At 5:42 p.m. on Saturday, Sofia Williams stood in front of her bedroom mirror, wondering how her life had reached this particular level of betrayal.
The betrayer in question was her best friend.
Amara James sat comfortably on Sofia's bed, eating a packet of biscuits while watching her struggle with a pair of earrings.
"You look beautiful," Amara announced.
"I look like someone who's about to commit a crime."
"That too."
Sofia turned around.
"Remind me why we're friends?"
"Because I'm charming, intelligent, and exceptionally good-looking."
"You forgot delusional."
Amara grinned.
"Now, stop complaining and put on the earrings."
Sofia glanced at the navy-blue dress hanging against her body. She had finally decided to wear it, mostly because she had spent several hours arguing with herself and had concluded that refusing to attend a school reunion simply because Daniel Carter might be present was ridiculous.
She was an adult.
A successful adult.
She owned a fashion company, managed employees, negotiated contracts, and made decisions that affected dozens of people's livelihoods.
She could certainly survive one evening in the same room as a man she disliked.
Besides, she had no intention of allowing Daniel to think he still had the power to inconvenience her.
That was the only reason she was going.
Definitely.
"Do you think he'll be there already?" Amara asked.
Sofia stopped adjusting her earrings.
"Who?"
Amara stared at her.
"Don't do that."
"Do what?"
"Play innocent. You know exactly who I'm talking about."
Sofia returned her attention to the mirror.
"Daniel could arrive at midnight, and I wouldn't care."
"Wonderful. Then you won't mind if I tell him you asked about him."
"I will end our friendship."
"You've been threatening to end our friendship since we were sixteen. At this point, I'm beginning to think you enjoy my company."
"Unfortunately, I do."
Amara laughed.
Sofia picked up her handbag.
"Can we go now?"
"One last thing."
"What?"
Amara stood and studied her friend's appearance with exaggerated seriousness.
"Whatever happens tonight, please don't start an argument with Daniel within the first five minutes."
Sofia stared at her.
"That's an unreasonable request."
"Why?"
"Because I cannot control what comes out of his mouth."
"Try controlling what comes out of yours."
Sofia opened the bedroom door.
"Get out."
Amara followed her into the hallway, laughing so hard that she nearly dropped her phone.
For the first time that evening, Sofia smiled.
Perhaps the reunion wouldn't be entirely terrible.
She was about to discover just how wrong she was.
---
The Westbridge Academy reunion was being held at a luxurious event centre near the city's business district.
By the time Sofia and Amara arrived, the car park was already crowded with expensive vehicles. Former students stood in small groups near the entrance, exchanging greetings and taking photographs.
Music drifted through the open doors.
Warm lights illuminated the entrance, where a large banner welcomed the returning alumni.
Sofia paused beneath it.
For a moment, she was transported back to her school days.
She remembered rushing through those familiar gates with Amara, complaining about assignments, and arguing with classmates over examination results.
She remembered the teachers who had encouraged her, the friends who had made ordinary days memorable, and the ambitions she had carried when the future still seemed impossibly distant.
So much had changed since then.
She had graduated from university, taken over Williams Fashion House, and learned how demanding the business world could be.
She had also learned that adulthood was less about having everything figured out and more about making decisions while pretending you knew what you were doing.
"Are you all right?" Amara asked.
Sofia nodded.
"Yes. Just remembering things."
"Good memories?"
"Some."
"And bad ones?"
Sofia gave her a pointed look.
Amara sighed.
"I know. Daniel."
"Must you say his name every three minutes?"
"I would stop if you stopped reacting every time I said it."
"I'm not reacting."
"Of course not."
They entered the building.
The reception hall was beautifully decorated with white flowers, golden lights, and photographs from different years at Westbridge Academy. Tables had been arranged around a central dance floor, while a stage stood at the far end of the room.
Sofia recognised several classmates immediately.
"Sofia Williams!"
A woman in a green dress hurried toward her.
Sofia's face brightened.
"Victoria!"
They embraced warmly.
