She drove off.
***
Sophia finally came out into the living room of Emma’s house that afternoon.
She had stayed in bed the entire morning.
She hadn’t slept properly for days, and the exhaustion had finally caught up with her. When she woke up in the morning, her body had felt heavy, as if her bones were cracking under pressure. So she stayed in bed, staring at the ceiling, forcing herself to rest until she felt somewhat human again.
Now, freshly dressed, she walked into the living room quietly.
Emma was sitting on the couch in the middle of the room, scrolling through her phone. The moment she saw Sophia, her face lit up. She immediately put her phone aside and straightened.
“Finally,” Emma said with a small smile. “Took you long enough.”
Sophia gave a small, tired smile and sat down beside her.
“I didn’t realize I was that exhausted,” she admitted.
Emma stood up and pointed toward the dining table. “Lunch is here. Come on. Let’s eat together.”
Sophia nodded and followed her.
They both settled down at the table and began eating quietly. For a few minutes, the only sound was the clinking of cutlery.
After a while, Emma looked up.
“So,” she asked gently, “what are your plans now? Have you already booked the ticket to London?”
Sophia took a small sip of water before answering. “Yes. Your brother has arranged everything already.”
“Where?” Emma asked. “Company apartment? Or did you rent your own place?”
Sophia shook her head slightly. “Own place. All I have to do is land in London and go to the address Elias gave me. Since my work is going to be confidential, I will need privacy. It’s a big position. I have to learn first, then take over.”
Emma’s expression softened. “I’m going to miss you so much.” She hesitated. “Are you sure you want to move away?”
Sophia lowered her gaze to her plate for a moment before nodding.
“I’m sure. It’s time for me to move on.”
Emma reached across the table and gently pressed her hand over Sophia’s.
“It’s just… It feels sudden.”
Sophia looked up and smiled faintly, squeezing her fingers back.
After a few minutes, Emma casually picked up her phone again and started scrolling through social media.
Suddenly, she froze.
Her expression shifted.
She turned the phone toward Sophia. “Isn’t this that woman? What’s her name… Celia? The one who had rumors with Magnus?”
Sophia frowned slightly and leaned closer.
On the screen was a photo of Celia.
