Sophie stared out of the window, her expression calm. She then straightened the front of her dress, even though it was not crumpled at all; she was nervous of what was going to unfold later on. Her soft pink dinner dress reminded her so. She sat down on the sofa and glanced at her watch. 10 a.m. She groaned to herself, then buried her head in her hands. It always happens to her. Even when she acted like it was no big deal, her attitude and body knows best. Whenever she was nervous or troubled, she will not be able to sleep or if she was able to do so, she would wake up once in a while to ponder about her worries. If it involves an arrangement like an event that starts at 1 p.m., she would get ready 3 or 2 hours before. She can't eat and she will always fiddle with her hands due to the nervousness. She had went through all that before this awaited day, and she knew that she had to not mess it up.
It was the day of the marriage meeting, and she was fully prepared for it. She then sighed, and leaned back, as if she was deflated from her sigh a moment ago. What am I doing, me? she monologued, nibbling on her the side of her index finger. She was supposed to hate the day, but she was fully prepared for it, how can she not be bothered by it? She threw a glance at the window. And why am I looking out the window? It's not as if he was going to appear from out of nowhere! she argued with herself. She was also scared, especially when she found out that Lynn was going to leave the country and the school. After schooling at Scarlet High for only a week, she was called back to the main company branch in Japan. It wasn't urgent, so she called it off for about three more weeks, but Lynn has been busy since then, so she wouldn't be able to meet up with Sophie and the gang, much to Robert's relief and Samantha's disappointment. She was disappointed, too, but she can't rely on Lynn forever. She had to face the problem she was having right now, which was the marriage meeting.
She then heard the door behind her open. She instinctively stood up from the sofa, and looked behind her. She jolted in panic at first, but she tried to remain calm. Standing in front of her was Charles Bradford, the chairman of Bradford Corporation, and her grandfather. He nodded at his personal secretary behind him, who in turn bowed to him and left the room. They stood there in awkward silence at first. Charles then cleared his throat, then indicated the sofa in front of him. "Sit. I would like to have a talk with you" he said, his tone formal. Sophie obediently sat down, and Charles sat in front of her. There it was again. Silence. Sophie studied the person in front of her. Grey hair. Wrinkles catching up on his face. Blue-green eyes, like Phillip's and achingly like her father's. Charles' build was still strong, even for an old man like him. She heard his secretary mentioning that Charles having a ritual to jog every morning. Which was why he is still healthy. Which was why she will always be in his mercy. Especially Phillip and Matthew.
" I wanted to talk to you about the the marriage meeting" he said. Here it comes, she thought. "There will be only three people that you will be meeting today" he said, making he confused. Wasn't there supposed to be four people? she pondered. As if he could read her mind, Charles continued on, "The fourth person was not able to come today, so it was moved from today to tomorrow". Sophie felt her hands clenching into fists, and Charles seemed to notice it, too. "I heard that you were pretty close with the Watson son" Charles said coolly, though Sophie stiffened at this. "Just so you know, his father is a precious partner, so I advise you to tread around him carefully. In fact, I hope you do not associate yourself with him. You know how teenagers these days, all about puppy love and all those nonsense. If worse comes to worse, he might make his father cut all ties with the company. So don't do anything unnecessary" he said sternly, glaring at Sophie. Sophie gave him a nonchalant look and gave him a cynical smile. "I will, Chairman, I promise" she said in a faking sweet voice. Before Charles could answer, there was a sudden knock on the door, much to Sophie's relief. She wasn't quite sure if she could have a talk down with her grandfather.
Charles secretary, who left them earlier, opened the door with an apologetic look. "Excuse me, Chairman, Miss Sophie. It seems that the first suitor has arrived" he said, much to Charles' and Sophie's surprise. That was quite early, she thought. She noticed Charles stroking his chin, perhaps thinking deeply to himself. She then saw him gave an 'of course' look at his secretary. "The first suitor is the Sprintz heir. He's known for doing his task in the fastest time possible. He does not like to waste his time in other things, since he has many other things to think about. Well, it seems that you have to make your debut, Sophie" Charles said, as he stood up. Does not want to waste time? It's not like I want to be here, too. Hmph, I'll show him what a waste of time I am, she thought to herself as she followed Charles and his secretary to another room. As she entered the room, she saw Phillip sitting at the opposite side of a handsome man, presumably her 'suitor'. As she closed the door behind her, she stepped towards the chair, clenching her jaw. She was going to prove to Charles and Phillip that even she could perfectly do her role as the child from a prominent family.