Victoria Blake had been one of their classmates, although they had never been particularly close. She had always been friendly, and unlike certain people Sofia could name, she had possessed the good sense to stay out of unnecessary arguments.
"You look amazing!" Victoria exclaimed.
"So do you."
"Look at you. Running a fashion company now. I remember when you used to redesign your school uniform because you thought the original one was boring."
Sofia laughed.
"I still think it was boring."
"And now you're designing clothes for other people. Life is funny."
"Sometimes."
Victoria glanced at Amara.
"Are you two here together?"
"Unfortunately," Sofia replied.
Amara placed a hand over her heart.
"I'm deeply wounded."
Victoria laughed.
Before they could continue, another familiar voice called Sofia's name.
Soon, they were surrounded by former classmates asking questions about their careers, families, and university experiences.
Sofia found herself relaxing.
This was why she had agreed to come.
To reconnect.
To laugh about the past.
To remember the good things without allowing the bad ones to define the entire experience.
For almost twenty minutes, she succeeded.
Then Michael Reed appeared.
And with him came the inevitable question.
"Sofia Williams," Michael said, grinning. "I was beginning to think you wouldn't show up."
Sofia folded her arms.
"Why would I miss the opportunity to see all of you pretending you were well-behaved students?"
Michael laughed.
"Some things never change."
"I could say the same about you."
"Fair enough."
Michael was Daniel's closest friend during their school days. He had witnessed almost every argument between Sofia and Daniel and had found most of them entertaining.
Which meant he was dangerous.
"So," Michael said casually, "have you seen Daniel?"
Sofia's smile disappeared.
Amara made a choking sound beside her.
Michael looked between them.
"What?"
"Nothing," Sofia replied.
Michael's grin widened.
"He's here, by the way."
Sofia's stomach tightened.
She hated that her body reacted before her mind could remind it that Daniel Carter was irrelevant.
"Congratulations," she said. "Would you like a medal?"
Michael laughed.
"I see you're still the same."
"And I see you're still irritating."
"Daniel will be delighted to hear that."
"I hope he chokes on his dinner."
"Sofia!" Amara whispered.
"What? I said I hope he chokes, not that I intend to help him."
Michael burst out laughing.
Then his gaze shifted toward the entrance.
His expression changed.
"Oh. Speak of the devil."
Sofia knew.
She knew before she turned around.
Something in Michael's expression, the sudden interest in his eyes, and the way Amara abruptly became fascinated with the decorations told her everything she needed to know.
Nevertheless, she turned.
And there he was.
Daniel Carter.
For one ridiculous second, Sofia forgot how to breathe.
He stood near the entrance in a perfectly tailored black suit, speaking to two men who appeared to be former classmates. His dark hair was neatly styled, and his posture carried the effortless confidence of someone accustomed to entering rooms where people paid attention.
He was taller than she remembered.
Or perhaps she had simply forgotten how tall he was.
His face had matured, losing some of the boyishness she remembered from school. His shoulders were broader, his features more defined, and his expression carried a calm assurance that had probably served him well in the business world.
He looked expensive.
That was the first thought that crossed her mind.
The second was that she hated herself for noticing.
Daniel laughed at something one of the men said.
Then, as if he had sensed her attention, he turned.
Their eyes met across the room.
His smile faded.
For a moment, neither moved.
Sofia watched recognition settle over his face, followed by something she couldn't quite identify.
Surprise, perhaps.
Then Daniel smiled.
Not a polite smile.
Not the kind one offered an acquaintance after years apart.
It was the same infuriating smile she remembered from school.
The smile that always appeared moments before he said something that made her want to throw something at him.
He excused himself from the men and began walking toward her.
Sofia immediately regretted every decision that had brought her to the reunion.
"Don't," she muttered.
Amara leaned closer.
"Don't what?"
"Whatever you're planning."
"I'm not planning anything."
"You're smiling."
"Am I not allowed to smile?"
"Not like that."
Michael stepped aside, clearly delighted by what was about to happen.
Daniel stopped in front of them.
For a moment, he simply looked at Sofia.
