Chapter 47

• The tension in his jaw, the struggle to conceal his emotions, hits Sophia like a sucker punch, catching her off guard. She hasn't seen him like this in relation to her for a long time, and the vulnerability in his demeanor hints at the hardships he may have faced in her absence. His persistent questioning, the longing in his eyes searching for traces of the past, stirs conflicting emotions within her. Despite knowing the reality of their history, the ache in his gaze tugs at her heartstrings, reminding her of the longing that once existed between them. But she must remind herself of the painful truth—he played a significant role in her departure.
• Surprised by Leon's presence in their familiar space, Sophia musters a smile, her physical strength waning as the weight of the moment threatens to overwhelm her. Every fiber of her being strains to maintain composure as she grapples with the flood of emotions stirred by his unexpected arrival. Her resolve weakens, the strain evident in her trembling limbs and fragile facade, as she tries to navigate the delicate dance of their reunion.
• "Her whole life, she's my sister. Is there a problem?" Glenda's protective voice interjects, offering a welcomed distraction as she arrives by Sophia's side, carrying plates of scallop starters. With a discerning gaze that sizes up Leon as a potential threat, Glenda's presence provides a shield for Sophia against the emotional whirlwind that threatens to consume her. The awareness of Leon's gaze scrutinizing them side by side prompts a fleeting sense of collapse in his demeanor, the illusion of hope shattered by the harsh reality.