Later in the day...
Sophie was half-tired as the second suitor left the room. So far, she hated the men that she have to interact during all those hours she spent with them. The first one was too much of a perfectionist, and he had a tongue of an old lady; sharp in his words. Sophie counter-attacked him with her cynical and sarcastic attitude. Weirdly, he asked for another meeting with her, just him and her, without chaperones. He told her she was the first girl to actually 'fight' with him. Sophie shivered at the thought. For the second suitor, he was somehow what people call, 'Mommy's boy'. He was scared of his own shadow. Sophie felt that he could make him cry whenever she try to make a conversation. She sighed. When will all of this end? she thought to herself. She was actually dissatisfied by the fact that Phillip didn't reveal the identities of these suitors. Even so, at least show a picture of them. Sure, they were handsome, but their personalities were...unidentified.
She was resting before meeting up with the third suitor. She was somehow fired up at the beginning, but after going through four hours with the other two, she just wanted the day to end. But she was going to have lunch with the last one. She sighed in relief as she thought of her freedom after the lunch. She straightened her outfit yet again, and walked towards the restaurant with pure determination. Before she could walk any further, she bumped into Peter and Robert. Peter had on a guilty face while Robert had on a blank face while his eyes were twitching; Robert always does this whenever he was hiding something. Before she could do anything, Robert and Peter walked away from her, fast. She was about to catch up to them when she felt someone grabbing her hand.
Phillip gave her a frown, then took her to the restaurant. Sophie was forced to follow him, but she was still wondering about Peter and Robert's appearance. Sure, they know I'm here, but it's not like they are my suitors. Or are they? Sophie thought to herself, making her confused with her own puzzle. As she entered the restaurant, she was half-shocked. The restaurant was empty, except there was a man sitting at a table, his back facing her and Phillip. She knew that it was her third suitor when she heard Phillip mumbling to himself, "Why is he alone?". Somehow, she recognised the black hair. She was in her memory lane when the person looked behind him. Sophie let out an inaudible gasp as he stood up, and faced Phillip and Sophie, smiling that sweet smile of his.
Samuel Andre held out his hand to shake hands with Phillip. "Forgive me, for the absence of my chaperone. He caught a cold, and it became severe as we arrived, so I told him to take leave. Will that be all right?" he said apologetically. Sophie could see dissatisfaction in Phillip's eyes, but he smiled in return. "As long as you do not walk away from me" he said. Samuel nodded as he said this, and they sat on their respective chairs to enjoy the meal that was served when they introduced themselves. Sophie and him had a polite conversation, as if they just met for the first time. Even though she kept that façade, she was confused by the situation. Didn't Phillip know that Samuel's my schoolmate? But then again, this is Phillip we are talking about. His disapproving look and warning proved so. But still...
Samuel then wiped his mouth with the napkin, then stood up. "Excuse me, but I must go to the toilet" he said, giving them a polite smile. Phillip perked up, then looked at him. "Why?" he asked suspiciously. "Nature's true calling" Samuel said, hiding an amused smile. As he walked to the restroom, Sophie could see that Phillip had on a thoughtful expression. Suddenly, a waiter walked over to their table with a tray in hand. He smoothly showed the contents of the tray to Sophie. It was a folded up white paper. "For you, miss" he said. Before Phillip could react, Sophie took it without thinking and read it. When she did, she gave it back to the waiter and gave him a smile. She then stood up, making Phillip stand up too. "Where are you going? Does it have anything to do with the paper just now?" he asked her in a stern tone. "Nature's true calling. Anyway, the paper was actually a phone number from one of the waiters of this restaurant" she answered. "You may reserve the whole restaurant to avoid onlookers, but you can't avoid waiters" she said sarcastically, then walked towards the restroom.