Then he spoke.
"Sofia Williams."
She lifted her chin.
"Daniel Carter."
His eyes moved briefly over her face.
"Well, I'll be damned."
"Try not to make a habit of it."
He laughed.
There it was.
That laugh.
Sofia had forgotten how much she disliked it.
Or perhaps she hadn't forgotten at all.
"You look different," Daniel said.
"So do you."
"Older, I hope."
"That would explain the wrinkles."
Michael coughed to hide his laughter.
Daniel placed a hand over his chest.
"Still charming, I see."
"Still convinced you're charming, I see."
"Some things never change."
"Unfortunately."
His smile widened.
For a moment, Sofia had the uncomfortable feeling that they were sixteen again, standing outside a classroom while their classmates watched them argue.
But they weren't sixteen anymore.
Daniel was now the managing director of Carter Shipping Group, a successful shipping business he had inherited from his parents. Sofia was the head of Williams Fashion House.
They were adults.
Successful adults.
They should have been capable of exchanging a civil greeting without behaving like two children fighting over a classroom prize.
Unfortunately, Daniel had never been particularly good at making sensible decisions where Sofia was concerned.
"So," he said, slipping his hands into his pockets. "I heard you've taken over your family's fashion business."
Sofia raised an eyebrow.
"You heard correctly."
"Impressive."
She narrowed her eyes.
"Was that a genuine compliment?"
"Don't look so alarmed. I can be nice."
"To people you like, perhaps."
Daniel tilted his head.
"Are you suggesting I don't like you?"
"I'm suggesting you have an unusual way of showing it."
His expression shifted slightly.
For the first time since approaching her, he didn't immediately respond with a joke.
Then he smiled again.
"Well, Sofia, it's good to see you haven't lost your ability to turn every conversation into a courtroom."
"And it's good to see you haven't lost your ability to make every conversation about yourself."
Amara covered her mouth.
Michael turned away, his shoulders shaking with laughter.
Daniel looked at Sofia for another moment.
Then, unexpectedly, he laughed.
Not mockingly.
Not because he had won an argument.
He simply laughed, as though he had genuinely missed this.
Sofia didn't know what to do with that.
She had prepared herself for arrogance, sarcasm, and perhaps a few comments about her career.
She had not prepared herself for the possibility that Daniel might actually be happy to see her.
And that unsettled her more than it should have.
---
The reunion programme began shortly afterward.
The headmaster welcomed everyone back and spoke about the school's history, its achievements, and the importance of maintaining connections with former classmates.
Sofia sat between Amara and Victoria.
Daniel sat two tables away.
She did not look at him.
Not once.
At least, that was what she told herself.
In reality, she had noticed him checking his phone, speaking quietly with Michael, and occasionally glancing in her direction.
Every time she caught him looking, he appeared completely unbothered.
It was infuriating.
During dinner, a former teacher approached their table.
Mrs. Thompson had taught them literature and had always possessed a remarkable ability to remember every student's academic strengths and weaknesses.
"Sofia!" she exclaimed. "Look at you!"
Sofia stood to embrace her.
"Mrs. Thompson! It's wonderful to see you."
"And Daniel is here too, isn't he?"
Sofia's smile tightened.
"Unfortunately."
Mrs. Thompson laughed.
"I see you two haven't changed."
"We have," Sofia insisted.
"Of course you have. You're successful adults now. But I still remember how you used to compete over everything."
Daniel appeared beside them.
"She started it."
Sofia turned sharply.
"I did not!"
Mrs. Thompson burst out laughing.
"Exactly the same!"
Daniel looked at Sofia with an expression of exaggerated innocence.
"What? I'm simply telling the truth."
"Your relationship with the truth has always been questionable."
"Only when you're involved."
The words came out lightly.
But something about them made Sofia pause.
Daniel seemed to notice her reaction.
For a fraction of a second, his expression softened.
Then Mrs. Thompson clapped her hands.
"I have an idea. We need volunteers for the alumni charity project. We're hoping to raise funds for the school's scholarship programme, and we need former students to help organise a fundraising event next month."
