The College Flashback – Daniel & Sophia’s Past

As Sophia sat at her desk her mind wandered back to college. The fall semester at NYU was in full swing. The crisp autumn air carried the scent of city life, blending with the sounds of students chatting, hurrying to class, or lounging around the quad.

Sophia had just stepped out of her Business Strategy lecture, her brain buzzing with case studies and profit margin discussions when a familiar voice called out.

"Hey, Sophia! Got a second?"

She turned, immediately recognizing the confident smirk of Daniel Monroe as he jogged up beside her.

Sophia rolled her eyes but smirked. "What do you want, Daniel?"

Daniel placed a hand on his chest, feigning offense. "Wow. That's the greeting I get after we crushed that last group project together?"

She laughed, adjusting her bag over her shoulder. "You didn't even do half the research. You just charmed the professor into thinking you did."

He shot her a wink. "Exactly. That's called strategy, you know."

Sophia shook her head, unable to suppress a laugh. That was the thing about Daniel—he was easy to talk to. They had met the first week of sophomore year, assigned as partners in a grueling finance class. From day one, Daniel had been smooth, confident, and undeniably ambitious. Unlike Bobby, who balanced his natural brilliance with discipline, Daniel was more… improvisational. He knew how to work a room, talk his way into opportunities, and make people want to follow him.

And in those days, when Bobby had been swamped with his own coursework and internships, Daniel had become an unexpected source of company.

As they walked toward the campus coffee shop, Daniel nudged her playfully. "You free? I need a study partner. Thought I'd do you a favor and let you be graced by my presence."

Sophia smirked. "Oh, how generous of you."

Their study sessions always started with good intentions. But inevitably, they devolved into Daniel making sarcastic comments about the coursework, and Sophia threatening to stab him with a pen if he doesn't focus.

One night, after hours of half-hearted studying and too many cups of coffee, their conversation drifted from business into life.

"So…" Daniel leaned back in his chair, spinning a pen between his fingers. "You and Bobby. That's really happening, huh?"

Sophia blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift. "What do you mean?"

He shrugged, looking at her with unreadable eyes. "Everyone knows the story. The Knights and the Lancasters—the perfect family alliance. It's like something out of a corporate fairytale."

Sophia's stomach twisted. She hated when people put her relationship like that.

"It's not about business," she said, a little more defensive than she intended. "Bobby and I have known each other forever."

Daniel studied her. "Yeah, I get that. But it's not your choice, is it?"

She frowned. "Of course it is."

Daniel leaned forward, his gaze sharp. "Come on, Soph. Your whole life has been mapped out since birth. Marry Bobby, merge your families, take over your parents' empire." He tilted his head. "You ever stop to think about what you actually want?"

Sophia stiffened, a flicker of doubt creeping in.

She had thought about it—late at night, staring at the ceiling, wondering if her path was truly her own. But she loved Bobby. Didn't she?

Sensing her hesitation, Daniel smirked, his voice dropping to something almost… persuasive.

"You deserve a life you choose for yourself. Not one decided by how you live your life."

Sophia exhaled, forcing a laugh. "Okay, Dr. Phil. Thanks for the life advice."

Daniel chuckled but didn't push further.

Still, his words lingered.

A few weeks later, at a college party, things shifted.

Sophia had arrived with a group of friends, but after a little while, she found herself leaning against the balcony railing outside, sipping a drink and enjoying the cool night air.

Then, Daniel came out there.

"You're avoiding the chaos," he observed, taking a sip of his own drink.

She smirked. "I can only handle so many frat guys shouting about beer pong."

He chuckled, stepping closer. "You know, I think I like you best like this."

Sophia raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"

Daniel's gaze held something different that night—something deeper, more intense.

"Relaxed. Not thinking about expectations or responsibilities. Just you."

A strange warmth curled in her stomach. Maybe it was the alcohol, maybe it was the atmosphere, but suddenly, Daniel felt too close.

She turned to face him fully, but as she did, Daniel reached up, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

Sophia's breath hitched.

For a moment, she saw something vulnerable in him—like he was about to say something real.

Then… his face inched closer.

Sophia's heart pounded. And just before anything happened in her moment of weakness, she pushed him away without thinking. She was confused, not sure what she was feeling, questioning everything. Did she really love Bobby or was she pushed into it by her family? Even if she didn't did she like Daniel? Her thoughts were one big mess.

Daniel let out a breath of laughter, shaking his head. "Wait Sophia did you think I was serious, It was only a joke."

Sophia blinked, stepping back as reality crashed down.

"Daniel…" she started, but he just smirked.

"Forget it," he said smoothly as if the moment had never happened. He knew if he pushed a little more she would likely give in, but where was the fun in that? He enjoyed the slow chase. Making her fall little by little he just didn't expect Bobby to propose right after they left school or for her to readily agree.

As she snapped out of her memories, she realized things were different this time. Could say with certainty she loved Bobby, and not because of her family. She would have to keep her guard up. Not just around Daniel but anyone else who might threaten their happiness.