She heard Phillip giving her a message before she left. "Don't you try to escape". As she arrived in front of the restroom door, she felt her hand being pulled by someone. Samuel pulled her away from the restroom and gave her a wink. "Ten minutes. That's how long I have for you to fulfill 'nature's true calling'" he said to her. "What about Phillip?" she asked him. Samuel pointed towards the table that they were dining, and saw Robert and Peter at their table. Rather, it was a disguised Robert and Peter. They had on sunglasses, and looked like they were from the CIA. She knew it was them at first glance since she spent most of her time with them unlike Phillip who knew them when they were children. He looked confused as they had a conversation with him. She couldn't help but giggle at this, but covered her mouth. They looked like they were interrogating him, making Phillip's face darker as time passes by.
The restaurant was situated at the side of the building, so when they step outside, they will be in the garden. Samuel brought her there, then gave her a wink. "Enjoy your ten minutes" he said as he left, waving at her. Sophie, if she weren't prepared for this, would have been confused by this turn of events. But the paper that was given to her explained it all. She was told to follow Samuel until the person who gave her the message appear. She recognised the writing, too. It was Lynn's and this type of operation seemed kind of her style. Though, if it were her, she wouldn't have used Robert and Peter, since it was quite dangerous once their identities were revealed. She sat on the white bench near the fountain, watching the birds chirping while they bathe themselves. She was so engrossed at their behaviour, that she didn't realise that someone was walking behind her.
She only realised that person's presence once her eyes was covered by a pair of hands. She was expecting the husky voice of Lynn's saying, "Guess who?" and her somehow soft hands. Thing is, the hands felt rough, like a man's and larger, too. There was no "Guess who?", making Sophie frantic. She grabbed one of the hands covering her face, then looked behind her. Her face was then filled with someone's smile. Of course, she should have noticed. She once held those hands. Those strong, large and firm hands. Jordan gave her the sweetest smile she had ever seen, it was even sweet than the one he gave her in the diner. He let out a chuckle once Sophie's expression soften. "Were you expecting someone else?" he asked her, making Sophie blush. She just couldn't keep her cool with him.
He sat beside her, the distance between them was safe; not too close, not too far. Sophie somehow wants him to be nearer to her, but she shook her head. It's not like we are that close. Anyway, the weather's warm enough for us to be close, she pondered to herself. Jordan gave her a flower, this time it was a white lilly. Sophie took it, then took a whiff of it. She smiled as she did so, making her not notice by the fact that Jordan was now closer to her. "From Lynn. She was the one who wrote the message for you. The others, well, it was mostly me and Samuel's idea" he said sheepishly, making Sophie smile wider. "Did you know why she gave me this white lilly? It's her favourite flower" she said, studying the white lilly. Jordan nodded in understanding as she said this. "Purity. What a nice meaning for her" he said. Sophie smiled at this, twirling the flower now. "She used to like this flower due to its scent. But it was only just a liking. It became her favourite once her special someone told her that she was like a white lilly" she explained absent-mindedly. "When they started loving each other, he gave her a purple lilac flower" she continued. "First emotion of love" Jordan said absent-mindedly.
"Lynn's usually wary of people. So, the reason why she helped you was because of your vast knowledge in the language of flowers was similar to her special someone. You have different personalities, but I could see she has a soft spot on you" Sophie said, giving him a gentle smile. "Did you know, you were the first person to give me the red dahlia? When I told Lynn, did you know what she said?" she told Jordan. Jordan kept quiet, listening to her. "She said that it was the exact flower she and her special someone thought of for me" she said. Jordan smiled, then took the lilly from her. "So, you fell for me due to the red dahlia? Cause' I don't want you to love me only for that" he replied, fake pouting. Sophie shook her head at this, then looked into his eyes. "Actually, I was already attracted to you. Call me a sadist, but your serious feelings towards Kimberley made me see the new side of you. I somehow admire that serious side of yours. As I know you better, your candidness and way of taking my heart was somehow different from the playboy reputation of yours" she said, making Jordan blush.
