Raymond tossed and turned in his bed, restless. Sophia Jones had taken up space in his mind, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't push her away.
She was daring, unapologetically bold—nothing like the women he was used to. She spoke her mind, acted without pretense, and carried herself with a confidence that was impossible to ignore.
And that was the problem.
He hadn't realized the depth of his feelings until he caught himself anticipating her presence each morning. The way she moved, the way she commanded attention without even trying—it was infuriating. Why did she have such an effect on everyone? More importantly, why was she having such an effect on him?
Ryan's constant praise for her only made it worse.
Why her? Why now?
His thoughts kept him awake until the first streaks of dawn bled into the sky.
Today was the day of the Manchester Project.
Dragging himself out of bed, he dressed quickly and stepped into the sitting room—only to halt at the sight before him.
His brothers were gathered, none of them at work. And his father sat in his usual chair, waiting.
"What's going on?" Raymond asked, scanning the room.
Mr. Smith leaned forward, his tone firm. "You'll be leaving with five bodyguards today."
Raymond frowned. "Five? Isn't that excessive?"
"They almost killed you last time," his father reminded him. "It's clear you're the main target."
Raymond exhaled sharply, rubbing the back of his neck—then his eyes landed on her.
Sophia.
His breath hitched.
She's one of them?
Of all the people they could assign to him, why her? How was he supposed to keep his emotions in check with her around?
Without a word, he turned and walked straight to his study, shutting the door behind him.
This wasn't fair.
He was trying to forget her. To suppress whatever it was he felt. But now they were throwing her into his path again, making everything more complicated.
By the time he stepped outside, four cars were lined up, ready for departure.
And there she was—in the driver's seat of his assigned car.
Sophia wore a pair of sleek tactical goggles, her expression unreadable as she focused ahead.
With visible reluctance, Raymond sank into the passenger seat beside her.
She didn't acknowledge him. She simply started the engine, smoothly following the convoy.
They arrived at the warehouse where colleagues had gathered for the Manchester Project's launch.
Raymond stepped forward to deliver his speech, the ceremonial ribbon stretched out before him.
Behind him, Sophia stood alert, along with the other bodyguards.
Just as he reached for the scissors to cut the ribbon, her goggles blinked a warning.
Her gaze snapped to a distant skyscraper.
A sniper.
Everything happened in a split second.
Sophia lunged—shoving Raymond out of the way.
The bullet whizzed past, piercing one of the decorative balloons.
Chaos erupted.
Screams. People scattering. Guards rushing to secure the area.
Raymond barely had time to process what had happened before Sophia grabbed his hand and pulled him into the warehouse.
Gunfire echoed outside as the remaining bodyguards engaged.
Inside, Raymond caught his breath, his heart pounding. He turned to Sophia, staring at her in disbelief.
"How did you see that?"
She pointed to her goggles, her voice steady. "Enhanced detection."
Without thinking, he pulled her into a tight embrace.
"Thank you, Sophia," he murmured, brushing strands of hair from her damp forehead. "You saved my life."
Her expression softened. "You did nothing wrong."
He swallowed hard, emotions surging through him—gratitude, confusion, something else.
"The sniper must be gone by now," she added. "The building is too far."
Raymond cupped her cheek, his touch lingering. "You don't know what you've done to me, Sophia Jones."
She blinked, startled by the raw intensity in his gaze.
They were still crouched low, tension crackling between them.
Then, before he could stop himself, he kissed her.
Sophia froze.
It was soft at first—uncertain. Then he deepened it, desperation seeping into the moment.
Tears stung his eyes.
When he pulled back, his breathing was ragged. "I don't think I'm in my right mind anymore, Sophia."
And then—he kissed her again.
It was different this time.
A mix of emotions he couldn't even begin to name.
When they finally broke apart, Raymond looked at her, overwhelmed. "I don't know what I'm doing anymore."
Sophia, still reeling, reached out and wiped away a stray tear from his cheek.
"Let's go home, Ray," she whispered.
He nodded.
***
Silence hung heavy in the car.
Raymond sat in the backseat, watching her. His phone rang again and again, but he ignored it.
Finally, Sophia spoke. "Won't you answer your calls?"
Wordlessly, he handed her the phone.
She connected it. "Hello, sir. Hello, ma'am. Sir Raymond is fine. Just a little shaken up."
A relieved voice came through. "Thank you, Sophia. Thank you for always saving my sons."
She glanced at Raymond, who had drifted off—fast asleep.
She almost laughed. Such a pampered child.
***
When they arrived, the family was waiting—along with Sammie, the doctor.
Sophia helped Raymond out of the car, guiding him inside.
As she eased him onto the couch, Sammie stepped forward. But before he could examine him, Raymond grabbed her hand.
The entire room fell silent.
"Don't leave me, Sophia," he muttered, his eyes still shut.
Sophia stiffened.
His parents had seen it. Everyone had seen it.
Sammie's jaw clenched in surprise.
Mrs. Smith, however, smiled softly. "He insisted. Don't let go. He's still afraid."
Raymond's body burned with fever.
Sammie administered injections while Ryan took the medications.
Ten minutes later, Raymond's eyes fluttered open—and the first thing he did was hug her.
Sophia froze.
She had to get out of there.
Luckily, his mother took over, pulling him into her arms.
Escape. Finally.
***
Catarina entered, carrying a tray. "You skipped lunch. Don't miss dinner too."
Sophia hesitated but took the food.
Catarina sighed. "You've been avoiding me. What's going on?"
Sophia's lips tightened. "I was stupid to think we were real friends."
Catarina stiffened. "You found out about Ryan, didn't you?"
Sophia laughed bitterly. "I forgave you the moment you brought me food."
Catarina swallowed hard. "I just didn't want you telling me it's impossible."
"Because you're a maid and he's a Smith?"
"Exactly."
Sophia shook her head. "You're building your own fashion empire. Don't sell yourself short." She pulled her into a hug. "You have to be strong for yourself."
Catarina kissed her cheek. "I love you, Sophia. And… did you really kiss Raymond?"
Sophia's heart pounded. "It was my first."
Catarina gasped. "And Amelia Grande arrives tomorrow."
Sophia's breath caught.
Raymond's fiancée.
She felt like her heart had just dropped into her stomach.