."

Lucius's response was curt but painful to hear. "She's a distraction I can't afford right now."

The words hit Sophia like a blow. She stepped back, her heart sinking. Is that how he really sees me?

---

Later that evening, Sophia found Lucius in the library, sitting by the fire. She hesitated at the doorway before stepping inside.

"Lucius," she began, her voice trembling.

He looked up, surprised. "Sophia."

"Do you really think I'm a distraction?" she asked bluntly, her emotions bubbling over.

His brows furrowed. "What are you talking about?"

"I heard you talking to Penelope," she said, crossing her arms. "If you don't want me here, just say it."

His jaw tightened, his tone colder than she'd ever heard. "You shouldn't eavesdrop. It's rude."

Her chest tightened at his response. "That's all you have to say?"

"I have nothing more to say," he replied, turning back to his book.

Tears pricked her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. "Fine. If that's how you feel, I'll make sure to stay out of your way."

She stormed out of the room, her heart aching.

---

The days leading up to their departure were tense. Sophia avoided Lucius entirely, focusing on packing and spending time with Ji-hyun. Lucius, on the other hand, found himself constantly glancing in her direction, hoping for a chance to speak, but his pride held him back.

Penelope, sensing the rift, couldn't hide her satisfaction. Samantha, too, seemed more pleased than usual, as if she'd finally gained an advantage in her unspoken rivalry with Sophia.