Chapter 6 Jake Visits Sophia

As they drove to the mall, Jake leaned back in his seat, going over his schedule for the next day. Rachel had already begun arranging his meetings and appointments.

When they arrived at the mall, Bontus got out to open the door for Jake. "Shall I get a cart for you?"

Jake nodded, and Bontus fetched a cart. As Jake walked through the market, he carefully selected the freshest produce, chatting with the vendors and sampling a few items.

The evening air was filled with the sounds of vendors calling out their daily specials and the aroma of fresh bread wafting from a nearby bakery.

After a productive trip to the mall, Jake headed home to refresh and recharge. He took a relaxing bath, letting the warm water soothe his muscles.

As he changed into something more comfortable – a casual shirt and jeans – he felt rejuvenated and ready for the rest of the evening.

With his plans in mind, Jake prepared himself for a lovely evening ahead, looking forward to spending time with Sophia.

••••••

"Don't worry about driving me out tonight . I'll drive myself," he told his driver..

"Alright, sir. I have packed everything arranged in the car."

Thanks, Bontus."

As Jake was driving out, he suddenly remembered something. "Oh, wait, I need to stop by that place to pick up some Jollof rice." He swung by the restaurant, picked up the order he had placed earlier, and continued his drive to Sophia's place.

As he drove by , he couldn't help but think about how he'd behave when he get there. Should he play it cool and normal, or maybe pretend to be a little upset to see how she'd react? Or maybe he should just be himself and show her how happy he was to see her.

He thought about Sophia's smile and how it always brightened up his day. Yeah, he'd just be himself and be happy to see her. No need to overthink it. He took a deep breath, feeling more at ease, and continued driving.

Sophia heard the knock on the door and quickly composed herself. Despite the lingering pain, she put on a brave face, not wanting Jake to worry or ask questions. She took a deep breath, smoothed out her clothes, and made her way to the door.

She opens the door after a long pause, her eyes cautious, a little red-rimmed. But Jake-he goes still the second he sees her.

Two shopping bags in one hand and a basket of food and fruit in the other, a bit of a juggling act. Sophia's eyes widened slightly, amused by the sight.

"Should she or she should not allow him in?" She thought to herself still standing at the door unsure of how to react to his sight.

"Wow, looks like you got everything," Sophia said, trying to hide the pain all over her body and focus on the moment.

Sophia's act was convincing and Jake didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. For now, her secret was safe.

She's in a short, silky black dress. Barefoot. Her hair is loose. It's not what he expected. He was ready for cold shoulders and harsh words. Not this.

"Sophia..." His voice catches on her name like it's fragile.

She lifts her chin.

He steps inside slowly, like if he moves too fast the moment will vanish. The apartment smells like vanilla and a mixture of her perfume. Soft music hums low from her speakers.

"I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

She crosses her arms, but it's not defensive-it's like she's trying to hold herself together. "Took you too long to reach out"

"I kept thinking about him just being a friend to you." He stops in front of her, but doesn't reach out yet. "You were right. Maybe I shouldn't have asked who called"

Her eyes search his face. "I didn't mean to hurt you ."

"Why are you wearing that?" he asks, voice lower now.

"Because I am in alone" she says. "And I was trying to forget you."

He exhales, sharp and shaky. "Not possible for you to."

There's a heartbeat of silence.

Then, as if pulled by gravity, he steps into her space. She doesn't back away. His hand rises, slow, tentative, brushing a strand of hair from her face. She closes her eyes like the touch is too much.

"I don't want to fight anymore," he whispers.

"Then don't," she murmurs, her voice cracking. "Just... be here."

He doesn't hesitate this time. His lips are on hers in an instant, fierce and desperate, like he's afraid she'll vanish if he lets go. Her hands clutch the front of his shirt, pulling him closer. The air between them crackles-raw and real.

They don't speak again. Words have done enough damage. Now, it's just them, breathless and burning, clinging to this moment like it's the only thing that matters.

"So... you miss me."

Jake's jaw clenches. "You have no idea."

She gives him a half-smile-bittersweet and trembling. Then she whispers, barely audible:

"Don't eat me up, please, Jake."

His hand comes up, cups her jaw gently-but there's fire in his touch, restrained only by the thin thread of control he's about to snap.

"I can't promise that."

Their lips meet like a match catching flame-sudden, fierce, consuming. His hands slide down her back, gripping her like he's anchoring himself. Her fingers tangle in his hair, pulling him deeper into the kiss. It's not soft. It's not safe. It's everything they've been holding back.

He lifts her slightly, backing her against the wall, and the world shrinks to just this-breathless gasps, trembling skin, the wild thrum of their hearts beating in sync again.

For now, the fight is forgotten. The pain, suspended.

Only this heat, this hunger, and the aching truth that they still belong to each other.