38| Departure

The drive home was more frustrating than usual. Things between Ethan and Sophie were finally falling into place, and now he had to leave her. The thought of being away from her irritated him, like a cruel joke just as they were starting to connect.

He sighed, gripping the steering wheel tighter. He knew he had to tell her about the trip, but he didn't know how she'd react. Would she be disappointed? Hurt? He hated the idea of letting her down.

The house was quiet when he got home, the kind of stillness that made his heart feel heavier. He walked into the living room and found Sophie curled up on the couch, deeply engrossed in a book.

The lamp beside her cast a warm glow, making her look ethereal, almost like a vision from a dream. Her blonde hair framed her face perfectly, and her soft expression as she read tugged at something deep within him.

Ethan paused in the doorway, unable to move. She looked so peaceful, her fingers gently turning the pages, her green eyes darting across the pages and her brows furrowing slightly as she concentrated. In that moment, he wished he knew how to paint. He wanted to capture this scene, to preserve it forever. Without thinking, he pulled out his phone and snapped a photo.

The soft click of the camera startled Sophie, and she turned to him, wide-eyed. "Ethan!" she exclaimed. "When did you get here?"

Ethan chuckled, slipping his phone back into his pocket as he took off his shoes. "You were so into your book, you didn't even notice me."

Sophie brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, feeling a sudden shyness under his gaze. His eyes were always so intense, like they could see straight into her soul. "I borrowed a book from your library. I hope that's okay," she said softly.

"Of course, Sophie. What's mine is yours, right?" he teased, shrugging off his jacket and tossing it over the arm of a chair.

"Right," she murmured, her cheeks flushing slightly. The thought of sharing anything with Ethan made her heart race in a way she couldn't quite explain. "How was your day?" she asked quickly, changing the subject.

Ethan walked over and sat beside her, taking her hand in his. The warmth of her touch eased some of the tension in his chest. "I wish I could say it was great, but honestly... it's was a lot," he admitted, his voice low and tired.

Sophie's fingers tightened around his, her green eyes filled with concern. "I can tell. You look exhausted," she said gently. "Why don't you eat something? I tried a new recipe today."

A small smile tugged at Ethan's lips. Her thoughtfulness always managed to melt away some of his worries. "Sure, Sophie. Thank you."

They moved to the dining room, where Sophie began dishing something onto a plate. The aroma of a delicious meal filled the air, and Ethan felt a pang of guilt knowing he was about to spoil the evening with his announcement.

"Today, Mia and I had an argument over whose mac and cheese recipe was better. I told her it was my mom's recipe, but she still insisted hers was superior," Sophie began, placing the mac and cheese plate in front of Ethan, who was grateful for the distraction.

"So, we decided to have a cooking competition at her bakery. It was a blind tasting competition, and guess who the judges were," Sophie continued, clearly engrossed in her story.

"Who?" Ethan asked, now fully engaged, taking another mouthful. He decided to tell her the news later, not wanting to spoil her good mood.

"Lily, Mrs. Jenkins-a regular-and my mom, who just happened to be doing some shopping and ended up being a judge," Sophie said with a smile. "So I'm thinking I've got this in the bag since my mom knows her own recipe. But guess what my own mother did?"

"She liked Mia's recipe more. I never felt more betrayed. Even Lily too. Mrs. Jenkins liked mine but still ended up picking Mia's," she said with a mock pout.

"You like my mac and cheese, right, Ethan?" she asked hopefully.

"It's the best thing I've tasted in the world," he said genuinely.

"I really appreciate that, Ethan, but I don't believe you," Sophie teased, though her eyes softened with affection.

Ethan smiled, savoring the warmth of the moment. "I'm serious, Sophie. It's amazing."

"So I decided to try a new recipe today. If my mom doesn't like her own recipe, then why should I keep using it? So I asked Mia to give me her recipe," she said, bursting into laughter. "It really was that good."

Ethan chuckled, feeling the tension ease slightly. "I'm sure yours was still better."

Ethan felt his heart swell as he watched Sophie, the way her face lit up as she spoke, her laughter filling the room like music.

She was just too perfect for him, and the thought of ruining this moment with what he had to tell her made his chest tighten. Just for a little longer, he wanted to savor her carefree happiness, to let the comfort of her presence wash over him.

As they finished their meal, the moment he dreaded finally arrived. Ethan reached across the table, taking her hand gently in his. "Sophie," he began, his voice tinged with sorrow, "I need to tell you something."

Sophie looked up at him, her expression softening with concern. "What is it, Ethan?"

