88| The Charity Ball

Ethan couldn't believe it—Claire was right.

He was in love with Sophie.

Of course, he'd always known.

Who was he kidding? Even a blind man could see how much he loved her.

But knowing it wasn't enough. He had to tell her.

He hated that he had kept Sophie waiting, tangled in the mess of his own feelings. He had told her he wanted to be sure he was the perfect man for her before saying it back.

But now?

He doubted he'd ever be perfect.

Maybe he didn't want to be perfect anymore.

He just wanted to be hers.

He wanted to be her husband—not just in name, not just as a formality, but completely.

He wanted her to know he couldn't picture his life without her.

He wanted to build a family with her.

And sure, the thought of him being a father scared him.

But anything with her would be beautiful.

He had to tell her.

But he didn't want to be clumsy about it. Not after he had kept her waiting all this time.

Maybe he could take her to the lake house she loved so much.

Or maybe they could go on a vacation together—somewhere they'd always dreamed of.

After all, they'd never had a honeymoon.

And the thought of traveling with her—just the two of them—made him smile.

So much so, in fact, that he barely noticed Jessica walk in as he sat there grinning to himself.

"Ethan?"

Jessica's voice snapped him out of it, and he cleared his throat, trying to play it off as she handed him a few files.

But the excitement stayed.

On the drive home, he felt like a schoolboy with a crush.

Eager. Almost nervous.

But he knew this feeling.

It was the same thrill he had always felt when he saw Sophie—

Only now, it was magnified tenfold.

When he arrived home, he found her sitting on the living room floor, surrounded by papers and documents.

"Sophie!" he called, maybe a little too enthusiastically.

She looked up with a laugh, surprised by his entrance.

"Did you have a good day at work? You seem so happy," she teased, standing to meet him.

He met her halfway, pulling her into a kiss.

His arms wrapped around her, holding her close.

She chuckled against his lips, pulling back just slightly.

"Now you have to tell me what's got you so excited!" she laughed.

Ethan grinned, barely able to contain himself.

"I was thinking... why don't we go on a vacation? Is there anywhere you'd like to go?"

Sophie's eyes widened.

"Vacation?" she repeated, clearly caught off guard.

She hesitated, then smiled.

"I've never really thought about it before. Traveling sounds wonderful."

She tilted her head, studying him.

"Why so sudden, though?"

He shrugged, trying to play it casual, but the way his smile stretched across his face gave him away.

"I don't know. I just want to go somewhere with you. Just us. Somewhere we can make memories."

His voice softened as he pulled her closer, his hand rubbing gently along her back.

She let out a happy sigh, melting into his embrace.

"I think we should! I want to go somewhere with you too... to make memories together."

She hesitated for a second, then murmured—

"I love you."

The words hung in the air, soft and certain.

Ethan felt his heart swell.

God, he wanted to say it back.

But just for a little longer... he held onto it.

"How about," he suggested gently, "we take a short trip down to the lake? Stay in a nice rented house or hotel, soak in a big hot tub, go sightseeing, and maybe..."

He paused, watching her expression.

"Maybe we could even look at houses together."

Sophie's eyes widened, her mouth forming a small 'O' of surprise.

"Look at houses?" she repeated, a mixture of curiosity and joy lighting up her face.

"Yes." Ethan's voice was soft but certain.

"I think we should get a house there. Something with a nice view of the lake. A place we can escape to whenever we want—a family vacation home."

Sophie's face broke into a broad smile, warmth flooding her expression.

He was thinking of their future together.

She almost felt silly for doubting whether she should have said I love you earlier.

"I would love that, Ethan." She cozied into him. "Maybe with a garden too... and a couple of rooms for Lily, Mia, and our moms, for when they visit."

Ethan's smile softened, his gaze locked onto hers.

"I'll make sure there's room for everyone," he murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.

"A place big enough for family... and maybe even more."

Her heart skipped at his words, and a soft, unexpected laugh escaped her.

The thought of a future with him—building a home together, maybe even having a little one with his eyes, his beautiful face—made her heart race.

She almost smiled too widely at the thought.

She realized, with a flutter of excitement, that she didn't mind the idea of having his baby.

One that looked just like him.

The thought alone filled her with joy, a happiness so profound she couldn't hide the giddy smile spreading across her face.

"Let's go after the charity event. What do you say?"

Ethan's voice drew her out of her thoughts, his tone hopeful, full of warmth.

Sophie nodded, her excitement matching his.

Her flower association's charity ball was just around the corner.

She'd been so deeply involved in planning it that she hadn't even thought of taking a break.

But after? Yes. After that, she could finally let herself unwind... with him.

"Yes."

She whispered the word against his lips, leaning up to kiss him. "Let's go."

********

The charity ball arrived faster than Sophie expected.

She had never planned anything this grand before.

When the organization nominated her to take the lead, she had felt overwhelmed.

But seeing the finished product—the lights, the elegant decorations, the guests filling the hall—she couldn't help but feel proud.

She and Lily had truly pulled it off.

Mia and Lucas had been incredibly helpful too.

She had half-expected Lucas to throw one of his jealous fits, like he usually did when she got an opportunity and he didn't.

But to her surprise?

He had congratulated her and he had even offered to help.

More surprising?

He actually delivered on that promise.

Sophie suspected his girlfriend was to thank for that, she had truly changed him for the better.

Sophie had invited all her influential friends.

Every penny counted toward helping the children and families they supported, and she was thrilled by the turnout.

Evelyn had promised to bring a few from her social circle, and David, ever the sweetheart, had vowed to attend with some of his "deep-pocketed" friends.

She had even invited Rachel, Emily, Alex, and Mark from the lake house.

Though Alex, Mark, and Rachel couldn't make it due to prior commitments, they had promised generous donations.