Sofia nodded politely.
"That sounds wonderful."
"I was hoping you might help, Sofia. Your fashion company could contribute to the event."
Sofia considered it.
A scholarship programme was a worthy cause, and her company regularly supported community initiatives.
"I'd be happy to discuss it with the organisers."
"Excellent!" Mrs. Thompson turned to Daniel. "And you, young man? Your family's shipping company has done remarkably well. Perhaps you could assist with sponsorship and logistics."
Daniel smiled.
"I'd be happy to help."
"Wonderful! Then I shall put both your names forward."
Sofia's head snapped toward the teacher.
"Both?"
Mrs. Thompson nodded cheerfully.
"Yes. With your business experience, I'm sure the two of you could accomplish something remarkable together."
Sofia stared at her.
Daniel looked at Sofia.
Slowly, the corners of his mouth lifted.
"Oh, I think this is an excellent idea."
"No," Sofia said immediately.
Mrs. Thompson blinked.
"No?"
"I mean—yes, the project is excellent. The scholarship programme is excellent. The fundraising is excellent."
She pointed at Daniel.
"But working with him is not excellent."
Daniel placed a hand against his chest.
"You wound me."
"That was the intention."
Mrs. Thompson laughed, apparently interpreting their exchange as harmless banter.
"I'm delighted you've both agreed. I'll send you the details next week."
Before Sofia could correct her, the teacher moved away to greet another group of former students.
Silence settled between them.
Then Daniel leaned slightly closer.
"Looks like we're partners, Williams."
Sofia turned toward him.
"Don't flatter yourself, Carter. I haven't agreed to anything."
"Mrs. Thompson seems to think otherwise."
"Then Mrs. Thompson has misunderstood."
Daniel smiled.
"You're going to refuse a scholarship project because you don't want to work with me?"
"I'm going to request a different assignment because I value my peace of mind."
"Interesting. I thought you were a professional."
"I am."
"Then act like one."
Sofia stared at him.
He stared back.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then Sofia smiled.
It was not a friendly smile.
"Fine, Carter. If we end up working together, I expect professionalism, punctuality, and absolutely no unnecessary commentary about my decisions."
Daniel nodded solemnly.
"Of course."
"And no trying to control the project."
"Naturally."
"And no irritating remarks."
He paused.
"That last one might be difficult."
"Then prepare to suffer."
Daniel laughed.
"Good to know you've missed me."
Sofia's smile vanished.
"I haven't missed you."
"Of course not."
"I haven't thought about you either."
"I didn't ask."
"Good."
"Excellent."
"Wonderful."
"Fantastic."
They stared at each other.
Then Michael, who had been listening from nearby, burst out laughing.
"Five minutes!" he announced. "You two lasted exactly five minutes before starting an argument."
Sofia pointed at Daniel.
"He started it."
Daniel pointed at Sofia.
"She finished it."
Amara shook her head.
"I cannot believe I'm witnessing this in person again."
Sofia grabbed her handbag.
"I need air."
She walked away before anyone could stop her.
Behind her, Daniel watched her go.
The smile remained on his face, but something more thoughtful had entered his eyes.
He had expected Sofia to be different.
More distant, perhaps. More reserved. Maybe even indifferent.
Instead, she had looked at him with the same fire she had carried years ago.
And he had found himself enjoying every second of it.
That was a problem.
A very inconvenient problem.
Because Daniel Carter had built a life that required discipline, focus, and careful decisions.
He did not have time to become distracted by an old school rival.
Especially one who looked at him as though his existence personally offended her.
He took a sip of water.
Then he glanced toward the doors through which Sofia had disappeared.
He smiled faintly.
Some things never changed.
But perhaps, he thought, not everything had to remain the same.
---
Sofia stood on the terrace outside the event centre, breathing in the cool evening air.
The city glittered beyond the railing, its streets alive with traffic and distant music.
She had survived the reunion.
Technically.
She had greeted her classmates, exchanged pleasantries, and managed not to throw anything at Daniel.
It had been a successful evening.
