Sophia's father waved politely, unaware of the storm brewing inside Sophia.

"Ah, Julian! How lovely to see you out so early."

Julian smiled, his expression as calm as ever.

"Good morning, man. It's a beautiful day, isn't it?"

Sophia avoided his gaze, but she could feel the intensity of it burning into her.

Every fiber of her being ached for him, but she couldn't risk anything with her father so close.

"Indeed it is," her father replied, seemingly oblivious to the tension between the two.

"Sophia and I were just out for a stroll. Perhaps you'd like to join us?"

Sophia's stomach churned. No. The thought of Julian walking alongside...