44| Unexpected Encounter

Claire glared at Ethan for what felt like the hundredth time that day.

Ethan wanted to chalk it up to her being unimpressed by how the negotiations were going, but knowing her, it wasn't that.

She wasn't the type to get emotionally invested in work. She was good at what she did, but she knew when to push and when to fall back—all without carrying the weight of it.

His team and hers were in a joint meeting, discussing a potential collaboration on a new technology. Ethan had almost called off the entire partnership, considering how she had acted recently, but he figured this was his best chance to talk to her directly.

As the meeting wrapped up, one of Ethan's team members suggested they all go for lunch. Ethan, as always, had no intention of joining. No one was ever truly comfortable eating with their boss.

But then Claire, who had been glaring at him all morning, suddenly turned to him with a radiant smile—one he didn't trust for a second.

"I don't really like the restaurant they're going to," she said breezily. "Why don't you join me at that charming place near your office? We really need to catch up. And, of course, talk business."

Ethan exhaled slowly, already exhausted by her. She always exhausted him. "Fine," he said, rubbing his temple. "I wanted to talk to you about something anyway."

Claire nodded, her smile faltering just slightly, and they made their way to the restaurant.

They sat at an outdoor table, the city bustling around them, but Ethan barely heard it.

Ethan checked his watch, already eager to get back to the office—so he could at least talk to Sophie before getting buried in work again.

Claire, however, had no such distractions. She studied him intently, her expression unreadable. Then, after a moment, she sighed dramatically.

"What's going on, Ethan?" she asked, her tone softer but insistent. "You've been so cold lately."

He gave her a blank look. Cold? When had he ever been warm?

"I mean, you've been ignoring my texts and not answering my calls."

Ethan resisted the urge to roll his eyes. The only reason he had answered her calls before was because she had been struggling with her mother again.

She had called him, crying, saying she just wanted to hear someone's voice. And though he had suggested she talk to a therapist—because, frankly, he was stretched thin with his own problems—he still picked up a few times when she kept calling.

That was also why he had let her stay at his house for a while. She had gotten into a huge fight with her mother, and he gave her space. But David had been living there too at the time, since they were roommates. The house was big enough, and Ethan had been so busy he barely even saw her.

But that wasn't why they were here.

Ethan leaned forward, locking eyes with her. "What did you say to Sophie?" His voice was firm, his patience already worn thin. "You upset her, and I don't appreciate that. I know how you act with people, but I thought you had boundaries. Why did you think that was okay?"

Claire's eyes narrowed slightly before she let out a slow breath. "So that's why you've been distant? Because of Sophie?"

"You didn't answer the question," Ethan shot back. Then, with finality, he added, "But yes, Claire. Because of Sophie."

Claire hesitated, as if weighing her words. Then she sighed again, this time with carefully placed regret. "I'm sorry, Ethan. I was having a bad day and was a little mean to her." Her voice carried just the right amount of remorse, but Ethan knew her too well.

He sighed, leaning back in his chair, thinking back to when he had first met Claire.

It was at one of those extravagant parties, the kind where the adults indulged themselves while the children were left to their own devices under the supervision of nannies.

Claire had spent most of the night bullying other kids, throwing tantrums, and talking down to the staff. Ethan had despised her attitude immediately and did his best to avoid her.

But later that night, he saw something he wished he hadn't.

Her mother had hit her. Hard.

Ethan, only a child himself, had been frozen in place, watching as the same words Claire had hurled at the other kids were now being hurled at her. He hadn't understood it at the time—why someone's own mother would treat them like that.

But he did understand the way Claire curled into herself afterward, crying alone.

Because he knew what it was like.

To be alone.

To feel unloved.

To feel like nothing you did would ever be enough.

And maybe that was why, despite everything, he had always looked out for her.

Not because he liked her. Not because he trusted her. But because he pitied her.

Over the years, Claire had clung to him, sometimes misinterpreting his kindness, sometimes outright pushing too far. He never encouraged it, never led her on, but he also never completely walked away. Maybe a part of him had wanted to believe she was capable of change. That she could break the cycle.

