Page 1

From Sophie’s point of view
Not an issue. After Alley, my sole friend and the owner of the restaurant where I work informed me she couldn’t come today and left the restaurant in my care, I texted her back.
I was still in bed and preparing to get up when I texted my fiancé. Ryan, we have to call off our date tonight. Because Alley isn’t coming, I won’t be able to get free early.
I put the phone down on the bed and waited for him to call back. We had to cancel six dates in the last two weeks.
It’s not just because of me; it’s also because of him. Sometimes I’m busy, and sometimes he is.
I picked up my phone when it buzzed. It’s fine. I also have a lot to do tonight. He answered.
Hmm…okay. I answered before I got up.
I looked down at the simple gold band on my ring finger with the little diamond on it and smiled.
I wonder what my life would be like with Ryan as my husband.
Will we be able to make time for each other even though we’re busy?
I can worry about it all later because we still have a few months till we are married. I need to go to the restaurant right now.
I took a big breath and walked into the restaurant after looking at the sign.
The Saffrons
I said hello to everyone and told them that I would be in charge today because Alley wasn’t coming.
One of my coworkers asked me, “How’s everything?”
While I washed my hands, I grinned. “Everything’s good, Lila. What about you?”
She let out a sorrowful sigh. “Not much. In my dream, I went on a romantic date with Liam Whitmore.”
I shook my head and laughed. “You and your Liam Whitmore obsession.”
“Come on! He’s so hot! I’d give my life for him.”
I put the apron on my waist. “Yeah, yeah, of course. But I keep telling you that he doesn’t date. He never did.”
She made a face. “Don’t say that. He might do it one day.”
“Why don’t you ask Alley to set up a meeting for you with him since he is her brother-in-law?”
“You’re right, but I don’t know. I’ll ask her when she gets here.” I hummed and got the plates ready.
Customers started to arrive as time went on.
While I was making the curry, one of our waitresses came in and said, “There’s someone out there to meet you.”
My eyebrows came together. “Who?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. He didn’t say his name. He just asked for you. He’s at table number five.”
“Oh, okay,” I responded as I went by her to go. She remarked, “A bit handsome fellow,” and winked.
I laughed at her; all of my coworkers are nuts.
I moved out and headed to table number 5, but when I saw the person seated there, my movements slowed, and my face turned pale.
The person I hated the most was sitting there in black trousers, a white T-shirt, and a jacket.
He grinned when he spotted me and waved softly with his hand as if we were old friends reconnecting after years apart.
I sat across from him, gritting my teeth. He looked me up and down.
He licked his lips. “You’ve gotten more beautiful over the years, haven’t you?” I remarked coldly, “What do you want, Blake?”
“I see…you are still mad.
I got up and left. I can’t handle him.
“Wait, Sophie!” He stopped me. “Please, just five minutes. I need to talk to you.”
I rolled my eyes and sat back down. “Only five minutes. Your time starts now.”
“Hey, I’ve been looking for you for a long time, and now I’ve finally found you.”
“How did you get to me?”
“Your friend Alley is pretty famous right now. I saw your picture with her on Instagram. And by the way, I even have sources now,” he said.
“What do you want now?” “You.”
I gave him a dirty look. “Not going to happen. I’m already engaged, and even if I weren’t, I would never be with you.”
He put his hand over his heart in a dramatic way. “Ouch.”
I rolled my eyes, and he replied, “Sophie, I started my own business. I’m rich.”
I lost it. “Do you think I care how rich you are?” “Then what?”
“Go away, Blake.”
He took my hand. “Are you still mad at me for that?”
I pulled my hand out of his clutches. “Don’t touch me, and yes, I’m still mad at you and will be forever.”
I looked at his hands on the table, and they were trembling, like really. I had to ask. “Why are your hands shaking?”
He stared at his hands for a second and added, “I have a nerve problem. Sometimes, they shake on their own.”
I hummed back.
He let out a sigh and said. “Look, it’s been eight years, and it was a mistake.” “That you didn’t regret!”
“But I feel bad now.”
“It’s over, Blake. I don’t care if you regret it or not; the damage is done.”
“I want to make it up to you for that. I’m sorry for what I did.”
I stood up furiously and went to go, but he jumped up and grabbed my wrist. “Pay attention to me, Sophie.”
Other customers noticed us, and all turned to stare at us. I once again pulled my hand away from his clutches and glared at him.
I clenched my teeth and whispered softly. “Blake, don’t make a scene here. Please leave.”
He was about to say something, but I stopped him. “No. The talk is over. Now leave me alone.”
I turned around right away and headed back inside, disregarding the looks I was getting from the customers.
I put my hand on my forehead and leaned my back against the wall once I was inside. What the heck does he want after all these years?
******
A few hours later, Lila came racing in. Her face was pallid, and her eyes were as wide as they could be.
I asked in a funny way, “What happened to you?”
She opened and closed her lips, but she couldn’t say anything.
That made me a little nervous, so I moved closer to her and grasped her forearm. “What’s the matter?”
She pointed to the entrance that led to the restaurant. “Li-Liam.” That simply made me more confused. “What?”
Then she screamed, which scared me. “Liam Whitmore is out there!”
“Oh, really?”
“He wants to see Alley.”
“Did you tell him she’s not here?”
She grinned shyly. “No. I was too shocked to say anything.” I hit myself in the face. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
She stood up for herself. “I can’t help it. He looks so hot, handsome, and sexy. When he asked me about Alley, I almost passed out, so I ran back inside.”
I grumbled, and she pushed me towards the door. “Please go and tell him Alley isn’t here.”
I was going to say anything, but she pushed me ahead, and before I knew it, I was out of the kitchen.
He was standing next to the booth that was closest to the kitchen. I almost ran into him if he hadn’t grabbed my hand. “Be careful there,” he cautioned quietly.
I looked up at him and laughed shyly, and my breath caught. Right now, he looks really gorgeous.
He wore navy blue trousers and a white shirt with the sleeves pulled up to the elbow and his muscles sticking out. His navy blue coat hung over his forearm.
His thick beard was cut down to stubble, and his hair and a pair of beautiful glasses finished off the image.
He cleared his throat, which brought me out of my stupor. I saw I was still holding onto his arm, so I stepped back right away.
I said, “Hi.”
“Hi,” he said, and then it seemed like he was studying my face. “Is it Sophie?”
“Yes…”
He looked behind me towards the kitchen door and added, “I really wanted to meet Alley.”
“Oh, umm…she didn’t come today.” His lips made an “O.”
“Is there anything else you want, Mr. Whitmore?”
“Oh, please call me Liam,” I said, “and no, I don’t want anything else.” “Okay, Liam.”
He said, “There’s something in your hair, Sophie,” and then asked if he might take it out. “Can I?”
I nodded.
He ran his fingers through my hair and then snapped his fingers. When he pulled his hand back, he had a little red rose between his fingers.
What the.
He held out the rose and said, “For you.”