He hesitated, his thumb brushing against the back of her hand as if to steady himself. "I have to leave for a business trip tomorrow morning. I didn't see it coming, but they're counting on me."

Sophie's face fell slightly, disappointment flickering in her green eyes, but she quickly masked it with understanding. "Oh. I see. How long will you be gone?"

"A week," he admitted, his voice heavy with regret. He searched her face, dreading her reaction. "I know the timing is awful, and I hate the thought of leaving you here alone."

Sophie took a deep breath, her blonde hair falling softly around her face as she met his gaze. "I understand, Ethan. Work is important. We both know that. It's just... I'll miss you."

The quiet vulnerability in her voice pierced through him. Ethan squeezed her hand gently, his own voice thick with emotion. "I'll miss you too. More than you know. I promise I'll call every day-morning, night, whenever you need. I need you to know that you're my priority, even if I'm not physically here."

Sophie gave him a small, reassuring smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'll hold you to that. Seriously."

"I mean it," Ethan said, his tone filled with sincerity. His intense blue eyes searched hers, reflecting his regret and longing. "I'm so sorry, Sophie. I wish there was another way."

Sophie reached up, her fingers gently cupping his cheek. Her touch was warm and comforting, and Ethan leaned into it instinctively. "We'll be okay, Ethan. I'll be waiting for you."

Her words, simple yet full of love, settled over him like a balm. Ethan leaned in, resting his forehead against hers as he closed his eyes. "Thank you," he whispered. "And when I come back, we'll do something fun together. Just the two of us. I promise."

*******

The next morning, Ethan was on a last-minute call with his assistants, tying up loose ends before leaving. His bags were already packed and waiting by the door. When he turned, he saw Sophie coming down the stairs, her hair slightly messy and still dressed in her pajamas. It was obvious she had woken up early just to see him off.

The sight of her made him want to cancel the trip altogether. She stood a few steps away, watching him quietly as he finished his call, her hands clasped in front of her. She hated that he was leaving-now that they had grown closer, every moment apart felt heavier. Their time together was already limited because of work, but this week away felt like an eternity.

When Ethan finally ended the call, he walked over to her, his expression softening.

"Do you have everything you need?" Sophie asked, her voice calm but laced with sadness.

"I think so," Ethan replied, offering her a small smile. "Thank you for waking up early to see me off."

Sophie tried to smile back, though it wavered. "Of course. How else would I make you feel extra guilty?" she joked lightly, her tone masking the ache in her chest. Then, in a quieter voice, she added, "I wouldn't let you leave without saying goodbye."

Her words, simple and sincere, hit him harder than they should have. He stepped forward and wrapped her in a hug. Sophie clung to him, burying her face in his chest as if trying to memorize the feel of him before he left. She didn't want to let him go, and he couldn't hold her tight enough.

Unable to resist, Ethan tilted her chin up, his fingers lingering against her skin as their eyes met. There was a pause, just a heartbeat, as if the world held its breath. Then he kissed her.

It started soft, gentle, almost hesitant, but it quickly deepened as the unspoken emotions between them surged to the surface. Ethan's hand slid to the back of her neck, his fingers threading through her hair as he pulled her closer. Sophie responded in kind, her hands gripping his shirt as if afraid to let him go.

His lips moved against hers with an urgency that sent her pulse racing, and she felt her knees weaken as her body melted into his.

Ethan tilted his head slightly, deepening the kiss, and Sophie felt the world around her blur. There was no ticking clock, no impending trip-just the two of them, lost in a moment that neither of them wanted to end. His thumb brushed her cheek as he cradled her face, grounding her even as her heart threatened to soar.

When they finally broke apart, it was only because they both needed air. Their foreheads rested together, their breaths mingling in the quiet space between them. Sophie stayed in his arms, her cheek pressed against his chest, her heart thundering against his.

"I'll miss you," She whispered, her voice almost breaking.

Ethan's hand cradled the back of her head, his own voice thick and raw. "I'll miss you too, Sophie. More than you know." He pulled back slightly, his hands still cupping her face, his thumbs brushing tenderly across her cheeks. "But I promise, I'll call you every day. I'll text you every chance I get."

Sophie nodded, her green eyes glistening. "Stay safe, Ethan. And come back soon."

He kissed her forehead softly, lingering there as if trying to capture the moment forever. "I'll be counting the days until I'm back," he murmured.

With reluctance, Ethan stepped back, picking up his suitcase once more. He gave her one last, lingering look, as though committing her to memory, before he opened the door and stepped outside.

Sophie stood in the doorway, watching him leave, her heart aching one week seemed longer than she knew.

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