Chapter 14

Sophie smoothed down her dress, her heart hammering a nervous rhythm against her ribs. She hadn't seen Tom since returning from vacation, and despite the flurry of texts and calls, a nagging feeling of distance hung between them. She told herself it was silly; couples went through busy spells. But today, she was going to surprise him at his office.

Clutching a box of his favorite pastries, she entered Tom's sleek, glass-walled office building. She nodded to the receptionist, who gave her a polite, if slightly hesitant, smile, and headed for the elevators.

"Floor 15," Sophie whispered, pressing the button, her fingers tightening around the pastry box.

The elevator doors slid open, revealing a quiet hallway. She walked past several offices, her heels clicking softly on the polished floor.

Tom's office was at the end of the hall, the door slightly ajar. Sophie paused, her heart fluttering with anticipation. She heard his voice, and she was about to call out—

Then she froze.

Through the narrow gap in the door, she saw Tom. He wasn't alone.

A woman—tall, blonde, and laughing—was perched on his desk, her arms wrapped around his neck as they kissed.

The world tilted. The pastry box slipped from Sophie's numb fingers, hitting the floor with a soft thud. Tom looked up, his eyes widening in shock as they met hers.

"Sophie—" he began, his voice strained.

She didn't wait for an explanation. A wave of nausea washed over her, and before she could process anything, she was running.

Ethan's Apartment: A Safe Haven

Ethan was halfway through reheating leftover lasagna when a frantic knocking shattered the quiet of his apartment. He frowned, setting down the plate and heading to the door.

Sophie stood there, her face pale, her eyes red and swollen.

"Hey," Ethan began, his voice soft with concern. "What's wrong?"

She didn't answer, just stumbled inside, collapsing into his arms as a sob escaped her lips.

Ethan's chest tightened. He'd seen Sophie upset before—frustrated at work, annoyed at traffic—but this was different. This was raw, gut-wrenching heartbreak.

"Sophie," he murmured, guiding her to the couch. "Talk to me. What happened?"

For a moment, she couldn't speak, her body shaking with silent sobs. Ethan held her, his hand gently stroking her back, offering silent comfort.

"It's Tom," she finally whispered, her voice cracking. "He... he was with someone else. At his office. I saw them."

Ethan's jaw clenched, anger simmering beneath the surface. But he kept his voice gentle. "I'm so sorry, Soph."

"I thought…" she choked on her words, shaking her head. "I thought he loved me."

Ethan swallowed hard, his own emotions threatening to spill over. "He didn't deserve you," he said firmly. "Not even close."

Sophie pulled back slightly, her tear-streaked face looking up at him. "Why does it hurt so much?"

"Because you cared," Ethan said softly. "Because you're a good person. But Sophie, this isn't your fault. This is on him. He messed up big time."

She managed a small, broken laugh, and Ethan felt a flicker of relief.

"Come on," he said, standing. "You're staying here tonight. No arguments."

Sophie didn't protest. She followed him to the guest room, where he handed her one of his oversized shirts.

"Thanks, Ethan," she whispered, her voice hoarse.

"Anytime, Soph," he said, offering a small, reassuring smile before closing the door.

The Next Day: Reckoning

Ethan hadn't slept. Sophie's tears, her broken voice, the image of her curled up on his couch—it all replayed in his mind. By morning, his anger had reached a boiling point.

He left Sophie a note—Gone out for a bit. Help yourself to breakfast—and headed straight to Tom's office, his steps filled with a simmering rage.

Tom's Office: A Confrontation

The receptionist barely had time to react before Ethan stormed past, his face a thundercloud.

Tom looked up from his desk, his eyes widening in surprise as Ethan burst into his office.

"Ethan?" Tom said, his voice laced with confusion.

Ethan didn't waste time with pleasantries. He grabbed Tom by the collar, slamming him against the wall.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Ethan growled, his voice low and dangerous.

"Hey—what are you doing?!" Tom sputtered, struggling against Ethan's grip.

"You don't get to treat Sophie like that," Ethan hissed. "She gave you everything, and you threw it away for… what? A cheap thrill? You're pathetic."

Tom's eyes darted around the room, searching for an escape. "I didn't mean for her to find out—"

"You didn't mean for her to find out?" Ethan's voice rose, his anger escalating. "That's your excuse?"

Tom stammered, but Ethan cut him off. "You hurt her. She cried because of you. And you're lucky I don't do more than this."

With that, Ethan released him, shoving him back into his chair.

"Stay away from her," Ethan warned, his voice cold and hard. "If I hear you've even thought about contacting her, you'll regret it."

Without another word, Ethan turned and left, leaving Tom pale and shaken in his wake.

Back at Ethan's Apartment: A New Beginning

When Ethan returned, Sophie was sitting at the kitchen table, sipping coffee. Her eyes were still puffy, but a quiet strength had settled over her.

"Where did you go?" she asked, her voice calm.

Ethan hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Just… took care of something."

Sophie studied him for a moment, but didn't press.

"Thanks for letting me stay," she said softly.

"Anytime," Ethan replied, his voice warm, a hint of something deeper in his eyes.

As they sat in comfortable silence, a new understanding settled between them. Ethan had made a silent vow: he would protect Sophie, even if it meant keeping his own feelings carefully guarded, for now.