Chapter 3 S

A month had passed since Ryan's encounter with Ashley at the wedding. Ashley was back to her normal routine, working as an event planner at a prestigious company. Ashley sat in her office, sipping her coffee and discussing the latest development with her manager, Alexandra. Alexandra smiled, "Ashley, I have some great news. We just landed the Smith Corporation account. They want us to plan their annual gala." Ashley's eyes widened. "That's amazing! This is a huge opportunity for us." Alexandra nodded. "I know.

And I think you're the perfect person to lead this project." Ashley felt a surge of excitement. "Thank you, Alexandra. I won't let you down." Alexandra handed Ashley a folder filled with details about the event. "Here's all the information you need. The gala is scheduled to take place in two months." Ashley took the folder and began scanning the contents. "Okay, I see that they want a black-tie event with a live auction." Alexandra nodded. "That's right. And they want us to make sure it's a night to remember." Ashley's mind was already racing with ideas. "I think I can make that happen." As Ashley delved deeper into the planning process, she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. This was a huge opportunity for her, and she was determined to make it a success. But just as things were falling into place, Ashley's phone rang. She hesitated for a moment before answering. Ashley smiled as she answered the phone. "Hey, girl! What's up?" Her friend, Rachel, laughed on the other end. "Not much, just calling to check in. How's life?" Ashley filled Rachel in on the latest developments, including the new Smith Corporation account. Rachel squealed with excitement. "That's amazing, Ash! You're going to crush it!" Rachel said. Ashley chuckled. "Thanks, Rach. I'm pretty stoked." Rachel's tone turned serious. "So, have you heard from Ryan since the wedding?" Ashley hesitated, unsure of how to answer. "No, I haven't." Rachel's voice was laced with curiosity. "Do you think you'll ever talk to him again?" Ashley sighed, feeling a mix of emotions. "I don't know, Rach. I'm not sure I'm ready to deal with all that drama again." Rachel's voice was supportive. "I get it, girl. You do what's best for you." Ashley changed the subject, eager to move on from the Ryan conversation. "So, how was the honeymoon? I want all the juicy details!" Rachel laughed. "It was amazing, Ash! We had the best time. But I'm actually coming back next week." Ashley teased, "Wow, that was quick! I thought you'd be sipping margaritas on the beach for at least a year." Rachel chuckled. "I know, I know. But I have to get back to reality. And to be honest, I need to start looking for a new job." Ashley's curiosity was piqued. "What? Why? I thought you loved your job." Rachel sighed. "I did, but...well, it's a long story. Let's just say I need a change." Ashley's teasing tone turned sympathetic. "Aww, Rach, I'm sorry. We'll catch up as soon as you're back, and you can tell me all about it." Rachel's voice was grateful. "Thanks, Ash. I'll take you up on that." Ashley invited, "Rach, as soon as you're back, we need to catch up. Let's grab coffee and talk about everything." Rachel agreed, "Sounds perfect, Ash. I'll call you as soon as I'm back in town." Ashley smiled, looking forward to their reunion. "Can't wait, Rach. Safe travels, and see you soon." The two friends wrapped up their conversation, and Ashley hung up the phone, feeling happy that she'd be seeing Rachel soon. As she turned back to her computer, Ashley's mind started to wander. She thought about Rachel's upcoming job search and wondered what had prompted her to leave her current job. Ashley's thoughts were interrupted by her phone buzzing with an email notification. She glanced at the screen and saw that it was from Alexandra, her manager. ******************************** Meet Sophia Elizabeth Smith, a stunning 25-year-old model living in London. Sophia answered her phone, hearing her mother's voice on the other end. "Hello, darling! How are you?" Catherine asked, her voice warm and familiar. Sophia smiled, feeling a pang of homesickness. "I'm good, Mother. Just busy with work. How are you?" Catherine's voice turned serious. "I'm fine, sweetie. Listen, I wanted to talk to you about the annual gala. It's coming up in two months, and I was wondering if you'll be available to attend." Sophia thought for a moment before responding. "I'll have to check my schedule, Mother. But I should be able to make it." Catherine's tone was hopeful. "Wonderful, darling! I'll make sure to reserve a seat for you at our table." Sophia's curiosity was piqued. "Who's going to be there, Mother?" Catherine's voice was casual, but Sophia detected a hint of excitement. "Oh, just the usual crowd. But I did hear that Ryan Thompson, the CEO of Thompson Industries, will be attending." Sophia's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Ryan Thompson? I haven't seen him in ages. I've missed him." Catherine's voice turned teasing. "Oh, Sophia, you're so transparent. You've always had a soft spot for Ryan." Sophia laughed, feeling a blush rise to her cheeks. "Mother, don't be ridiculous. I'm just happy to see him again." Catherine chuckled. "Of course, darling. And I'm sure Ryan will be thrilled to see you too." Sophia's voice turned playful. "You're teasing me, Mother." Catherine's tone was light. "Maybe just a little, sweetie." Here's the continuation: Sophia's phone beeped, indicating another call. "Mother, I have to go. I'll talk to you later." Catherine's voice was understanding. "Okay, sweetie. Talk to you soon. Bye." Sophia hung up the phone and answered the other call. "Hello?" A familiar voice spoke on the other end. "Hey, Sophia. What's up?" Sophia's tone turned guarded as she spoke to Alex. "Hey, Alex. Not much. Just got done talking to my mom." Alex's voice was possessive. "What were you talking to her about?" Sophia hesitated, not wanting to share her conversation with Alex. "Just stuff, Alex. Nothing important." Alex's tone turned accusatory. "You're not hiding something from me, are you?" Sophia felt a surge of frustration. She was tired of Alex's controlling behavior and was planning to break up with him. Sophia took a deep breath and decided to end things with Alex once and for all. "Alex, I think we need to talk about us." Alex's tone turned suspicious. "What's going on, Sophia?" Sophia's voice was firm. "I think we're done, Alex. I deserve better than the way you've been treating me." Alex's voice turned angry. "You're breaking up with me? Over the phone?" Sophia stood her ground. "I'm done, Alex. Don't contact me again." Alex's anger turned to venom. "Fine, Sophia. But you'll regret this." Sophia hung up the phone, feeling a mix of emotions: relief, guilt, and a hint of fear.