Sophie opened the flower shop that morning with a sense of relief.
It felt good to have finally said the words that had been lingering on her lips for so longâto finally confess her feelings.
Despite the uncertainty of Ethan's response, a weight had lifted off her shoulders.
She had also told him how he had hurt her. She had asked him for an answer.
She didn't know how he would respond.
But for todayâshe didn't want to think about Ethan.
She wanted a clear mind, a fresh start.
As she moved around the shop, preparing for the day, Lily arrived, her expression immediately concerned.
"How are you feeling, Soph?" she asked, setting her things down. "Considering how you were a mess last night at Dani's birthday, I thought you might need the morning off."
Sophie groaned dramatically. "That's why I came late. I needed at least seven hours of sleep."
Lily laughed. "I don't blame you. You were on another level last night."
Sophie let out a breathy laugh, shaking her head at herself. "Honestly, I'm surprised I'm even standing right now. I hope Dani wasn't too mad at me for making a scene."
Lily smirked. "Not at all. She actually said it was fun seeing a new side of you. You should have seen her; she was laughing about it. So don't worry, no harm done."
"Good to know."
Sophie busied herself with organizing the morning deliveries, feeling lighter than she had in days.
Whatever medicine Ethan had given her last night had helped a lot.
"My head doesn't even hurt that bad," she mused. "I'm not feeling as awful as I expected."
Lily studied her for a moment before asking, more seriously, "That's good. But are you okay, Soph?"
Sophie paused.
Then she smiled, and this time, she meant it.
"Yeah. I am."
Lily seemed to relax at that.
Sophie turned back to her work, carefully gathering the flowers she needed for her next delivery. "I actually promised Evelyn I'd bring some flowers over for her dining room today. I didn't want to disappoint her. She's exactly like Ethanâhard on the outside, soft on the inside."
Lily raised a brow. "You and Ethan's mom are on hugging terms now?"
Sophie laughed. "Pretty much. The last time I told her I would deliver flowers, she was so excited. I'm actually looking forward to seeing her; we've gotten pretty close recently."
Lily nodded approvingly. "That's nice, Soph. I'm sure she'll be glad to see you too."
Sophie carefully arranged the flowers Evelyn had requested, loading them into the shop van along with a few other deliveries.
"I'll be taking the van to drop these orders off first," she said, closing the door securely. "Then I'll head over to Ethan's family home."
Lily gave her a quick hug. "Sounds like a plan. Drive safe, okay?"
"I will. Thanks, Lily."
Sophie climbed into the van, started the engine, and pulled out onto the street.
********
Ethan's car screeched to a halt in front of Miller's Flower Shop, tires skidding slightly against the pavement.
His pulse was racing.
He barely remembered turning off the ignition before he was out of the car, sprinting toward the entrance.
Through the glass window, he saw a figure moving inside.
Relief surged through himâ
Until he realized it wasn't Sophie.
It was Lily, arranging flowers with her usual care, humming softly to herself. Completely unaware of the storm brewing outside.
Where is she?
Ethan shoved open the door so fast the bell above it clanged violently.
"Lily!" His voice was sharp, breathless, frantic. "Where's Sophie?"
Lily looked up, startled. Her hands froze over the bouquet she was working on, eyes wide as she took in his disheveled appearanceâthe fear in his eyes.
"Ethan?" she asked, frowning. "What's wrong?"
He didn't have time for explanations.
"Where is she?" he repeated, more urgent this time.
Lily's expression softened in confusion. "She went out to deliver some flowers. Why?"
Ethan felt his stomach drop.
Delivering flowers? Where?
His entire body was rigid as he waited for her answer.
Lily smiled lightly, unaware of the sheer terror gripping him. "She went to your family's home. She was really happy today, and it seemed like she wanted to surprise your mom with a bouquet for lunch. I'm glad to see you two worked things out."
The world seemed to tilt beneath Ethan's feet.
The Sinclair home.
His father's home.
Cold dread flooded his veins.
"She hasn't answered her phone," he said, barely hearing himself. "I've been calling her."
Lily's smile faded. Concern crept into her expression. "IâI don't know, Ethan. Maybe she left it on silent or something. What's going on?"
Ethan shook his head. No time to explain.
He was already moving toward the door.
"Stay here," he ordered. "Keep your phone close. If Sophie calls or comes back, tell her to call me immediately."
Lily stood up now, alarmed. "Ethan, is she in danger?"
He didn't answer.
He couldn't.
Because the only thing running through his mind wasâ
I have to get to her before it's too late.
The engine roared to life the second he was back in the car.
He gripped the wheel, knuckles white, flooring the gas as he swerved onto the road.
With one hand, he punched in his mother's number, his other tightening around the steering wheel.
She picked up after two rings.
"Ethan, dear, what's the matter?" Evelyn's voice was calm, oblivious to the chaos brewing.
"Mother, is Sophie with you?" His voice was tight, strained. His heart was pounding.
Evelyn hesitated. "She isn't here yet, but I did order some flowers from her. I thought we could have lunch together when she arrived. Why? Is something wrong?"
Ethan cursed under his breath.
That meant Sophie was still on her way.
Still unprotected.
"Mother, listen to me," he said, weaving recklessly through traffic, ignoring the angry honks behind him. "If Sophie shows up, don't let her out of your sight. I'm on my way."
The concern in Evelyn's voice deepened. "Ethan, you're scaring me. What's going on?"
No time.
He was already pushing his car to its limits.
"Just do as I say," he urged before abruptly ending the call.
The weight of dread in his chest was suffocating.
His mind was running wild. What if he was too late?
Jessica's words echoed back at himâ
"Your father... he's paid some gangs to... to get rid of Sophie."
His grip tightened.
His foot pressed harder on the gas.
Hold on, Sophie.
I'm coming.
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