"My playboy reputation is now ancient history. My feelings for Kimberley has faded now, only it was lingering due to my frustrations for not being able to keep a relationship and believed that she was the one for me. And by the way, since your confession, you seem to be open about your feelings, aren't you?" he said shyly, blushing even harder. Sophie shrugged, then dragged her feet at the ground. "Since I've already confessed my feelings for you, there's no use hiding, isn't there? I won't chase after you, but that doesn't mean I would be pretending that nothing happened" she said a matter-of-factly. Jordan chuckled at this. "You're so not fair. You just told me to not pursue you, then you confessed to me. What is it that you want, Sophie?" he asked, though at first he was cheerful, he ended his sentence with a sad note. Sophie looked at the grass in front of them, staring at it intensely.
"I honestly don't know" she confessed. "I don't want to hurt you, but at the same time, I want you by my side, to protect me. I never thought that I would ever be this selfish" she said sadly. Jordan grabbed her chin gently, then pulled her face closer to his. "That is what you call love, darling" he said sweetly, making Sophie's heart shiver in excitement. Shiver in excitement? Calm down, heart! she thought to herself. Somehow, she felt her face coming closer to Jordan's face. Jordan's eyes was shining so beautifully, and it wasn't just because of the sun. He shut his eyes closed, and she was about to follow suit when they heard someone clearing their throat. Loud. They broke free, somehow panting as if they just ran a 5 km marathon. Samuel stood behind them, looking at them guiltily. "Forgive me, but eight minutes have passed. Sophie has to go back now, before Lord Phillip kills Bodyguard 1 and 2 with death glare and sharp tongue" he said.
Sophie heard Jordan groaning as she stood up. "It's great to see you again, Jordan. See you in school on Tuesday" she said frantically, clearly embarrassed by the fact the she was about to kiss Jordan, with a witness, too. "See you tomorrow" he corrected her, making her confused. Before she could ask him for further explanation, Samuel had already took her hand in his, and lead her back to the restaurant. The waiter who gave her the message then lead Sophie, who was left behind by Samuel, to a certain pathway. She followed without thinking, and she appeared right at the place where she was grabbed by Samuel earlier; right in front of the bathroom. She turned towards the waiter, only he has already disappeared. Sophie calmly walked towards the table, which was now seated by the now angry Phillip, and Samuel who seemed to look tired.
"Forgive me for always disappearing. I just got a phone call from my father, asking if the marriage meeting is all right" he said, warily as Sophie sat down in front of him. Phillip, his expression now already soft, then looked at Sophie. "It seems that Miss Sophie here is tired. I guess it's time for us to leave" he said, already standing up. Sophie and Samuel followed suit, Samuel shaking hands with Phillip. "Forgive me for not being able to be good company while you were here. I hope that we would be able to meet again, if you wish" he said. Phillip bowed slightly at him, Sophie giving Samuel a polite smile. "A good day to you, then" Phillip said. They left the restaurant, Phillip leading Sophie to the car park. As Phillip drove out of the car park, he made a conversation with her.
"How was the marriage meetings?" he asked her.
"It was quite fine"
"Don't need to lie. I hate those three suitors. Though Samuel was at least polite"
Sophie stayed silent, unsure of what to do. "How was your brief meeting with him?" Phillip asked darkly, making Sophie flinch. "Don't take me as a fool, Sophie. I knew it was Robert and Peter that 'interrogated' me when you left to the restroom. I was half-amused at first, but their silly act made me frustrated in the end" he gruffly said, Sophie still silent. "I hope that this won't continue later on. Tomorrow, it will be Matthew who will be your escort" he said. Sophie remained silent as time passes. "I hope you understand why am I being like this" he said sadly. "I'm confused of many things right now, to be honest with you" she confessed, somehow confused of the situation and Phillip's sudden soft side.
As Phillip drove on, they remained silent in the car. Neither tried to continue their conversation nor turn on the radio, just to ease the tension in the car. Phillip remained focused in his driving, letting out a scowl once in a while when encountering reckless and selfish drivers. Sophie did what she liked to do best; staring out of the window while enjoying the scenery outside. As she was dropped off at the entrance of Orchard Condominium, Phillip slide the window down to talk to her. "Make sure you get some sleep. You might end up going through all of what happened today all over again" he said, his tone a touch worried. When Sophie looked at him out of surprise though, Phillip's expression had turned serious all over again. As he drove away, Sophie wondered all by herself at the entrance. Will that be the last time she would see her brother's soft side?
