Later That Day
Sophia sat at her desk at Bowman and Blackstone, staring at the architectural plans laid out in front of her. She tried to focus on the work, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Ethan—his smile, the way he made her feel, and the strange connection that had formed in such a short time.
Her phone buzzed again. This time, the number was unfamiliar.
Unknown Number: "Sophia, it's Ethan. I hope I didn't freak you out last night. Just wanted to check in and see if you're okay."
Her heart skipped at the sound of his name. Ethan. She hadn't expected to hear from him so soon. They had barely exchanged more than a few words before everything escalated. And now, here he was, reaching out with no pressure, just making sure she was alright.
Sophia: "I'm fine. Just… trying to figure everything out. Last night was a bit of a whirlwind."
The reply came quickly.
Ethan: "I get it. No rush at all. Just wanted to make sure you're alright.If you want to talk about it I'll be here "
Sophia stared at his text, her chest tightening.
She had no idea what she was doing. Maybe she should back off, end things before it got too complicated. But part of her—maybe the part she was too scared to admit—wanted to keep talking to him. To see where it could go.
She glanced at her computer screen, but nothing seemed to grab her attention. It was then that the door to her office opened, and her boss, one of the senior partners, entered.
"Hey, Sophia, there's a meeting with the CEO this afternoon. We're discussing the new office complex project. You're required to attend," her boss said, before leaving as quickly as they had entered.
Sophia blinked in surprise. *The CEO?* Of course, she had heard of him. Every employee had. She'd heard the rumors—mysterious, private, and never seen at the usual office events. But now... she would meet him face-to-face.