Simon's heart tore to see his dear Sofia in the arms of the other man, lifeless. He felt as if his heart was being stabbed with a hundred knives. He just wanted to push Calvin and take his Sofia in his arms. But her mother had put him in such a position that if he even took a step near her, he would be exposed and jeopardize his job and reputation of the company as well. No matter what he wanted he couldn't play with other people's jobs. Knowing Bella and her status, she wouldn't hesitate to do the nasty.

The party stilled. Bella got a microphone and apologized to the guests for the inconvenience. She asked them to continue enjoying their party and that Sofia would be right with them in a few minutes.The people got back to chatting and dancing. There was a live band performing various songs. People were enjoying themselves but Simon's soul was restless. He wanted to see Sofia for once. 

Back inside, Calvin put Sofia on the bed. Sofia was lifeless. He was wondering what had happened to her. Suddenly Bella and Jeremy entered the room behind the doctor. The doctor, Mrs. Rachel was a beautiful kind woman in her forties. She asked them all to move out of the room and give her space.

They all moved out. They were pacing outside her room. Jeremy was worried. After a few minutes, the doctor came out.

"When did she eat the last time? "  the doctor asked.

"This afternoon I guess," Bella answered.

"No, I don't think so. I think a lot of champagne has caused her to faint. She took an alcoholic beverage on an empty stomach. There's nothing to worry about. She'll be fine." Mrs. Rachel said as she left with Jeremy.

"Is she going to be fine?" He asked again.

"She's under a lot of stress. There's something that's bothering her. Sofia has never handled stress well. You know that very well. Talk to her and get it out of her." She advised him as she shook his hand and left.

"Hey Calvin, thanks for taking care of my daughter," Jeremy said as she shook Calvin's hand firmly.

"It's okay, Mr. Taylor." He replied and left to go outside.

After half an hour, Sofia woke up to find her father by her side. She tried to sit up.

"Keep lying down, princess," Jeremy said to Sofia as he caressed her cheek.

"What happened to me?" Sofia asked as a pounding headache hit her.

"When was the last time you ate today?" He asked her.

"Morning. I wasn't feeling like eating anything so I skipped lunch." She said with her eyes trained on the wall in front of her.

"And you drunk on an empty stomach? How can you be so careless? Why?" He asked.

"Because mum was forcing me to do everything like a robot. She didn't invite my friends and I saw Simon. He is here, isn't he?" She said to her father as she tried to remember.

"Yes, he is. Because I gave the food orders to the hotel he works in." Bella replied.

"You did this all to humiliate him!" Sofia retorted.

"No, I didn't. "She replied calmly as she smoothed her dress.

"Does Simon means to you more than a friend, Sofia? " Jeremy asked.

"Yes! He does! I love him! He means everything to me!" She shouted as tears ran down her face.

"What????!" Bella said with her mouth open in shock.

"Yes, mum. You better make peace with it." Sofia said harshly as she got up the bed and stumbled towards the door.

"It's gone farther than we thought. Things have gotten out of hand." Jeremy said to Bella. Bella nodded in agreement.

"We need to do something about this problem before it gets out of hand," Bella said as she thought about the possibility of Sofia with Simon.

The party ended after a luxurious dinner. Sofia kept looking at her phone to see the time. But moreover, she was looking for a text from Simon. She didn't go to meet him because she didn't want to blow his job. It was a big event and it meant an even bigger opportunity for his career's growth.

Sofia went into her backyard where there was a pool. The water tempted Sofia. She wanted to be alone from all the hassle. She went near the pool and sat on one of the chairs by the pool. She took off her heels. Sofia was positive these shoes had drilled a hole in her feet by then. She pulled her dress upwards and dipped her feet in the cool water. The cool water calmed her internal fire and gave her relief.

Sofia closed her eyes and leaned her head back towards the sky. She heard a few footsteps. She turned to see Calvin coming towards her.

"Hey Sofia, do you mind if I sit with you?" He asked.

"No," Sofia replied as she scooted far away from him.

Calvin took off his shoes and socks and rolled his pants upwards. Then he sat beside her and dipped his feet in the water.

"It's refreshing." He said. Sofia hummed in response.

"You're angry about something. Why?" He asked.

"You don't need to know, Calvin." She said in an irritated tone. Calvin scooted closer to her until he grabbed her hand and tugged her towards himself.

"Whatever bothers you is my business, pretty girl." He asked as he held her face by her chin and looked into her eyes. His hot breath fanned Sofia's face and his touch made her uncomfortable.

"Leave me." She said as she twisted her hand free out of his grip and ran inside after picking up her shoes. Sofia was afraid after what he said. Why would she be anyone's business? She was confused. That night Sofia was extremely restless. She couldn't sleep.

That night when Simon went home, he told his mother everything.

"Mom, I want to make Sofia mine. I can't see her with another man." He said as he paced around in the room.

"Simon, there's nothing wrong in fighting for the person you love. You have my blessing. Go and talk to her father. Ask for his permission to pursue his daughter for marriage. It's not like you're going to marry her now but you can make her yours officially by promising her." She told him.

"Thank you, mom. I love you." He said as he hugged her.

A few weeks had passed after Sofia's birthday party. Calvin was coming over more and more. He came over for lunch and dinner with their family.  Her mother was exceptionally sweet towards him. Sofia was confused about her mother's sweet behavior towards Calvin.

Then one morning, Simon came to see Jeremy in his office. He knew he couldn't talk at home because there would be Sofia or Bella there and he wanted this meeting to be private.

"Mr. Taylor, I won't take much of your time. I just want to talk to you about something." He said as he was motioned to take a seat. Simon took a seat in front of him. He was actually pretty nervous of Mr. Taylor's reply.

"I don't have much time. Put forward your point quickly. I have a meeting." Jeremy replied looking at his Rolex watch.

"Mr. Taylor, I want to pursue Sofia for marriage with your permission," Simon said bluntly.

"How dare you think about my daughter like that? Have you ever looked at your family background? You can't afford my daughter. She's been a princess and she'll marry a person fit for her status. Not a beggar like you." Jeremy boomed.

"I know we're not that rich, Mr. Taylor. But we don't beg. We're not beggars. We work hard to earn. With all due respect, we are not BEGGARS. I could have dated your daughter without your permission but I didn't because I didn't think it would be wise." Simon said calmly.

"You will stay away from my daughter from now on or I'll see to it that you never see her again," Jeremy warned him.

"I love her and I'll fight for her," Simon said firmly. He found a new energy in himself, like he could conquer the whole world if he wanted.

"If you love her, you will not go near her. She deserves her happiness. Let her go." Jeremy said. Simon listened quietly.

"Thank you for your time," Simon said as he left Jeremy's office. He went to the park where he and Sofia used to come. He thought about everything but he was confused and messed up.

Simon knew he had to do something. But what? He had yet to think of it.

What will Simon do?
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