C11 Facing The Reality

Reliving Shirley's disclosure, Sophia paced the length of her apartment. Years had passed since the betrayal that almost shattered her confidence, but now it appeared as though the pieces were fitting together to form a bigger, darker puzzle.

Shirley had sounded sorry over the phone, but was it sincere? Was Lucas really the mastermind behind it all? Why? For what reason?

She was debating whether to call Shirley again or go find her when her phone rang out. Reaching for it, she blinked when she saw it was Lucas calling her.

Steadying her breath, she answered using a natural tone to conceal her agitation. “Hi, Lucas.”

“Sophia, are you resting now?” He asked and Sophia raised an eyebrow at the extremely informal tone he used….as if speaking to a close friend….a lover even.

Although they were past the simple client relationship with the smoky gaze they kept sending each other, the awkward touches, and their interaction in general, It surprised her because she didn't think they were there yet in their…. relationship or whatever it was they were carrying on.

Sophia shrugged, getting over the brief surprise, “I'm trying to.” She answered. As an afterthought, she added, “How about you?”

“Not yet, I still have stuff to do. But you? You really need to get some sleep. You should be tired, aren't you? Or do you want me to come tuck you in?”

Sophia's mouth flew open, her eyes blinking repeatedly. She coughed awkwardly and then gave a weird laugh. “No, I'm good.”

Lucas laughed out loud over the phone, his deep, rich voice filling Sophia's ears. It sounded so good and the fact that he was laughing at her reaction made her stomach flutter.

“Okay! Right there,” Lucas remarked, “I believe you'll be able to sleep now. Come on, try it.”

Rolling her eyes, Sophia said, “Good night, Lucas,” although she knew she wouldn't be going to bed. Not yet.

“Good night Sophia.”

Dropping the call, Sophia thought about her next action. She looked towards her bedroom and felt sure she'd fall asleep, as Lucas said if she ventured in.

But she didn't want to ignore the questions in her mind. Especially if she was going to get involved with Lucas in a more personal way as they were now doing. She needed to know about him.

She revisited the questions that were plaguing her mind before his call. At last, unable to handle it anymore, Sophia picked up her coat and made her way to Shirley's gallery.

Her gallery was silent, with Shirley's most recent works—brash, abstract compositions that seemed to exude tension and chaos—adorning the walls.

As Sophia walked in, Shirley looked up from her desk, her face a mixture of astonishment and fear.

She stood and said, "Sophia. What a surprise to see you so quickly."

With her arms crossed, Sophia spoke more sharply than she meant to. “I need answers, Shirley. This time, actual answers.”

Sophia kept standing even when Shirley gestured for her to sit down.

"I was honest with you," Shirley said. "Lucas is dangerous and is using the same tactics to manipulate you as he did me."

"How is he manipulating me?" Sophia asked, her gaze fixed on Shirley's face. "You never clarify what you mean when you speak in riddles."

Shirley let out a sigh, appearing older and more worn out than Sophia could recall. "Lucas wasn't the man you know now when I first met him. He was vicious as well as ambitious. Like he sees in you, he saw potential in me, but it wasn't about developing skill. It has to do with control.”

Sophia’s stomach tightened. "What exactly does that mean? Control me how?”

“I won't understand but I fell for it when he did it to me. I betrayed you in the hopes that it would safeguard my future, but I was ultimately just another piece in his scheme. He has a knack of brainwashing you into believing him. Then controlling you.”

Fury growing, Sophia shook her head. "You're portraying him like a villain in a heroic story, but I've seen a different side of him. He is compassionate and protective—”

“But that's just his way. He does this to pique your interest. He seduces you with his charm, wins your trust, and before you know it, he has complete control over you. Avoid making the same mistakes that I did Sophia.”

Sophia balled her fists. "How ridiculous! Are you trying to convince me that everything Lucas has done for me, the opportunity he has given me, and supporting my work is all a scheme? Does it even make sense to your own ears?

Shirley coldly remarked, "It may not make sense to you now but sooner or later, you’ll see the truth.”

Before Sophia could react, the sound of the gallery door opening interrupted them.

When both women turned, they saw Lucas standing at the doorway with a surprised expression on his face.

"Sophia," he remarked in a composed yet strong tone. "I wasn't expecting to see you here."

Sophia’s heart raced as his attention turned to Shirley. The air was heavy with unsaid words, and the tension in the room was evident.

“Lucas,” Shirley remarked, her tone chilly. “I was just telling Sophia the truth about you.”

Lucas stepped deeper into the room and arched an eyebrow. “Your version of the truth, I’m sure.”

Sophia looked between them, her head spinning. "I need someone to explain this situation to me. No more half-truths, no more cryptic warnings. Now, I want the whole story.”

Lucas turned to her, and his eyes softened. "Before passing judgment, you ought to hear my side."