Rebecca’s POV
Dylan grabbed his jacket and stormed out of the café, his shoulders rigid with barely contained rage. The door slammed behind him, the bell jingling sharply.
The moment he disappeared from view, Sophia’s composed expression crumbled. Her eyes filled with tears that spilled down her cheeks in sudden, uncontrollable streams. Before I could say anything, she lunged forward and threw her arms around me, her body shaking with sobs.
“I’m so sorry,” she choked out, her voice muffled against my shoulder. “How could I doubt you? I’m such an idiot.”
I wrapped my arms around her, my throat tight with emotion. Her pain resonated through me as I gently rubbed her
back.
“It’s okay, Sophia. I completely understand,” I whispered, feeling her tears dampen my shirt.
She pulled back, mascara streaking down her face as she shook her head vehemently. “No, it’s not okay. Seven years of friendship…” Her voice cracked. “And I threw it away for a guy I’ve known for what? A few weeks? God, I’m so stupid.”
My heart ached for her. I reached for a napkin and handed it to her, our fingers brushing. “Don’t say that about yourself. Anyone can be deceived.”
“But I should have known better.” She dabbed at her eyes, smearing the black makeup further. “I should have trusted
you.”
I took her hand and squeezed it reassuringly, feeling the cold dampness of her skin. “He had ‘evidence,‘ Sophia. He was incredibly convincing.” I sighed, my shoulders dropping with the release of tension. “Honestly, if I were in your position, I might have been fooled too.”
Her eyes, red–rimmed and swollen, searched mine. “Really?”
“Really,” I confirmed, my voice softening. “These… people… they’re masters at manipulation. Dominic explained how Dylan’s been doing this to multiple women. He uses his photography as a way to get close to them.”
Sophia’s expression darkened. “That bastard. I can’t believe I fell for it.” She looked down at the phone, her jaw tightening. All his passion for photography… it was just a front, wasn’t it?”
I nodded, watching her face cycle through anger and hurt. “Dominic had him investigated. He’s been targeting
women for a while.”
We sat in silence, the reality of Dylan’s betrayal settling between us. Finally, Sophia checked her watch and sighed.
“I should get back to the office. We have an important editorial meeting today.”
1/2
12:13 Mon, Sep
Chapter 84
“Are you sure you’re okay?” I asked, scanning her face for signs of distress. “Maybe you should take the day off.”
She shook her head, her posture straightening with new determination. “No. Work will keep my mind occupied. I won’t let that asshole ruin my day too.”
We walked toward the café’s exit. The afternoon sun warmed my skin as I linked my arm through hers, drawing her
close in silent support.
“I could come with you,” I offered. “We could talk more on the way.”
Sophia smiled weakly, wiping away the last traces of tears. “I’d like that.”
As we started walking, she suddenly stopped, her grip on my arm tightening. “Wait, can you send me that evidence? I want to file a police report.”
“Of course,” I agreed immediately, relief washing through me that our friendship had survived intact. “I’ll forward everything to you.”
Hours later, I paced across Dominic’s villa, my fingers fidgeting with the hem of my dress. I checked my watch again, then glanced at my phone. My heart hammered against my ribs as I stared at the elegant box on the coffee table.
Diana appeared with a covered dinner tray. “Mr. Sterling called to say he’ll be home shortly. Would you like to eat now?”
I shook my head, my mouth too dry to contemplate food. “I’d rather wait for him. And…” I gestured toward the carefully wrapped package, my palms dampening. “I have a surprise.”
A knowing smile crossed Diana’s face. “I understand. I’ll keep dinner warm.”
After she left, I touched the box, my fingertips tracing its edges. The tailor had assured me it was their finest work, but doubt gnawed at me. Would he think it too forward? Too intimate?
The sound of the front door opening sent electricity racing through my veins. I stood quickly, my hands smoothing down my dress as Dominic stepped into the living room. Despite the weariness around his eyes, his gaze brightened when it found me, sending warmth spreading across my skin.
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