Chapter 269: Sofia's Overture

Sofia felt a strange, unsettling flutter in her heart. She wanted to be treated the same and have a special place in Zachary's heart.

Back in her room, Sofia started digging through her wardrobe.

She pulled out a blush pink silk nightgown. The lightweight silk slipped through her fingers like a spring breeze, soothing her heart.

She then picked up a long coat, carefully pairing it to look her best.

As night fell, Sofia stood in front of the mirror, pleased with her appearance. She took a deep breath to calm her excitement, then quietly left her room.

Walking down the hallway towards Zachary's room, Sofia was filled with anticipation and nervousness.

She imagined the look on Zachary's face when she walked into the bathroom.

Would he be surprised? Or amazed?

Sofia picked up her nightgown and headed towards Zachary's room.

In the deep autumn mountains, the temperature difference between day and night was significant. As soon as she stepped out, a cold wind hit her, making Sofia shiver and sneeze several times.

She tightened her coat, feeling a bit worried.

"This weather changes so fast," she muttered to herself, quickening her pace.

At Zachary's door, Sofia knocked gently.

Zachary opened the door, freshly showered, dressed in casual clothes, with droplets of

water still in his hair, making him look even more handsome.

Sofia caught a faint scent of mint from him and shyly asked, "Can I come in?"

Zachary stepped aside to let her in. Sofia sneezed again.

Seeing this, he touched her forehead, feeling a bit of warmth, and frowned slightly. "Take a hot shower and see if it helps."

She took her nightgown and went into the bathroom. The steam inside quickly dispelled the chill from her body.

The sound of water, occasionally mixed with a few hummed tunes, distracted Zachary from his book, his thoughts wandering.

Just then, his phone chimed.

Zachary glanced at it. It was a message from Della, expressing her affection. He was about to read it when he heard the bathroom door open. Panicking, he quickly tossed his phone under a couch cushion and pretended to pick up his book.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Sofia emerge in her nightgown. Her graceful figure, highlighted by the flickering light, was particularly alluring. Zachary felt his face flush, a mix of excitement and nervousness.

He tried to calm himself, taking a moment to regain his composure.

"What are you looking at?" Sofia's clear voice broke the silence.

Zachary jolted, hastily moving the cushion off his phone, and diverted his gaze. "Nothing... nothing."

Fortunately, Sofia didn't press the issue, letting it go.

She adjusted her coat and walked towards Zachary. Her long hair was tied up with a hair tie, a few strands falling by her cheeks, making her small face look even more delicate.

Feeling thirsty, she asked for permission and then sipped from his teacup, all the while discreetly observing Zachary, as if admiring a perfect male sculpture.

Zachary felt a bit uneasy under her gaze, putting down his book and asking gently, "What are you looking at?"

Sofia responded boldly, "I'm looking at you."

Just then, another message alert sounded. Sofia instinctively wanted to see who it was from, but a large hand quickly blocked her view.

The hand, holding the phone, swiftly moved away, leaving her only a glimpse.

Seraphina paused, her expression darkening, and blurted out, "Who sent that message? Why are you so nervous?" Realizing her abruptness, she looked into Zachary's eyes, which now held a hint of panic.

Lost in the world of this story? Make sure you're on Ne5s.com to catch every twist and turn. The next chapter awaits, exclusively on our site. Dive in now!

Zachary, feeling guilty, said, "It's not from a girl. Don't overthink it."

Seraphina didn't believe him and laughed bitterly. "With your looks, you must have a lot of admirers. Where do I rank in your heart?"

This sudden question made Zachary frown slightly. Unable to handle her persistence, he changed the subject. "It's late. You should get some rest."

Seraphina stubbornly crossed her arms. "I'm not sleepy. Don't try to brush me off. Tell me, is there a girl chasing you?"

Faced with her questioning, Zachary pressed his lips together.

Feeling frustrated, Seraphina took a big gulp from the teacup, only to choke and start coughing violently.

Zachary instinctively reached out to pat her back.

Once she recovered, Seraphina angrily pushed his hand away. "I don't need your concern."

The atmosphere in the room grew tense.

Zachary sighed, knowing he had to explain. "It's a message from a girl my grandfather

set me up with. I don't have feelings for her. Trust me."

Seraphina was taken aback. "So you have a fiancée?"

Zachary quickly clarified, "We only met once. She's not my fiancée."

Though still feeling a bit jealous, Seraphina saw his sincerity and let it go.

She asked, "Will you really marry her in the future?"

Zachary firmly replied, "No. Once I finish my task of protecting you, I'll ask my

grandfather to call off the engagement and apologize to her family."

Seraphina was surprised. "Aren't you worried about hurting her?"

Lost in the world of this story? Make sure you're on Ne5s.com to catch every twist

and turn. The next chapter awaits, exclusively on our site. Dive in now! Zachary was silent for a few seconds, his expression complex. He spoke softly, "Let's not worry about that now."

Seraphina pouted but didn't argue further. "Fine, I'm not mad."

Just then, there was a knock on the door. Seraphina instinctively asked, "Is it Knox?"

Zachary went to open the door. Seraphina stayed inside, hearing a sweet voice outside. "Mr. Baker, can I use your bathroom? Seraphina said it's safe here for girls."

It was Sofia.

Zachary frowned slightly, his tone cold. "It's not convenient here. You can go at a different time."

Sofia persisted, her voice even more pitiful. "Mr. Baker, don't treat me differently. I just want to take a shower. I promise I won't cause any trouble."

Hearing this, Seraphina's anger flared. She couldn't sit still any longer and walked to the door, pushing it open.

Zachary had only opened the door slightly, not wanting Sofia to see Seraphina inside. Now, seeing Seraphina step out, he had to take control.

Sofia was momentarily surprised to see Seraphina, but quickly recovered. "I thought it was someone else. If you can use the bathroom, so can I."

Seraphina, never having encountered such shamelessness, coldly replied, "No, it's not convenient. Please go somewhere else."

Sofia, not expecting such a blunt refusal, stiffened. "You... Mr. Baker hasn't said anything yet. Who are you to decide?"

Seraphina, thoroughly angered, retorted, "I'm Zachary's girlfriend. Is that reason

enough? Please don't bother us again. Goodbye."

With that, Seraphina closed the door firmly.

Sofia stood outside, stunned.

Just moments ago, she had been fantasizing about appearing before Zachary, seeing surprise, admiration, and approval in his eyes. She believed that with enough effort, Zachary would eventually fall for her.

Sofia had been secretly pleased with herself.