The Journey Back to the U.S.
The crisp morning air in Seoul was filled with the gentle hum of Mr. Lee’s private jet being prepared for takeoff. Sophia stood on the tarmac with Ji-hyun, clutching her small bag, her gaze lingering on the skyline of Korea. It was bittersweet leaving after all the memories she had made here, but the thought of returning to the U.S. felt like stepping into a new chapter of her life.
Ji-hyun, as lively as ever, nudged Sophia’s side. “Come on, stop staring! The jet’s waiting for us. Besides, aren’t you excited to be back? Crystal’s probably already planning something wild for you.”
Sophia laughed softly. “Yeah, I just… I’ll miss this place, you know?”
°Guy if anybody go talk say I don reach this point in life eh, I no go believe am. See Korea everybody is dying to take a peek at. I don't go, learn their language I don finish school here. Swears,e no dey easy oh chai. FINALLY°
° Ok now let's be frank. I really think modernity is taking off my Nigerian lifestyle a lot I tell you guy I don change no be wyning°
Lucius, who had been speaking with the flight crew, approached them. Dressed in his usual tailored suit, his presence exuded authority and a quiet intensity. He gestured toward the jet with a slight tilt of his head.
“Let’s go,” he said, his voice smooth and commanding.
The three boarded the luxurious private jet, which boasted plush leather seats, a mini bar, and a spacious lounge area. Ji-hyun immediately claimed a window seat, while Sophia found herself sitting across from Mr. Lee.
As the jet ascended, Ji-hyun pulled out her phone, snapping pictures of the view. “Look, Sophia! Doesn’t this look magical?”
Sophia leaned over to see, but her attention was drawn to Lucius. He sat silently, one hand resting on the armrest, his other holding a book he didn’t seem to be reading. She caught his eye, and he gave her a small, almost imperceptible smile that sent her heart racing.
“What are you looking at?” he asked softly, his tone teasing.
“Nothing,” she said quickly, turning back to the window.
---
Back at the Estate in the U.S.
Crystal was waiting for them at the entrance of Mr. Lee’s sprawling estate, practically bouncing with excitement. Her bright smile lit up her face as she ran to hug Sophia.
“Finally!” Crystal exclaimed, squeezing her tightly. “Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for you to get back? We have so much to catch up on!”
Sophia laughed, returning the hug. “I missed you too, Crystal.”
Kai appeared behind Crystal, his arms crossed but a playful grin on his face. “And what about me? No one missed me?”
Sophia smirked. “I guess we could’ve left you here.”
Kai clutched his chest dramatically. “Ouch. You wound me, Sophia.”
“You’re so dramatic,” Crystal said, rolling her eyes but smiling at him nonetheless.
Mr. Lee walked past them, his presence commanding as always, and the group fell silent for a moment. But when he glanced back at Sophia and gave her a subtle nod, she felt her cheeks heat up.
Kai noticed and quirked an eyebrow, nudging Sophia playfully. “What was that? Some secret romantic code between you two?”
Sophia shoved him lightly. “Shut up, Kai.”
But the teasing didn’t stop there. Crystal tried to hide her smile, but Kai leaned toward her, whispering, “Don’t think I didn’t notice how you’re blushing too, Crystal.”
Before she could respond, Ji-hyun chimed in, “Are we all ignoring the fact that Crystal might be hiding something?”
Sophia and Rose, who had just arrived, exchanged glances and burst into laughter.
---
That evening, Crystal decided to throw a small celebration for Sophia’s high school graduation.
Although Mr. Lee initially wanted to host an extravagant party, Sophia insisted on keeping it simple.
“I don’t need a big party,” Sophia said firmly. “Let’s just have an all-girls night. No boys allowed.”
Kai’s jaw dropped dramatically. “What? How can you exclude me? Crystal, you can’t let this happen!”
Crystal chuckled, but before she could respond, Rose walked in with a smirk. “What’s the matter, Kai? Can’t handle being left out?”
“You don’t understand,” Kai said, his voice full of mock despair. “How am I supposed to survive without Crystal?”
The room erupted in laughter as Crystal turned bright red. Sophia, Ji-hyun, and Rose began teasing her mercilessly.
“Looks like someone’s got a fan,” Sophia teased.
“More like a devoted admirer,” Ji-hyun added, winking.
Crystal buried her face in her hands, muttering, “You’re all impossible.”
---
The Girls’ Night
As the night progressed, the girls gathered in one of the estate’s grand sitting rooms, decked out with cozy blankets, snacks, and soft lighting.
Rose had managed to convince Alex to let her come for the night, and the two had shared a sweet moment before she left. “I promise I’ll be back by morning,” Rose had said, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek.
The girls spent the night chatting, laughing, and sharing stories. Sophia felt a warmth in her heart she hadn’t experienced in a long time. For the first time, she allowed herself to relax and enjoy the moment.
---
A Moment with Lucius
As the night wound down, Sophia stepped out onto the balcony for some fresh air. She wasn’t surprised when Lucius joined her a few moments later.
“Enjoying your night?” he asked, his voice low.
She nodded. “It’s been perfect. Thank you for letting us have this.”
He stepped closer, his gaze intense. “You deserve it, Sophia. After everything you’ve been through…”
She looked up at him, her heart pounding. “You’ve been through a lot too.”
He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Maybe. But I have something worth fighting for now.”
Her breath hitched as his words sank in. “Lucius…”
He leaned in slightly, his eyes never leaving hers. “Don’t say anything. Just… let this moment be ours.”
Sophia felt her heart race as she nodded, a small smile playing on her lips.
---
Their moment was interrupted by Kai’s voice from inside. “Hey, lovebirds! Don’t think we didn’t notice you sneaking off!”
Lucius sighed, stepping back. “Kai has impeccable timing, as always.”
Sophia chuckled, shaking her head. “I guess we should go back.”
But as they walked inside, Sophia couldn’t help but feel that something had shifted between them. Whatever it was, she wasn’t ready to let it go.
---
YOU ARE READING
SMITTEN BY HER (unedited)
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