TO BE CONTINUED
It was the day of the marriage meeting, and she was fully prepared for it. She then sighed, and leaned back, as if she was deflated from her sigh a moment ago. What am I doing, me? she monologued, nibbling on her the side of her index finger. She was supposed to hate the day, but she was fully prepared for it, how can she not be bothered by it? She threw a glance at the window. And why am I looking out the window? It's not as if he was going to appear from out of nowhere! she argued with herself. She was also scared, especially when she found out that Lynn was going to leave the country and the school. After schooling at Scarlet High for only a week, she was called back to the main company branch in Japan. It wasn't urgent, so she called it off for about three more weeks, but Lynn has been busy since then, so she wouldn't be able to meet up with Sophie and the gang, much to Robert's relief and Samantha's disappointment. She was disappointed, too, but she can't rely on Lynn forever. She had to face the problem she was having right now, which was the marriage meeting.
She then heard the door behind her open. She instinctively stood up from the sofa, and looked behind her. She jolted in panic at first, but she tried to remain calm. Standing in front of her was Charles Bradford, the chairman of Bradford Corporation, and her grandfather. He nodded at his personal secretary behind him, who in turn bowed to him and left the room. They stood there in awkward silence at first. Charles then cleared his throat, then indicated the sofa in front of him. "Sit. I would like to have a talk with you" he said, his tone formal. Sophie obediently sat down, and Charles sat in front of her. There it was again. Silence. Sophie studied the person in front of her. Grey hair. Wrinkles catching up on his face. Blue-green eyes, like Phillip's and achingly like her father's. Charles' build was still strong, even for an old man like him. She heard his secretary mentioning that Charles having a ritual to jog every morning. Which was why he is still healthy. Which was why she will always be in his mercy. Especially Phillip and Matthew.
" I wanted to talk to you about the the marriage meeting" he said. Here it comes, she thought. "There will be only three people that you will be meeting today" he said, making he confused. Wasn't there supposed to be four people? she pondered. As if he could read her mind, Charles continued on, "The fourth person was not able to come today, so it was moved from today to tomorrow". Sophie felt her hands clenching into fists, and Charles seemed to notice it, too. "I heard that you were pretty close with the Watson son" Charles said coolly, though Sophie stiffened at this. "Just so you know, his father is a precious partner, so I advise you to tread around him carefully. In fact, I hope you do not associate yourself with him. You know how teenagers these days, all about puppy love and all those nonsense. If worse comes to worse, he might make his father cut all ties with the company. So don't do anything unnecessary" he said sternly, glaring at Sophie. Sophie gave him a nonchalant look and gave him a cynical smile. "I will, Chairman, I promise" she said in a faking sweet voice. Before Charles could answer, there was a sudden knock on the door, much to Sophie's relief. She wasn't quite sure if she could have a talk down with her grandfather.
Charles secretary, who left them earlier, opened the door with an apologetic look. "Excuse me, Chairman, Miss Sophie. It seems that the first suitor has arrived" he said, much to Charles' and Sophie's surprise. That was quite early, she thought. She noticed Charles stroking his chin, perhaps thinking deeply to himself. She then saw him gave an 'of course' look at his secretary. "The first suitor is the Sprintz heir. He's known for doing his task in the fastest time possible. He does not like to waste his time in other things, since he has many other things to think about. Well, it seems that you have to make your debut, Sophie" Charles said, as he stood up. Does not want to waste time? It's not like I want to be here, too. Hmph, I'll show him what a waste of time I am, she thought to herself as she followed Charles and his secretary to another room. As she entered the room, she saw Phillip sitting at the opposite side of a handsome man, presumably her 'suitor'. As she closed the door behind her, she stepped towards the chair, clenching her jaw. She was going to prove to Charles and Phillip that even she could perfectly do her role as the child from a prominent family.