The evening was electric with excitement as guests filled the hall.

Sophie scanned the room and soon spotted Ethan.

Dressed in a sharp suit, looking as effortlessly handsome as ever, he moved toward her with a soft, knowing smile.

The moment his eyes met hers, her heart skipped.

Pride shimmered in his gaze.

As he reached her, she beamed, unable to contain her excitement.

Together, she introduced him to members of the flower association committee, shop owners from her neighborhood, and old friends from college.

She was so proud to show off her hot husband, and judging by the admiring looks from her friends, they were all clearly impressed.

When Evelyn arrived, Sophie excused herself and went over to greet her.

The older woman leaned in, embracing her warmly.

"I managed to get them to donate a good amount," Evelyn whispered, her voice laced with mischief.

A playful smile tugged at her lips.

"Unfortunately, we can't stay long," Evelyn added, lowering her voice conspiratorially.

"Sally here just lost her husband."

Sophie's eyes widened.

"Oh my gosh!" she whispered.

"Oh, don't sweat it—she was waiting for him to go," Evelyn said, barely hiding a laugh.

"She almost threw a countdown party."

Sophie gasped. "Seriously?"

"I know, right? He wasn't a good man either. And let's just say... she's inheriting a lot of money."

Evelyn's eyes twinkled.

"Trust me, she was extra generous with her donation tonight."

She winked, pure mischief in her smile.

After a few more words, Evelyn pulled Sophie into a warm goodbye hug before heading out with her friends.

Shortly after, David and Emily joined the group, David arriving with his usual charm and a small entourage.

Sophie introduced Emily to Mia and Lily, and soon, they were chatting and laughing, slipping into easy conversation as if they'd known each other for years.

Lily smirked, raising an eyebrow at Emily. "So, I don't have to see you as competition, right?"

Emily grinned. "For who—David?!"

Lily nodded without hesitation.

Emily chuckled, shaking her head. "Girl, I usually warn everyone to steer clear of David. I'd probably be keeping my distance if we hadn't somehow ended up going to the same college and becoming friends."

She threw a playful glance in David's direction.

"Well, unless you like a challenge."

A smirk tugged at her lips. "He's a bit of a player, but, believe it or not, every girl he's dated leaves him with a pretty high rating."

Lily's eyes lit up with mischief as she nudged Mia. "A challenge? Oh, I'm always up for that."

She grabbed a drink, then smirked. "Besides, I'm not looking for anything serious."

With that, she sauntered over to where David stood.

As she approached, she tilted her head with a smirk.

"Hey, David, you probably forgot to save my number last time, right?"

Sophie sighed, rolling her eyes as she watched Lily shamelessly flirt with David.

Her tone was somewhere between exasperation and amusement as she glanced at Ethan.

"How is it that I feel responsible for whatever chaos she gets into?" she murmured.

Ethan chuckled, giving her hand a squeeze.

"Oh, trust me, I get it. But stopping her? Not a chance. Have you seen her? Honestly, I'm a little scared of her myself."

Mia smirked, eyes drifting to Lily and David.

"Okay, let's place our bets. Sadly, I'm betting on Lily."

"I like Lily's boldness," Emily added. "I think it might actually surprise David. My money's on her too."

Ethan shook his head.

"Honestly, though, David might turn her down. He's got a surprising sense of responsibility. I doubt he'd want to do anything that might make Sophie uncomfortable."

"Oh, I forgot to mention that part," Emily said with a sly smile. "But I'm still sticking with my girl."

Mia turned to Sophie. "What about you?"

"Don't ask me that. I just wish she'd stop," Sophie groaned.

Mia grinned. "So, David then?"

"No! I have to support my little sister," Sophie said with a sigh.

"Wait, how much are we betting?" Emily asked.

"Two hundred dollars?" Mia suggested.

"Deal."

Emily smirked at Ethan. "So, three to one. You're really losing this one."

Ethan smirked. "We'll see."

Mia leaned in, lowering her voice dramatically. "No one, and I mean no one, suggest Lily take David for a drive."

She paused, eyes widening. "If she does and he almost loses his life in the car with her, he'd probably avoid her like the plague. We can't have that."

The whole group burst into laughter.

Ethan perked up. "Actually... that's a great idea, Mia."

"Ethan, you can't! Think of David's safety," Sophie shot back, laughing despite herself.

Near the end of the night, the total amount raised was announced over the speakers.

Sophie's heart soared.

The donations had reached an astronomically high figure—the largest sum raised in nearly ten years.

Relief and joy washed over her.

The thought of the families and children who would now have one less worry, even if just for a little while, made her heart swell.

As the last of the guests trickled out, she felt Ethan's arm wrap around her, pulling her close.

She leaned against him, her heart still racing with excitement.

"You did an incredible job, Sophie," he murmured, pride and admiration lighting up his gaze.

"You should be proud."

She looked up at him, her heart full.

"Thank you, Ethan."

She turned to her friends, her voice trembling slightly with gratitude.

"And thank you all! I couldn't have done it without your help."

She hugged Lily and Mia, overwhelmed by warmth and appreciation.

They continued chatting and laughing, basking in the night's success.

A deep contentment settled over Sophie—the kind that came from accomplishing something truly meaningful with the people she loved.

********

But as the night wound down, as laughter and celebration filled the air, an unknown man stood at a distance, blending seamlessly into the crowd.

His gaze locked onto Ethan, unwavering, sharp with calculated intent.

His expression was unreadable, his posture relaxed, but his eyes tracked Ethan's every move—keen, watchful, assessing.

He leaned slightly to the side, lifting a small device to his lips.

His voice was low, edged with quiet menace.

"I think we have something on him," he murmured.

There was a pause.

Then, his tone shifted, laced with something almost gleeful.

"Something we can use."

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