CHAPTER 25: CHAPTER 25: WHAT DAY IS IT TODAY?

Sophia stood in front of the elevator, watching her reflection on the elevator doors. She smoothed her hair and tilted her head slightly.

Unexpectedly, Zane suddenly appeared beside her, her tilted head just resting against his shoulder.

Damn it!

Startled, she quickly straightened up, looking at his reflection on the elevator doors.

Zane tilted his head down to look at her.

"Mr. Sterling, why are you here..."

"..."

Is this a work syndrome? It feels like being back at the office, encountering each other in front of the elevator.

"Zane." She quickly corrected herself.

"Showing you around." He seemed calm.

Sophia hesitated, finding it hard to refuse; she wanted to avoid him.

She finally managed to escape his gaze, but he unexpectedly followed. Isn’t he busy?

Aren’t CEOs always swamped with work?

The past couple of days, she’s seen him looking downcast, seemingly troubled by something, yet he still has the mood to accompany her, showing her around?

Ding—

The elevator doors opened.

Zane stepped in first and pressed the button for the third floor. Sophia stood beside him, surrounded by the faint scent of sandalwood emanating from him in the confined space, feeling overwhelmed by it.

"Are you afraid of me?" His deep, seductive voice echoed in the cramped space.

"Hm? Uh, no, I just haven’t gotten used to it yet."

Saying she wasn’t afraid was a lie. That day, she was muddle-headed, unaware if Zane was sober or not in that moment. Now, recalling the incident with him right beside her felt distinctly awkward.

Zane chuckled but said nothing.

He had all the time in the world.

The elevator arrived.

The third floor was a large study, resembling a library. Further in was a five-six meter long desk adorned with various calligraphy materials.

Walking forward led to a delicate little balcony, adding a flavor of its own.

"Wow..."

She murmured in awe; she had seen the world of rich people now.

Zane glanced at her, lips curling into a smile, "I heard you’re skilled in calligraphy."

"Just average." Sophia dared not claim prowess.

Originally, she spent two summers abroad with Autumn and Zoe, with Zoe guiding Sophia daily in practicing calligraphy. Sophia’s agile mind allowed her to learn quickly, much to Zoe’s satisfaction.

Later, apart from sketching, whenever inspiration lacked, she practiced calligraphy.

The air was thick with awkwardness, their steps revealing an unfamiliar rhythm.

"Do you know how?" Sophia asked, awkwardly wandering among the bookshelves, completely unsure why she was here.

"Not really." Zane.

That was unexpected, always hearing Zoe praise her son for mastering everything quickly, except for emotional intelligence, which seemed easy for him.

Sophia chuckled, finally finding something in which she could outshine him.

"Teach me." Zane.

Sophia hesitated, wondering if this was just filling a conversation gap.

The path ended; wanting to turn back, Zane stood unmoving.

In the mere 1.5 meters between bookshelves, Zane stood in the middle, making Sophia hesitant to tell him to move so she could pass, but his gaze remained fixed on her.

Helpless, Sophia pretended to casually flip through a book from the shelf nearby.

Goodness, upon opening it, she found illustrations of ancient bedroom affairs.

"..." She hastily closed it, shoving it back.

She could sense Zane’s soft laughter.

Unable to bear the atmosphere, Sophia could imagine what Zane intended, even with her toes.

"Zane, you..."

"Still want to kiss you." He finally spoke.

"..."

What day is today?

Sophia felt ablaze, her ears burning, cheeks flushed, palms sweaty, even her toes felt warm.

Her small hand clenched tightly, thumb pressing firmly on her index finger, which was turning pale.

Damn man, if he’s gonna kiss, just do it, stop making such a scene.

Against the light, Sophia couldn’t see his expression; his perfect outline concealed in the shadows,

Sophia was enveloped by his looming shadow; every small move she made was seen clearly by him.

He lifted his long leg, walking toward her.

Naturally, Sophia stepped back, only for him to gently grasp her small hand.

"Try it; if you feel uneasy, we can stop anytime."

Isn’t being gentlemanly at this moment more roguish than a thug?

After a long silence, she managed to force out a word.

"Okay..."

Stubborn as a mule, unable to utter a refusal.

Wait, should she close her eyes now? Or wait a bit?

Help!

"Don’t be nervous, relax."

His voice soft and gentle, warmer than ever, unlike before when it was icy cold.

Sophia breathed deeply, his scent approaching closer.

"Mm..."

The air instantly mingled with both their scents, the faint freshness blending with sandalwood.

She suppressed the urge to make a sound, eyes tightly shut, all senses beginning to magnify.

The night she registered with him, she mentally prepared herself countless times, reassuring herself it would pass, what was meant to come would come.

Yet, in the moment itself, all preparations seemed defenseless.

Useless.

Sophia felt the man before her significantly different, not the one she usually knew.

No trace of the world-weary demeanor at the company existed.

His lips, firm yet soft, dominantly exploring, while his embrace grew heavier.

Sophia was squeezed painfully, struggling to catch her breath.

She desperately pounded his chest, and only then did he reluctantly release her lips.

After she regained her composure, she found herself clutching onto his neck.

Her attire was disorderly, shoulder exposed, strap askew, his large hand already on her slender waist beneath her clothes.

"I..." Zane’s eyes appeared murky, "want..."

Sophia shivered, her small hand clenching firmly.

Not yet recovered from the thrilling turn of events, he proposed a second request.

She was unsure whether she should accept such an invitation; it seemed inappropriate during the day, especially since she had a flight tonight. If it ended up like last time, bedridden, it’d be highly embarrassing.

She swallowed, mind racing to figure out how to gracefully refuse.

Even if it’s that, isn’t it better to find a suitable time?

"Can I..." His voice urgent, darkly hoarse.

She took a deep breath, her mind now muddled, not knowing what she thought.

Forget it, the first time was messy enough; it couldn’t be worse now, right?

Just as Sophia was about to agree, his phone rang.

Zane sighed, the tension in his forehead against hers increasing.

His dim gaze radiated aggression.

Sophia was too terrified to look at him.

His trembling kiss gently touched her rosy lips: "Sorry, did I scare you..."