But if Claire had turned her venom onto Sophie, then Ethan knew he couldn't keep making excuses for her.

Sophie wasn't going to be Claire's new scapegoat. He wouldn't allow it.

Ethan looked at Claire again, his expression unreadable.

"I don't care what kind of day you were having," he said, his tone unwavering. "You need to show Sophie respect. I want my friends to get along with my wife."

Claire's face twitched at the word wife, but she quickly covered it with a small, forced smile. "I'll try, Ethan. You're my only friend, and I don't want to lose you."

Ethan studied her carefully. He understood what it was like to lose the only person you felt you had. But he also knew that this—this constant back and forth, this pattern of toxic behavior—wasn't friendship.

"Are you still mad at me?" Claire asked, her voice quieter now, her eyes downcast.

"I'll forgive you if you apologize to Sophie," Ethan replied simply.

Claire smiled, her expression carefully composed. "Of course, I'll apologize. I promise."

Ethan let out a slow breath, his shoulders finally relaxing. "That means a lot to me."

Maybe this way, he could make up for how Sophie had felt back then.

Maybe Claire would learn.

Maybe this time, she meant it.

Inside, Claire was seething.

He still cared about her. That was the important part.

She would apologize. She would play nice—for now.

But her dislike for Sophie was growing into something much worse.

And there were only a few people in this world she truly hated.

******

Sophie had noticed how exhausted Ethan seemed lately. Work was clearly weighing on him, and this time, she had made up her mind—she was going to support him.

She wasn't sure how exactly, but maybe she could take him out for lunch. Even if it was something small, just a moment away from the stress, maybe it would help.

As she packed a small basket with food, a nervous thought crossed her mind. What if he was too busy? What if he turned her down?

Come on, Sophie. It's Ethan.

Lately, he never wanted to see her upset. At this point, if she asked for a pony, he'd probably find a way to get her one. But she never wanted to take advantage of his kindness. She just wanted to help, to be there for him in any way she could.

Hopefully, her company alone would mean something to him.

As she walked toward his office, she passed by a familiar restaurant—a cozy spot she often stopped by for iced coffee when she visited the bank. But today, something made her pause.

Sitting at an outdoor table was Ethan.

And Claire.

Claire was laughing at something he had said, leaning in slightly, her expression one of easy familiarity.

Sophie's heart clenched. A pang of jealousy twisted in her chest before she could push it down.

This isn't the time to feel jealous, she reminded herself.

Ethan had already told her how much he liked her.

But Claire still made her feel like this.

She didn't want to be around her—especially after how mean she and her friends had been at the luncheon.

Before she could retreat, Ethan noticed her and waved her over with a warm smile.

"Sophie!" His voice was full of warmth, and he stood immediately, waving her closer. "You didn't tell me you were in the area."

Sophie forced a smile, her heart pounding as she walked toward them. Claire's expression turned smug, and Sophie hated it.

Why did she always look so satisfied with herself?

"I was going to call you," Sophie said, her voice wavering slightly.

"Claire came to my office for a meeting, and we ended up here for lunch," Ethan explained easily. His smile never wavered. "Come sit." He was already pulling out a chair for her.

Sophie hesitated. Claire looked like she wanted to set something on fire.

"I... I brought you lunch," Sophie said, holding up the basket.

Ethan's face softened. "I'm sorry, Sophie, we were just about to order. But I'll eat it later in the office, I promise."

Sophie nodded, taking the seat Ethan had offered. She tried to remain composed, but she didn't know why she felt upset.

Just then, Ethan reached out, giving her hand a small squeeze.

That small gesture told her everything.

That he missed her.

That he was thinking about her, even now.

Just one touch, and she knew.

Claire, of course, ruined the moment.

"Sophie," she said sweetly, too sweetly, and Sophie resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Here we go.

"It's so good to see you." Claire's voice dripped with feigned warmth.

Sophie almost scoffed. Sophie almost scoffed.

Almost rolled her eyes.

Almost flipped her off.

Did she really think I'd fall for this?

"I wanted to apologize for my previous behavior."