Later in the day...
Sophie was half-tired as the second suitor left the room. So far, she hated the men that she have to interact during all those hours she spent with them. The first one was too much of a perfectionist, and he had a tongue of an old lady; sharp in his words. Sophie counter-attacked him with her cynical and sarcastic attitude. Weirdly, he asked for another meeting with her, just him and her, without chaperones. He told her she was the first girl to actually 'fight' with him. Sophie shivered at the thought. For the second suitor, he was somehow what people call, 'Mommy's boy'. He was scared of his own shadow. Sophie felt that he could make him cry whenever she try to make a conversation. She sighed. When will all of this end? she thought to herself. She was actually dissatisfied by the fact that Phillip didn't reveal the identities of these suitors. Even so, at least show a picture of them. Sure, they were handsome, but their personalities were...unidentified.
She was resting before meeting up with the third suitor. She was somehow fired up at the beginning, but after going through four hours with the other two, she just wanted the day to end. But she was going to have lunch with the last one. She sighed in relief as she thought of her freedom after the lunch. She straightened her outfit yet again, and walked towards the restaurant with pure determination. Before she could walk any further, she bumped into Peter and Robert. Peter had on a guilty face while Robert had on a blank face while his eyes were twitching; Robert always does this whenever he was hiding something. Before she could do anything, Robert and Peter walked away from her, fast. She was about to catch up to them when she felt someone grabbing her hand.
Phillip gave her a frown, then took her to the restaurant. Sophie was forced to follow him, but she was still wondering about Peter and Robert's appearance. Sure, they know I'm here, but it's not like they are my suitors. Or are they? Sophie thought to herself, making her confused with her own puzzle. As she entered the restaurant, she was half-shocked. The restaurant was empty, except there was a man sitting at a table, his back facing her and Phillip. She knew that it was her third suitor when she heard Phillip mumbling to himself, "Why is he alone?". Somehow, she recognised the black hair. She was in her memory lane when the person looked behind him. Sophie let out an inaudible gasp as he stood up, and faced Phillip and Sophie, smiling that sweet smile of his.
Samuel Andre held out his hand to shake hands with Phillip. "Forgive me, for the absence of my chaperone. He caught a cold, and it became severe as we arrived, so I told him to take leave. Will that be all right?" he said apologetically. Sophie could see dissatisfaction in Phillip's eyes, but he smiled in return. "As long as you do not walk away from me" he said. Samuel nodded as he said this, and they sat on their respective chairs to enjoy the meal that was served when they introduced themselves. Sophie and him had a polite conversation, as if they just met for the first time. Even though she kept that façade, she was confused by the situation. Didn't Phillip know that Samuel's my schoolmate? But then again, this is Phillip we are talking about. His disapproving look and warning proved so. But still...
Samuel then wiped his mouth with the napkin, then stood up. "Excuse me, but I must go to the toilet" he said, giving them a polite smile. Phillip perked up, then looked at him. "Why?" he asked suspiciously. "Nature's true calling" Samuel said, hiding an amused smile. As he walked to the restroom, Sophie could see that Phillip had on a thoughtful expression. Suddenly, a waiter walked over to their table with a tray in hand. He smoothly showed the contents of the tray to Sophie. It was a folded up white paper. "For you, miss" he said. Before Phillip could react, Sophie took it without thinking and read it. When she did, she gave it back to the waiter and gave him a smile. She then stood up, making Phillip stand up too. "Where are you going? Does it have anything to do with the paper just now?" he asked her in a stern tone. "Nature's true calling. Anyway, the paper was actually a phone number from one of the waiters of this restaurant" she answered. "You may reserve the whole restaurant to avoid onlookers, but you can't avoid waiters" she said sarcastically, then walked towards the restroom.
