Chapter 3 THE PAINFUL PAST

Sophia reached her mansion,her mansion is located in the outskirts of the city,she decided to seclude herself because she didn't need friends and didn't see the need for having friends,she has had her own share of friends betrayals in the past and she didn't want to repeat such mistakes again.

she closed her eyes and recalled her encounter with Aiden,he had acted like he didn't know her or he was so good at pretending but she didn't want to think deep,Aiden is one of her painful past and she wants nothing to do with him but the collaboration is what she needs now for her fashion company to continue flourishing,the money she is enjoying now is all thanks to her sweats,her spring collections that were just sold out are the results of her sleepless nights she was still deep in thought that she didn't know when Ruth her assistant/nanny entered

"Sophia," Ruth said softly, her voice breaking through Sophia's thoughts. "Dinner is ready."

Sophia blinked, startled out of her reverie. She looked up at Ruth, her face a mask of composure. "Thank you, Ruth," she said, her voice carefully neutral.

She stood up and stretched, trying to shake off the lingering emotions that had been stirred by the memory of Aiden. She knew she had to focus on the present, on her company, on her future. The past was a closed chapter, and she was determined to keep it that way.

As she walked towards the dining room, she couldn't help but think about the upcoming collaboration with Aiden. It was a necessary evil, a strategic move to secure her company's future. But it also meant confronting the ghost of her past, the one she had tried so hard to bury.

Sophia knew that Aiden's presence in her life would stir up old wounds, but she was determined to keep her emotions in check. She had built her empire on her own, and she wasn't going to let a past relationship jeopardize her success.

She took a deep breath, reminding herself that this was a business deal, nothing more. She would be professional, she would be courteous, but she would also be cautious. She would not let Aiden back into her life, not even for a moment.

Sophia sat down at the grand dining table, the polished mahogany gleaming under the soft glow of the chandelier. Ruth placed a plate of steaming food in front of her, the aroma of roasted vegetables and herbs filling the air.

"How was the meeting with Aiden?" Ruth asked, her voice laced with concern.

Sophia took a bite of her food, savoring the rich flavors. "It went well," she replied, her tone carefully measured. "We discussed the details of the collaboration. He seems eager to work together."

Ruth raised an eyebrow, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "And what about you, Sophia? Are you excited about this collaboration?"

Sophia paused, her gaze drifting to the window overlooking the sprawling gardens. "It's a necessary partnership, Ruth," she said, her voice a whisper. "My company needs this, and Aiden's talent is undeniable. But..."

She hesitated, her thoughts swirling. "But what?" Ruth prompted gently.

"But Aiden is a part of my past, Ruth," Sophia said, her voice barely above a breath. "He's a ghost I thought I had buried. I'm not sure I'm ready to face him again."

Ruth's expression softened. "I understand, Sophia. It's a lot to handle."

"I know," Sophia sighed, taking another bite of her food. "But I have to do this. For my company, for myself."

Ruth reached across the table, her hand resting on Sophia's arm in a gesture of comfort. "You're strong, Sophia. You've overcome so much already. You'll be fine."

Sophia squeezed Ruth's hand, a flicker of gratitude in her eyes. She knew that Ruth was right. She had faced her share of challenges, from the tragic loss of her parents to the relentless pursuit of success in a male-dominated world.

The memory of her parents' untimely death, a car accident that had taken them both in a flash, still haunted her. It had been a defining moment in her life, a moment that had forever changed her perspective. She had vowed to honor their memory by achieving greatness, by building a legacy that would make them proud.

"I just hope I can keep my emotions in check," Sophia said, her voice barely a whisper. "I don't want to let the past interfere with the present."

Ruth nodded, understanding the weight of Sophia's burden. "You'll find your way, Sophia. You always do."

Sophia smiled faintly, a glimmer of hope flickering in her eyes. She knew that Ruth was right. She had always found a way, and she would find a way again.

Sophia took a deep breath, trying to push the anxieties about Aiden to the back of her mind. "Thank you, Ruth. I need that reminder."

"You're welcome, darling," Ruth said, her voice warm and reassuring. "But speaking of finding your way, don't forget about the President's wife's charity event. You're designing the centerpiece, remember?"

Sophia's smile faltered, the weight of the responsibility settling on her shoulders. "Oh, right," she said, her voice laced with a hint of panic. "I haven't even started sketching yet."

Ruth chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Don't worry, you'll pull it off. You always do. Just remember to take it one step at a time."

Sophia nodded, her mind racing. She had been so focused on the Aiden situation that she had completely forgotten about the upcoming event. It was a huge honor to be chosen for the project, but it also came with a great deal of pressure. The President's wife was known for her impeccable taste and her keen eye for detail.

"I'll get started right away," Sophia said, her voice regaining its usual confidence. "Thank you for reminding me, Ruth."

Ruth smiled, her expression radiating warmth and understanding. "Of course, darling. And remember, I'm always here for you."

Sophia knew that Ruth's support was invaluable. She was more than just her business partner; she was her confidante, her rock. With Ruth by her side, Sophia felt a surge of renewed confidence. She could face any challenge, overcome any obstacle.