Chapter 7 Sophia.

SOPHIA'S POV.

Dinner was very awkward for me. I was anything but comfortable. I couldn't eat as much as I wanted because of my dress, and I couldn't join in the conversation because I honestly have nothing to say.

I sat there awkward and uncomfortable, and it didn't seem like I was the only one suffering from it. The guy Max, who sat across me looks like he wants to bolt out of the room any second.

"So," Mrs Sullivan began. Her eyes roam from me to Max. God answered my prayers so that her eyes fell on Max. "Mr Max, what do you do for a living?"

Max looked up startled at the sudden attention. "Ah well, I'm a mechanic." He said simply in his rich baritone voice. I have to admit, I like his voice. Mrs Sullivan kept on staring at him as if waiting for an elaboration, and he added, "I fix cars."

Mrs Sullivan raised an unimpressed brow at him, "that's your occupation?"

He nodded, "yeah, that's it."

She clicked her tongue in disappointment and turned her attention on me, "and you Samantha?"

I gulped, "it's Sophia actually."

"I hardly care what your name is."

"Mom!" Lucas protest.

"Go on, tell me what you do for a living?" She asked again, completely ignoring Lucas.

I glance at Lucas who nodded at me, and that gave me the courage to reply, "I work in the GAM department at Revved Automotive."

"In other words, you work at my son's company?"

"Yes ma'am," I mumbled.

She sighed heavily, "and how am I sure you are not just another gold digger?"

My heart twisted in pain.

"Mom stop it! Stop making Sophia uncomfortable." Lucas snapped in my defense.

Max cleared his throat loudly, drawing attention to himself. "Sorry for the interruption, but can I please use the bathroom? I am pressed."

I was surprised by his total and genuine politeness. He honestly look like those typical bad boys in movies who doesn't give a shit about anyone, and had little respect for people.

Mrs Sullivan called one of the maids and said, "show him to one of the bathroom upstairs, and make sure you clean the place thoroughly when he is done. Is that clear?"

"Yes ma'am" Max stood up and followed the maid. He seem unbothered by Mrs Sullivan's words and her tone of voice. It was quite obvious that there was an indirect insult somewhere in her words.

I suddenly felt cold and alone. Having him here made me feel less awkward, because at least I know I am not the only outsider here.

Once Max was gone, Mrs Sullivan turned a pleasant smile towards Emma. "My dear Emma, I heard your agency wants you to go for the fashion parade in Paris next week."

The beautiful woman was all smiles and elegance. "Yes aunt. I would have refused, but they insisted."

"That's because they know that no other model can represent the agency better than you do."

Emma laughed gaily, "oh don't flatter me aunt. There's really nothing special about me. Just pure luck."

"Didn't you say you needed a date for the event?" She asked looking towards Lucas, "my dear son Lucas should go with you."

"No no aunt. Lucas will be too busy at his work. I don't want to disturb him," she refused.

"I insist," Mrs Sullivan said, as if I wasn't present, as if they weren't talking about my boyfriend going on a date with someone else.

"I can't travel out of the country at this time mom. I can't be her date to that event. I have a lot to take care of at the company, and it's the wrong time to go on a vacation. Besides, I will be too busy with plans for my wedding."

Four pair of eyes turned to him in shock, "wedding? What wedding are we talking about?" Mrs Sullivan asked in a panicked tone.

Unfazed, Lucas replied, "I have decided that I want to get married to Sophia."

Everyone was shocked and silent for a moment, and I tried all I could to sink into my chair and just disappear. Lucas could obviously see that his family were not in approval of our relationship. Why did he raise the topic of marriage at such wrong timing?

"Over my dead body will such a thing happen!" Mrs Sullivan snapped.

"You can't be serious brother!" Amelia screamed.

"Mom, I have made my decision."

"And I refuse to accept your decision." Mrs Sullivan was very mad, "how could you make such a reckless decision without discussing with me first?!"

"It's my life mom!"

As they argued, I discreetly stood up and left the table. Thank God no one noticed.

It was suffocating being there. I needed to use the bathroom, to calm myself down and put my thoughts in order.

How did my life turn to this over night?

I had no idea where to find the bathroom, and so I followed the direction the maid took Max and went upstairs. I was met with a wide hallway on the first landing. I didn't know if I should go to my left, to my right or to just take the hallway.

After a lot of contemplating, I decided to take the hallway. It was a struggle to keep up on my heels, but I didn't care, I needed the bathroom as soon as possible.

As expected, I slipped and fell forward with a yelp, but instead of falling on the floor, I stumbled on someone causing the both of us to fall on the floor at my unexpected weight, with me on top of him.

The strong scent of strawberry assaulted my nostril, and I felt like sinking into the calming scent.

I was so lost in the sweet scent and forgot that I was half lying on a person. I only came back to my senses when he cleared his throat.

My eyes flew open only to come face to face with amused green eyes. The most beautiful shade of green I have ever seen. My gaze went lower to his straight nose and pink lips. Only then did I realize how close we were.

"Um, you're still on me." he reminded, and my eyes widen in realization.

"Oh my God! I'm so sorry!" I apologized, scrambling up on my feet in a flash. He got up as well and dusted off his behind. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to fall on you." My legs were wobbling as I tried to stand straight on my heels.

"Are you okay?" He asked, staring at my wobbling legs in concern.

"Yes I am fine. I just need the bathroom." I turned around in a hurry to escape from this embarrassment, but the suddenness of my turn made me almost fall flat on my face again.

"Careful!" Max called out and quickly grabbed me by my waist and turned me around to steady me.

My palm was flat against his hard chest and we were staring wide eyed at each other.

We were so close, that I could see the depth of his beautiful eyes.

It was like staring into his soul. Indeed it is true that the eyes are the window to the soul. Just staring into Max eyes made me feel like I have known him for eternity.

My breath came out low and heavy and my heart pounded deep in my chest in an almost painful beat.

Something drew me to him like a strong wind eager to throw me off coarse.

Deep in my chest, I could feel something coming alive and I couldn't help wondering.

What the hell is this feeling?