Chapter Two: An Unwanted Connection

The following morning, Sophie sat at her desk, fidgeting with the edge of her notebook. Her mind kept replaying the events from the previous night—Damien Carrington's confident smile, the breathtaking view from the balcony, and most importantly, her hasty departure. She was glad that even though she was getting fascinated by him and that mesmerizing view, she was still able to leave when she discovered who he was. She shook her head, trying to banish the memory. She wanted to forget the whole incident. She was sure that she'll never have to see him again so there was no point in remembering his sharp blue eyes or that jaw line of his.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Mrs. Hart strode into the reception area, her usual air of authority filling the room. Sophie braced herself.

"Thanks again for yesterday," Mrs. Hart began, her smile surprisingly warm. "Mr. Carrington seemed very pleased with the way you related at the gala. He said he would love to meet you again."

Sophie froze, her heart skipping a beat. She hadn't expected this. "There's no need for me to see him again," she said, keeping her tone neutral.

Mrs. Hart raised an eyebrow. "Did he do anything inappropriate? From what I heard, you two got along just fine."

"It's not that," Sophie replied quickly, her voice faltering slightly.

"Then what is the problem?"

"I thought you said it was a one-time thing," Sophie countered, crossing her arms defensively. "You said I wouldn't have to get involved in their world."

"That's true, I did." Mrs. Hart tilted her head, her gaze probing. "If you don't want to see him again, I think it's better you told him that yourself."

"Why?" Sophie asked, her voice rising with frustration.

But Mrs. Hart didn't bother to answer. She simply turned and walked away, leaving Sophie feeling uneasy.

Moments later, the glass doors of the office swung open, and in walked Damien Carrington himself. Sophie's heart sank. Why is he here? she thought, instinctively reaching for the nearest item to shield herself—a book she'd left on the desk. She held it up and covered her face, praying he wouldn't notice her but he did. He walked to her table and stood in front of her. She didn't need the use of her eyes to know that he was standing right in front of her.

"That must be a very interesting book. I'll have to borrow it sometime." Damien said, his voice laced with amusement.

Sophie didn't respond, hoping he'd take the hint.

"Your company doesn't look too bad," he continued, unfazed by her silence. "I can see why you'd put up with an event you clearly didn't want to attend. Helping out must mean a lot to you."

"What are you doing here?" Sophie finally spoke out, her voice muffled behind the book. She still didn't lower it.

"Isn't it obvious?" he said, leaning slightly over the desk. "I came to see you."

"You've seen me. You can go now."

"But have I, really?" Damien teased, a playful smirk evident in his tone.

"Please, I'm trying to work," Sophie replied sharply. "I'm sure there are places you'd rather be. So please go there."

"That's odd," Damien said, leaning back slightly. "Because this looks like a pretty nice place to be."

Sophie lowered the book just enough to glare at him. "What do you want?"

"I wanted to understand why you ran off last night," Damien said, his tone softening. "Even if you were Cinderella, the clock was nowhere near midnight yesterday, I'm sure you had a few hours before the magic would wear out."

"I lost interest, that's all," Sophie snapped.

"It seems like it was more than that."

"Well, it wasn't. Please leave," she said firmly.

Damien opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Mrs. Hart reappeared, her heels clicking loudly against the tiled floor.

"Oh, Mr. Carrington!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with excitement.

Sophie rolled her eyes the moment she heard the name escape her boss's lips.

"Hi, Mrs. Penelope," Damien replied, his tone notably less enthusiastic.

"So, what brings you to my little company?" Mrs. Hart asked, her curiosity evident.

"I was just strolling by," Damien said with a polite smile. "But not to worry, I was just leaving."

"Why leave so soon? Stay for tea. I'm sure Sophie here would love to join us."

"I actually don't," Sophie interjected, her voice dry as she resumed hiding behind the book.

"It's okay, actually," Damien said with a chuckle. "I have somewhere to be. I guess I'll see you around, Ms. Sophie."

Sophie didn't respond. She kept her book firmly in place until she heard the door close behind him.

Mrs. Hart walked over, yanking the book out of Sophie's hands. "What's wrong with you?"

"I don't understand, ma'am," Sophie said innocently.

"Mr. Damien Carrington is interested in you, and you're just sending him away! Is this how young people play hard-to-get, or is there something else?"

"Believe me, I'm not playing hard to get. I don't want anything to do with him or any other Carrington for that matter."

"You'd better reconsider," Mrs. Hart said, narrowing her eyes. "Being involved with a Carrington is good for business. They're billionaires, Sophie. Just being friends with them could change your life!"

"I'm not interested," Sophie replied flatly.

"When you're my age and end up with a carpenter for a husband, you'll regret this," Mrs. Hart muttered as she walked away, leaving Sophie to sigh in exasperation.

---

When her shift ended, Sophie packed her belongings and walked out of the office. Instead of heading home, she took the opposite route, making her way to her mother's modest apartment. She knew her mother would be very happy to see her visit but she was also sure that smile would turn to a frown when she tells her that she met a Carrington. Sophie stood in front of the door and sighed before finally knocking.