Chapter 6
When I finally came to, I was lying under a soft, warm light in a room painted pink.
The pillow beneath my head was plush and scented with a subtle, comforting fragrance.
A graceful figure moved quietly nearby. Her attention was fixed on something.
All of a sudden, she turned around. “You’re awake?”
Her voice was filled with surprise and relief. She hurried over, holding a steaming cup of milk.
“Sit up and drink this. I’m so glad you’re alright.
Her familiar face sparked a rush of memories.
“Sophia?”
I couldn’t believe it. Back then, Sophia Hartwell wore braces and kept to herself. She was the quiet girl tucked away in the corner, barely noticed by anyone.
But the Sophia standing before me now was graceful and radiant.
Her delicate features and gentle eyes revealed a completely different story.
She chuckled softly. “Yeah, it’s me.”
“Drink this first,” she continued, nodding gently.
As she raised the cup to my lips, I took a sip.
The warm milk was sweetened with honey.
“How did you end up passed out by the sink? What made you drink so much?” Sophia asked.
Her eyes met mine. A hint of reproach was woven into her voice.
I shook my head. “I was just socializing.”
Back in school, Sophia and I had been pretty close
But after graduation, things changed. Due to what happened with my sister, we lost contact and hadn’t seen each other since.
“What kind of social event makes you drink that much?”
Sophia shot me a skeptical glance, signaling for me to finish the milk in my hand.
“So, what about you? Where have you been all these past three years?” I asked.
“I went to Stoneville to continue my studies. I just got back the day before yesterday.”
Sophia’s voice softened as she spoke. “I was just out catching up with some girlfriends. I never
Chapter
thought I’d rum into you.”
I blinked in surprise. “Did I crash your night?
She chuckled softly. “Not at all. We weren’t planning to be out late tonight anyway.
“Honestly, it’s a good thing I found you. Who knows what might’ve happened to you otherwise?”
Despite the years apart, our conversation flowed easily.
We drifted from talking about the present to reminiscing about school days. We chatted late into the night.
Shortly after 3:00 am, I quietly slipped out of Sophia’s bed.
“I’ve taken over your bed long enough. I’ll crash on the couch.”
Sophia smiled gently. “It’s okay. My body clock’s still messed up from jet lag. You stay here.
I shook my head. “I’ve got work in the morning and need to get up early. I don’t want to disturb you.
“Besides, it’s summer. The couch is probably cooler anyway.‘
Sophia hesitated, surprised by my words. “Wait, can’t you call in sick? You’re hungover, after
all.”
“It’s fine. I’m used to it.”
Camille would never approve of a day off, especially not after last night.
The entire evening was clearly payback for me leaving without permission the other day.
That had been the pattern for the past three years
Even though Benson had personally arranged for me to stay by Camille’s side, she always found a way to punish me whenever I defied her.
She wouldn’t stop until I was utterly humiliated.
After saying goodbye to Sophia, I grabbed a pillow and headed for the door.
Just as I reached it, she called out, “Do you really have to keep serving Camille like this?”
I froze and turned back. “You’ve known all along?”
In the dim light, Sophia’s dark eyes glinted.
She met my gaze and said, “Of course I do. And I know the only reason you’re doing th the Layton family is because of your sister.”
“How?”
I was taken aback. When the incident with my sister happened, almost no one knew the truth.
If they had, maybe I wouldn’t have been so deeply misunderstood.
I never would have expected Sophia to be so well–informed. After all, she’d been studying abroad.
She shook her head. “Get some rest. We can talk more next time.”
After a moment’s pause, I gave a nod.
I’d have to be up by 7:00 am, leaving me with only four hours of sleep.
The night passed in silence.
The next morning, I dragged myself off the couch. After quietly getting ready, I went straight to the office.
The moment I walked in, Camille’s furious roar crashed over me like a storm.
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chane