She heard Phillip giving her a message before she left. "Don't you try to escape". As she arrived in front of the restroom door, she felt her hand being pulled by someone. Samuel pulled her away from the restroom and gave her a wink. "Ten minutes. That's how long I have for you to fulfill 'nature's true calling'" he said to her. "What about Phillip?" she asked him. Samuel pointed towards the table that they were dining, and saw Robert and Peter at their table. Rather, it was a disguised Robert and Peter. They had on sunglasses, and looked like they were from the CIA. She knew it was them at first glance since she spent most of her time with them unlike Phillip who knew them when they were children. He looked confused as they had a conversation with him. She couldn't help but giggle at this, but covered her mouth. They looked like they were interrogating him, making Phillip's face darker as time passes by.
The restaurant was situated at the side of the building, so when they step outside, they will be in the garden. Samuel brought her there, then gave her a wink. "Enjoy your ten minutes" he said as he left, waving at her. Sophie, if she weren't prepared for this, would have been confused by this turn of events. But the paper that was given to her explained it all. She was told to follow Samuel until the person who gave her the message appear. She recognised the writing, too. It was Lynn's and this type of operation seemed kind of her style. Though, if it were her, she wouldn't have used Robert and Peter, since it was quite dangerous once their identities were revealed. She sat on the white bench near the fountain, watching the birds chirping while they bathe themselves. She was so engrossed at their behaviour, that she didn't realise that someone was walking behind her.
She only realised that person's presence once her eyes was covered by a pair of hands. She was expecting the husky voice of Lynn's saying, "Guess who?" and her somehow soft hands. Thing is, the hands felt rough, like a man's and larger, too. There was no "Guess who?", making Sophie frantic. She grabbed one of the hands covering her face, then looked behind her. Her face was then filled with someone's smile. Of course, she should have noticed. She once held those hands. Those strong, large and firm hands. Jordan gave her the sweetest smile she had ever seen, it was even sweet than the one he gave her in the diner. He let out a chuckle once Sophie's expression soften. "Were you expecting someone else?" he asked her, making Sophie blush. She just couldn't keep her cool with him.
He sat beside her, the distance between them was safe; not too close, not too far. Sophie somehow wants him to be nearer to her, but she shook her head. It's not like we are that close. Anyway, the weather's warm enough for us to be close, she pondered to herself. Jordan gave her a flower, this time it was a white lilly. Sophie took it, then took a whiff of it. She smiled as she did so, making her not notice by the fact that Jordan was now closer to her. "From Lynn. She was the one who wrote the message for you. The others, well, it was mostly me and Samuel's idea" he said sheepishly, making Sophie smile wider. "Did you know why she gave me this white lilly? It's her favourite flower" she said, studying the white lilly. Jordan nodded in understanding as she said this. "Purity. What a nice meaning for her" he said. Sophie smiled at this, twirling the flower now. "She used to like this flower due to its scent. But it was only just a liking. It became her favourite once her special someone told her that she was like a white lilly" she explained absent-mindedly. "When they started loving each other, he gave her a purple lilac flower" she continued. "First emotion of love" Jordan said absent-mindedly.
"Lynn's usually wary of people. So, the reason why she helped you was because of your vast knowledge in the language of flowers was similar to her special someone. You have different personalities, but I could see she has a soft spot on you" Sophie said, giving him a gentle smile. "Did you know, you were the first person to give me the red dahlia? When I told Lynn, did you know what she said?" she told Jordan. Jordan kept quiet, listening to her. "She said that it was the exact flower she and her special someone thought of for me" she said. Jordan smiled, then took the lilly from her. "So, you fell for me due to the red dahlia? Cause' I don't want you to love me only for that" he replied, fake pouting. Sophie shook her head at this, then looked into his eyes. "Actually, I was already attracted to you. Call me a sadist, but your serious feelings towards Kimberley made me see the new side of you. I somehow admire that serious side of yours. As I know you better, your candidness and way of taking my heart was somehow different from the playboy reputation of yours" she said, making Jordan blush.
"My playboy reputation is now ancient history. My feelings for Kimberley has faded now, only it was lingering due to my frustrations for not being able to keep a relationship and believed that she was the one for me. And by the way, since your confession, you seem to be open about your feelings, aren't you?" he said shyly, blushing even harder. Sophie shrugged, then dragged her feet at the ground. "Since I've already confessed my feelings for you, there's no use hiding, isn't there? I won't chase after you, but that doesn't mean I would be pretending that nothing happened" she said a matter-of-factly. Jordan chuckled at this. "You're so not fair. You just told me to not pursue you, then you confessed to me. What is it that you want, Sophie?" he asked, though at first he was cheerful, he ended his sentence with a sad note. Sophie looked at the grass in front of them, staring at it intensely.
