Chapter 7 - Breaking the FaçadeBy 5:00 AM, the warehouse was dry, the industrial heaters were drying the floor, and the event was saved. Her boss had practically wept with gratitude before leaving to finalize the morning setup.
We drove back to the apartment in total silence, the hum of my truck’s heater filling the cab. The rain had cleared, leaving the city streets glistening under the early dawn light.
When we walked back through our front door, the apartment felt different. The tension wasn't hostile anymore; it was charged, heavy with anticipation.
Sophie took off her shoes and walked straight to the mustard yellow couch, sitting down on the edge. I stood by the coffee table, watching her.
“You saved me tonight,” she said quietly.
“That’s my job,” I said.
“No, it isn’t,” she countered, looking directly into my eyes. “It’s not your job to fix my life, Jack. But you do it anyway. Why?”
I took a deep breath, stepping closer until I was standing right in front of her.
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“Because fourteen months ago, a girl showed up with a ridiculous mustard couch and made this dark, quiet apartment feel like a home,” I said, my voice low and steady. “Because I spend every night sitting in my room listening for your key in the lock. Because I’m terrified that if I tell you how much I love you, I’ll ruin the one good thing in my life.”
Sophie gasped softly, her hand flying to her mouth.
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