As Sophie stepped into James's flat, she was greeted by an oasis of minimalist elegance.
Sophie noticed the minimalist furniture, the neutral colors, and the tasteful decorations.
The house was spacious and bright, with large windows overlooking the city.
The city beyond the windows was a tapestry of twinkling lights, casting a soft glow into the room.
"Welcome to my place," James said with a gentle smile like a warm invitation. "Make yourself comfortable. Do you want anything to drink?"
Sophie's head shook gently, her gaze lingering on the contours of the drawing room.
She felt a contrast between the calmness of the place and the turmoil of her emotions.
She wondered what James had in his mind for her!?
She felt a mix of gratitude, confusion, and attraction.
James went to his wardrobe and scanned his clothes, feeling unsure which ones to give her. He had always noticed how well-dressed Sophie was.
He picked two pairs of trousers and t-shirts, one black and one blue, and showed them to Sophie.
"Which one do you want to wear?" he asked her.
James's smile lingered as he handed Sophie the clothes. Her confused eyes to pick the right t-shirt, even in her vulnerable state, amused him.
She studied the colors, as if each held a secret.
"Choose wisely," he teased gently.
"I'll take the blue ones, thanks," she said.
He guided her to the washroom. "Make yourself comfortable," he said, leaving her privacy intact.
James returned to the living room, sinking into the sofa.
The clock ticked, and he could listen for the distant sound of water. Porbably Sophie washed away the weight of the day.
James was feeling a mix of emotions as he waited for Sophie to come out of the washroom.
He hoped she'd emerge lighter, ready to share her burdens or simply bask in the quietude of the night.
James opened the fridge and the cold items stared back at him; leftover pizza, chilled salads.
His mind churned with the idea of preparing something warm and delectable for her.
Probably James wanted to make Sophie feel at home, and food might cheer her up, make her forget her troubles for a while.
He resolved to prepare a comforting meal: pasta with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables, followed by a decadent slice of chocolate cake for dessert.
James set the stage.
The pasta, like ivory ribbons, awaited its transformation. He sliced chicken breast, each piece promising tenderness. Vegetables; vibrant peppers, zucchini, and spinach—lined up.
Sophie emerged from the bathroom, her eyes softer, her shoulders less burdened.
She saw James in the kitchen. Focused and relaxed, he hummed along to the music, the rhythm infusing the kitchen.
He had put on an apron which made him look adorable. With a playful wave of the spatula, he summoned her to join him in the kitchen.
James: "You must be hungry , Sophie?
he asked..glancing at Sophie while chopping the vegetables."
Sophie replied by nodding her head and made a cute gesture pointing towards her tummy.
James smiled and said as he whisked eggs, measured flour, and melted dark chocolate for dessert: "Just 20 more mins...and you'll have a delicious dinner ready for you. Why don't you sit here and keep me company?"
He pointed towards the kitchen slab.
Sophie followed his instructions and sat on the kitchen slab, watching him cook with curiosity, resting her hand on her chin.
After a while, Jame inquired "Did you inform your parents?"
Sophie did not answer anything, just gives a sarcastic smile and rolled her eyes.
James looked back at Sophie for an answer to his question, his eyebrows furrowed.
Sophie: "They are hardly ever around, always working in different places, they barely check on me once a day."
"And I'm not a child anymore, I'm 23 years old. I think I have the right to make some decisions for myself."
" At least the decision of staying over at my friend's place." Sophie replied in a defensive voice.
James: "Ohhh, I just thought...they might get worried...."
After a pause she continued again :
"Don't you have any idea who my parents are!!!?" She raised her eyebrows and her expressions conveyed disbelief.
James: " No!!!, what's your parents' occupation?" He said this in a confused voice.
Sophie's laughter erupted—a cacophony of astonishment.
James put down the spatula on the pan, looked at Sophie with a puzzled expression and said,
"What do you mean!? I don't have any idea who your parents are? Should I know them?"
He looked confused.
Sophie: "Haven't you done any background check on me!!?"
Sophie said in a sarcastic voice with a notorious smile.
James shrugged off her notorious smile, thinking she was just playing with him.
He resumed his focus on the pasta on the pan, stirring it gently…and said, "There was no need to do research. I felt a connection with you the first time we met in the library and we had a conversation."
"I looked for you on Instagram but you were a ghost. I didn't get why, but didn't care much".
She grinned and said "o...hhh…kkk",
her voice sounded playful, as if she was amused by his reaction.
"Have you heard about Henry Grant and Margaret Grant, for any reason?"
She asked casually while getting down from the slab, approaching the pan to see how the pasta is doing.
At that particular time,James was drinking water from a bottle and as soon as he heard Sophie, he gasped and spat out the water on the floor;
He was stunned into silence,his eyes were wide with disbelief, and he could only stare at Sophie, who was standing still in front of him, laughing hysterically.
James: "Are you serious!!? The Mr and Mrs Grant are your parents !!!" He exclaimed in a shocked voice.
Sophie just nodded and said - "yup". She confirmed his question with a simple word.
Before James could collect his thoughts, Sophie interjected, and immediately snapped at him,
"No more questions, please. I'm starving, can't you see? Let's go and eat something, for God's sake."
She clasped her hands together, pleading with her eyes.
James looked still in shock. He grinned and said,
"I have to watch my manners, while attending to you my lady, one of the wealthiest heiresses of our town, and he gave her a mock bow to tease her."
They initiated their dinner. Sophie savored every bite of her meal, feeling a surge of happiness and gratitude.
The pasta was cooked to perfection, the grilled chicken was juicy and tender, and the sauce was rich and flavorful.
She couldn't remember the last time she had eaten so well.
James spoke as he chewed his food,
"Dude, you are shocking me with every word you say. I have a ton of questions in my mind. Can I ask you…or else I'll go crazy."
Sophie beamed and said, "You know, I appreciate how you always seek my consent before you inquire about anything".
She started again before he could utter a word and said, "But please, no more questions. I'm exhausted…let me enjoy this yummy pasta"
She grinned at him with a charming look.
James couldn't take his eyes off the girl who was sitting across from him. Just a few hours ago, she was sobbing uncontrollably, her face stained with tears.
And now, she looked so adorable and pure, her smile brightening up the room.
He could notice the blue t-shirt she wore brought out the color of her eyes, and her hair was softly gathered in a bun, with some curls escaping on her forehead.
She looked beautiful, in a modest and authentic way.
James felt a surge of affection and curiosity for her. He was curious about many things, but he chose to keep quiet for that day.
He could see, Sophie's eyes were swollen from crying so much, and James felt bad for her. He hoped she could get some rest and sleep peacefully that night.
James offered the bed for Sophie, he opted to sleep on the couch, placed next to the bed.
As James was about to sleep, he saw Sophie standing by the window, gazing at the outside with a vacant expression.
James felt a sudden urge to hug her.
He walked over to her, by the window…and whispered "come"; as he drew her into his arms and hugged her.
Perhaps, James wanted to make her feel better, to let her know that he was there for her.
And Sophie could feel his warmth.
They remained like that for some time, until she felt a little lighter.
Sophie looked at James and thanked him.
He nodded and wiped her tears. They didn't need words, they just needed each other.