He then affectionately patted her cheek, his touch lingering for just a second longer than necessary.
“I’m going to leave now,” he said quietly. “Get some rest.”
Then, he turned and walked out of the room—like he hadn’t just shaken her completely.
The door closed behind him.
And only then—
Sophia blinked.
The daze he had pulled her into shattered at once.
The strange daze she had fallen into shattered instantly, and frustration rushed in just as fast. Her brows knit tightly as she sucked in a sharp breath, her fingers clenching into the fabric of her dress.
“Ugh—”
Before she could stop herself, she slammed her hand down onto the table.
The sound echoed in the quiet house.
“Damn it!”
A low, irritated growl escaped her lips, her chest rising and falling as she tried to steady herself.
Why was she reacting like this?
Why was she still affected by him even now?
13 Choose Me
She let out a long, frustrated breath, dragging a hand through her hair before picking up her purse from the table.
“Forget it.”
The house suddenly felt suffocating. She hadn’t eaten, and the thought of cooking only made her more irritated.
“I’ll just eat outside…” she murmured.
Turning on her heel, she strode straight for the door, her steps quick and sharp. Her fingers closed around the handle, yanking it open with more force than necessary.
Then she stepped out.
The door shut behind her with a dull thud.
She headed toward the main road at a steady pace.
The evening had deepened, the street dim under scattered lights, the cool air brushing against her skin.
Adjusting her purse on her shoulder, she headed toward a nearby restaurant.
The street wasn’t crowded—just passing cars now and then.
She had barely reached the roadside when suddenly, a woman came thundering toward her.
Her heels struck the ground hard, fast, each step sharp with anger. She was dressed in expensive clothes, polished and elegant—clearly someone from a wealthy background.
But her face was burning with anger.