Sophie arched a brow, immediately suspicious.

Claire's eyes flicked to Ethan, like she was making sure he was paying attention, before continuing.

Oh, so that's how it was. This apology wasn't for her. It was for him.

Sophie hated that she still hadn't told Ethan the things Claire had said to her. But every time she got a moment alone with him, the last thing she wanted to do was talk about Claire.

God, she was tired of this fakeness.

Should she play along? Should she call her out?

Before Sophie could respond, Claire went in for the kill. Her eyes shimmered, her voice suddenly fragile. "I know it will be hard to forgive me. I said some awful things. It's just that... Ethan was the only one who was ever kind to me."

And now she's crying. Really?

Sophie barely stopped herself from rolling her eyes. Was she trying to win an Oscar?

At least Claire was consistent. Saying this apology in front of Ethan—who was already falling for it—

Was a calculated move.

She knew Sophie would be cornered into accepting it.

"It's fine, Claire. You don't have to cry," Sophie said, her tone flat.

At least she could play along.

Claire sniffled, dabbing at her eyes for effect. "No, I'm such an awful person, but you—you're so kind. I just didn't want Ethan to forget about me... to discard me."

Yes. Finally, something we agree on.

She was an awful person.

Ethan, predictably, softened. "Claire, we've been friends for a long time. I won't abandon you."

Sophie wanted to smack her forehead.

Seriously, Ethan?

Turning those watery eyes on Sophie again, Claire sighed dramatically. "Will you forgive me, Sophie? I'll become a better person."

Sophie didn't trust Claire. Not even a little. But she was exhausted by this whole situation. If accepting Claire's apology meant she would finally back off, then fine.

"I forgive you," Sophie said, her tone flat. "Let's move on from this."

Claire's smile was quick—too quick—and didn't reach her eyes. She reached across the table, grasping Sophie's hand in hers. "Thank you so much, Soph."

Sophie almost cringed.

Soph.

She hated when people other than her close friends used that name.

Sophie almost regretted accepting the apology right then and there.

Ethan, seemingly relieved, smiled. "I'm glad we were able to fix this."

Fine. She would go along with it.

It wasn't like Claire would always be involved in her life.

And Ethan seemed to care about her, in some way.

So she would hold it in.

She would try.

Claire nodded, her voice syrupy sweet. "Me too."

But Sophie could tell—it lacked sincerity.

"Let's order something already," Claire said casually, flipping through the menu. Then, with an easy familiarity, she added, "The usual, right, Ethan?"

Sophie glanced at Ethan, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "What's the usual?"

"Oh, just something Ethan always orders when we eat out," Claire replied with a dismissive shrug, a smirk playing at her lips.

Sophie felt it immediately.

That sting.

That annoying, petty little jab.

Just when she thought she was over this, Claire found a way to flex—subtly, but effectively—how she knew Ethan in ways Sophie did not.

Just then, the waitress arrived.

Sophie pushed aside her irritation and ordered pasta.

"I'll have the same as Sophie," Ethan said easily.

Claire's expression flickered—annoyance, quickly masked by a polite smile. "But you always get the same thing, Ethan. Why the change?"

Ethan shrugged. "Sophie likes Italian food, so I ended up liking it too." Then, as if to push the point further, he added, "You should try it too, Claire."

Claire's grip on her menu tightened. "No, thanks," she said, forcing a laugh. "I'll stick with the usual."

Sophie fought the urge to smirk. So much for that little power play.

As the waitress took their orders and walked away, Ethan turned to Sophie, his gaze soft, affectionate.

"I've really missed you today," he murmured, leaning over to press a gentle kiss to her forehead.

His thumb brushed over the back of her hand, grounding her.

"How's your day been?"

Sophie smiled back, choosing to ignore Claire entirely. "Busy, but good. I almost surprised you again."

Claire's smile tightened further, but her voice remained light. "How sweet of you, Sophie," she said smoothly. Then, with a tilt of her head, she added, "But you know, it's best not to disturb Ethan when he's working."

Sophie's eyes snapped to Claire. Was she serious?

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