Except for the charity project.
And the way Daniel had looked at her when Mrs. Thompson mentioned working together.
And the fact that his smile had been annoyingly attractive.
She groaned.
"No."
The door opened behind her.
She didn't need to turn around.
"Go away, Carter."
Daniel stepped onto the terrace.
"Hello to you too."
"I came out here for peace."
"Then you should have chosen somewhere I wasn't going to find you."
She turned.
"Why are you here?"
He leaned against the railing a few feet away.
"Because you disappeared."
"And?"
"And I wanted to make sure you were all right."
Sofia blinked.
For a moment, she genuinely didn't know what to say.
Then she recovered.
"I'm fine."
"Good."
"Wonderful."
"Excellent."
She narrowed her eyes.
"Are you planning to repeat everything I say?"
"Only until you give me something more interesting to work with."
She shook her head.
"You are unbelievable."
"I've been told."
"By people who clearly lack good judgment."
Daniel laughed softly.
The sound was quieter than it had been inside.
For a moment, the teasing between them faded, leaving an unfamiliar silence.
Then Daniel spoke.
"It's good to see you again, Sofia."
She looked at him.
Really looked at him.
There was no sarcasm in his voice this time.
No mocking smile.
Just a simple statement.
And somehow, that made it harder to respond.
She had imagined seeing Daniel again many times over the years, usually in scenarios where she delivered a devastating insult and walked away victorious.
She had never imagined that he might look at her like this.
As though their years apart had mattered.
As though he was genuinely glad she was there.
Sofia tightened her grip on her handbag.
"Well," she said, forcing a lightness into her voice, "don't get used to it."
Daniel's smile returned.
"There she is."
She rolled her eyes.
"Goodnight, Daniel."
She walked past him toward the door.
This time, he didn't stop her.
But just before she entered the building, he called her name.
"Sofia?"
She turned reluctantly.
"What?"
"I'll see you at the charity project meeting."
She stared at him.
"Don't count on it."
Daniel slipped his hands into his pockets.
"I'll bring coffee."
"I don't drink coffee."
"Tea, then."
"I don't want tea."
"Water?"
She almost laughed.
Almost.
"Goodnight, Carter."
She disappeared inside.
Daniel remained on the terrace, looking at the closed door.
Then he shook his head, smiling to himself.
He had a feeling the next few weeks were going to be interesting.
Inside, Sofia returned to Amara's side and accepted a glass of water.
Her friend studied her face.
"Well?"
"Well, what?"
"How was your little conversation with Daniel?"
"It wasn't little. It was irritating."
"Of course."
"And I am not working with him."
Amara took a sip of her drink.
"Whatever you say."
Sofia looked toward the terrace doors.
Daniel was no longer there.
She should have felt relieved.
Instead, she found herself wondering when she would see him again.
The thought irritated her so much that she immediately pushed it away.
Daniel Carter was not her type.
He was arrogant, sarcastic, competitive, and entirely too pleased with himself.
She had spent years building a life she loved.
She had no intention of allowing him to complicate it.
Not now.
Not ever.
But as Sofia left the reunion that night, her phone vibrated with a message from an unfamiliar number.
She opened it.
Unknown Number: It was good seeing you again, Williams. Try not to dream about me.
Sofia stopped walking.
Then another message arrived.
Unknown Number: And before you ask, Michael gave me your number. Don't kill him.
Her mouth fell open.
She typed furiously.
Sofia: I would rather dream about a tax audit.
The reply came almost instantly.
Daniel: That's unfortunate. I was hoping to make your dreams more interesting.
Sofia stared at the screen.
Then she typed her final message of the night.
Sofia: Blocked.
She blocked the number.
Then she stood beside the car, breathing hard with pure indignation.
A second later, she started laughing.
She hated him.
She absolutely hated him.
And if the universe had any sense of humour, it would keep Daniel Carter as far away from her as possible.
Unfortunately, the universe had never shown much respect for Sofia Williams's wishes.
And Daniel Carter, she was beginning to remember, had even less.
End of Chapter 2