42| A Surprise Visit

Ethan finished packing up his things in his hotel room. This week had felt like one of the longest of his life. He was used to traveling for months, spending weeks—sometimes longer—away when business required it. But this time, he knew.

He couldn't do long business trips again.

Every second, he thought of Sophie. Everything reminded him of her.

Not only that, but he hadn't realized just how dependent he had become on her. Every evening at dinner, there was this lingering loneliness, something foreign to him. He had spent years eating alone, never thinking twice about it. But now, it felt different. His subconscious betrayed him, his eyes instinctively searching for Sophie, expecting to find her across from him.

She was never there.

Thankfully, the project had wrapped up, and even though his flight was scheduled for tomorrow morning, he had moved it up. He was leaving this afternoon.

He couldn't wait a second longer. He needed to see Sophie.

She had no idea—he hadn't told her yet. They had spoken that morning, and she was completely oblivious.

Among his packed belongings was a necklace he had bought for her during the trip. It had been a spur-of-the-moment decision—so unlike him. He had been on his way back to the hotel when a jewelry store had caught his eye. Without hesitation, he had told the driver to stop and had walked inside.

And then he had seen it.

A delicate silver chain with a pendant shaped like a blooming rose, its petals adorned with tiny diamonds that sparkled like morning dew.

It was Sophie.

He had never believed a single object could capture a person's essence, but this one did. And now, he couldn't wait to see it on her.

Finally, with his bags packed, he headed for the airport. The moment he stepped off the plane, he exhaled deeply, feeling like he could finally breathe again. His steps felt lighter as he moved through the terminal.

Just a few more minutes.

As he reached the arrivals area, he spotted Jessica waiting with his car keys in hand. She greeted him with a professional yet warm smile.

"Welcome back, Ethan. I hope your trip was successful."

Ethan nodded, taking the keys from her. "Thanks, Jessica. It was. We finalized the contract, but I'm just ready to be home."

Jessica fell into step beside him as they walked to the car. "Mr. Sinclair has already assigned a few tasks for you."

Ethan sighed. "He doesn't know I'm back yet, does he?"

"No, but he still made sure they were scheduled to be sent to you first thing tomorrow morning."

"Of course he did." Ethan shook his head. "Go ahead and get started on them. But for today, let's pretend I'm still gone. There's somewhere I need to be."

Jessica's smile widened slightly, a knowing look in her eyes. "Of course, Ethan. I'll handle everything. Enjoy your time with Sophie."

Ethan thanked her before sliding into his car.

As he drove toward her flower shop, the anticipation built inside him.

Only a few more minutes now.

******

Ethan pulled up in front of the flower shop in the late afternoon. Through the large windows, he spotted Sophie, lost in thought as she worked on a bouquet.

He watched her for a moment, a smile spreading across his face. He knew that expression so well—the way she bit her lip slightly when she concentrated, the way she tilted her head just so when she arranged the flowers.

Taking a deep breath, he pushed open the door. The familiar scent of fresh flowers wrapped around him, mingling with the soft rustling of leaves from outside.

At that moment, Sophie finished the bouquet she was working on and looked up. Her eyes landed on him, widening in shock before lighting up with pure joy.

"Ethan!" she gasped, rushing toward him.

Before he could say a word, she threw her arms around him. He pulled her even closer, wrapping her tightly in his embrace. She buried her face in his chest, inhaling his familiar scent, her fingers clutching the back of his coat.

"What are you doing here?" she whispered, her voice slightly shaky.

"I just couldn't wait to see you," he murmured before bending down to kiss her. He needed to remember how she tasted, how she felt.

The moment their lips met, a rush of warmth flooded through him. He had almost forgotten how intoxicating she was—her scent, her softness, the way she melted into his embrace. He deepened the kiss, pulling her even closer, wanting to lose himself in her.

When they finally broke apart, he rested his forehead against hers, his voice low and tender. "I missed you so much, Sophie."

"I missed you too," she whispered, her hands still gripping his shirt as if afraid he'd disappear. "I can't believe you're really here."

"I finished work a bit early," Ethan said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I had to come straight here."

Sophie smiled, her heart swelling with love. "I'm so glad you did. This was the longest week without you."

Ethan pulled her into another embrace, her warmth grounding him in a way nothing else ever could. "I'm here now," he murmured. "And I'm not going anywhere."

Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small jewelry box and handed it to her. "I got you something."

Sophie's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she opened the box. Her breath caught the moment she saw the necklace inside.

"It's beautiful," she whispered, carefully lifting it from its cushion.

"Just like you," Ethan said softly. "I saw it and thought of you. I wanted you to have something special."

Sophie looked up at him, her eyes full of emotion. "Thank you, Ethan. It's perfect."

Ethan took the necklace from the box and fastened it around her neck, his fingers brushing lightly against her skin. "It looks even better on you than I imagined."

She touched the pendant, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "I love it."

Ethan leaned in, kissing her gently. "I'm glad."

Sophie returned his kiss, her heart overflowing. Now that he was here, she didn't want to let go.

Eventually, she pulled back slightly, her eyes still locked on his. "I have so much to tell you," she said softly.

"And I want to hear every word," Ethan replied, smiling. "But remember, I said we'd do something fun when I got back."

She studied his face, concern flickering in her expression. "But you're exhausted. We can do something fun another time."

Ethan shook his head. "Sophie, I've been looking forward to this all week. I have to be in the office tomorrow, but tonight, I just want to spend time with you."

Sophie blushed. She had never seen him this eager to be with her before. "Well, we could go somewhere quiet. Just us."

Ethan smiled. "I know the perfect place. Come on, let's go."

Soon, they were in his car, the city lights casting a soft glow as he drove. The streets blurred past, but Sophie barely noticed. She was too focused on Ethan—his hands on the wheel, his steady presence beside her, the way he kept stealing glances at her with a quiet sort of longing.

Finally, he pulled up in front of a grand building, its stone edges giving it the charm of something historical.

Sophie looked at him in confusion. "Where are we?"

Ethan just smiled. "You'll see."

He took her hand, leading her inside. At the entrance, an older man—who looked very much like a butler—greeted them warmly before ushering them in.

Sophie's eyes widened as they stepped inside. It wasn't a restaurant, at least not like any she had seen before. It was a beautiful, intimate space—a private dining area that felt as if it belonged in a storybook, with warm lighting and elegant decor.

The butler led them to a secluded balcony, set up as if someone had known she was coming. A candlelit table awaited them, overlooking the city, the stoned edges of the balcony adding to the magic of it all.

Ethan pulled out her chair, his touch lingering as she sat down.

"We can watch the sunset from here," he said, taking her hands in his.

Sophie gazed at the view, the sky painted in hues of gold and pink. "It's beautiful," she murmured.

Ethan's lips quirked into a smile. "Here, we can sit and talk. Just us."

Sophie looked at him, her heart aching in the best way.

How could she ever live without this man?

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