"I honestly don't know" she confessed. "I don't want to hurt you, but at the same time, I want you by my side, to protect me. I never thought that I would ever be this selfish" she said sadly. Jordan grabbed her chin gently, then pulled her face closer to his. "That is what you call love, darling" he said sweetly, making Sophie's heart shiver in excitement. Shiver in excitement? Calm down, heart! she thought to herself. Somehow, she felt her face coming closer to Jordan's face. Jordan's eyes was shining so beautifully, and it wasn't just because of the sun. He shut his eyes closed, and she was about to follow suit when they heard someone clearing their throat. Loud. They broke free, somehow panting as if they just ran a 5 km marathon. Samuel stood behind them, looking at them guiltily. "Forgive me, but eight minutes have passed. Sophie has to go back now, before Lord Phillip kills Bodyguard 1 and 2 with death glare and sharp tongue" he said.
Sophie heard Jordan groaning as she stood up. "It's great to see you again, Jordan. See you in school on Tuesday" she said frantically, clearly embarrassed by the fact the she was about to kiss Jordan, with a witness, too. "See you tomorrow" he corrected her, making her confused. Before she could ask him for further explanation, Samuel had already took her hand in his, and lead her back to the restaurant. The waiter who gave her the message then lead Sophie, who was left behind by Samuel, to a certain pathway. She followed without thinking, and she appeared right at the place where she was grabbed by Samuel earlier; right in front of the bathroom. She turned towards the waiter, only he has already disappeared. Sophie calmly walked towards the table, which was now seated by the now angry Phillip, and Samuel who seemed to look tired.
"Forgive me for always disappearing. I just got a phone call from my father, asking if the marriage meeting is all right" he said, warily as Sophie sat down in front of him. Phillip, his expression now already soft, then looked at Sophie. "It seems that Miss Sophie here is tired. I guess it's time for us to leave" he said, already standing up. Sophie and Samuel followed suit, Samuel shaking hands with Phillip. "Forgive me for not being able to be good company while you were here. I hope that we would be able to meet again, if you wish" he said. Phillip bowed slightly at him, Sophie giving Samuel a polite smile. "A good day to you, then" Phillip said. They left the restaurant, Phillip leading Sophie to the car park. As Phillip drove out of the car park, he made a conversation with her.
"How was the marriage meetings?" he asked her.
"It was quite fine"
"Don't need to lie. I hate those three suitors. Though Samuel was at least polite"
Sophie stayed silent, unsure of what to do. "How was your brief meeting with him?" Phillip asked darkly, making Sophie flinch. "Don't take me as a fool, Sophie. I knew it was Robert and Peter that 'interrogated' me when you left to the restroom. I was half-amused at first, but their silly act made me frustrated in the end" he gruffly said, Sophie still silent. "I hope that this won't continue later on. Tomorrow, it will be Matthew who will be your escort" he said. Sophie remained silent as time passes. "I hope you understand why am I being like this" he said sadly. "I'm confused of many things right now, to be honest with you" she confessed, somehow confused of the situation and Phillip's sudden soft side.
As Phillip drove on, they remained silent in the car. Neither tried to continue their conversation nor turn on the radio, just to ease the tension in the car. Phillip remained focused in his driving, letting out a scowl once in a while when encountering reckless and selfish drivers. Sophie did what she liked to do best; staring out of the window while enjoying the scenery outside. As she was dropped off at the entrance of Orchard Condominium, Phillip slide the window down to talk to her. "Make sure you get some sleep. You might end up going through all of what happened today all over again" he said, his tone a touch worried. When Sophie looked at him out of surprise though, Phillip's expression had turned serious all over again. As he drove away, Sophie wondered all by herself at the entrance. Will that be the last time she would see her brother's soft side?
TO BE CONTINUED
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