Page 61 of A Simple Reminder

Sophie starts off, presenting their first concept, “Stargazing Bar Nights.” She gestures to the board where a sleek, modern rooftop setup is displayed, featuring plush seating and dim lighting designed to evoke a cozy, intimate vibe under the stars.

“The idea is to create an environment where guests can enjoy a sophisticated drink while feeling like they’re stargazing,” she explains. “Even in the city that never sleeps, we can bring a sense of serenity to the rooftop.”

I look at the concept. The design is fine, sure, but stargazing in New York? With all the light pollution, this city rarely sees stars. It’s a nice idea, but it’s not practical. I cross it off mentally. No.

Sophie reads my expression, her lips pressing into a thin line as a sound escapes from the back of her throat—half frustration, half resignation. “Let’s move on to the second one,” she says, quickly passing the baton to Jared.

Jared steps forward with a bit too much enthusiasm, his chest puffed up like he’s presenting the next big thing. “Okay, stargazing might not be it, but how about glow-in-the-dark cocktail tables? It adds an element of fun, keeps the energy going after sundown. We can even add some body coloring booths and…ehm”

What the hell is this?I can’t help the way my face looks at this moment, but it probably saysare you two serious?

“No. Next,” I don’t have time for this nonsense. I just need them to get to number five.

Sophie steps up again, her hands gesturing toward the board as she speaks. The third concept is a step up, and it's starting to sound better, but it still doesn’t have that oomph factor that Leora always talks about. It’s missing something, a spark. By the time we reach the fourth, Jared chimes in again, but it’s clear he’s just throwing in ideas that don’t align with the vision. Too gimmicky.

Finally, we reach five.

Sophie’s smile widens, and she takes an unconscious step forward. “Okay, so this one I think you’ll like. We wanted to give the terrace an ambiance that screams luxury but still keeps that homey, cozy feeling. Just like Ayoub d'Or,” she says, her eyes gleaming with excitement.We. She’s used it a lot today, but I know this is her concept and only hers. I heard it in passing when she thought no one was paying attention. But I was. I’m always paying attention to her.

“We wanted everyone to feel relaxed up here,” she continues, her voice soft but full of passion. “To feel like the money they’ve paid for their stay was worth it. Every single penny.”

As she speaks, I stare at her lips, which move confidently. Her smile remains, radiating something undeniably captivating. She’s utterly magnetic. Just by looking at her, I feel my anger slowly melting away. I’m barely paying attention to the concept, but I know it’s incredible. The way her energy vibrates off her, the passion in her words—this concept has that spark.

It’s all about comfort within luxury: plush, oversized seating that invites you to sink in and never leave, modern fire pits that add just the right amount of warmth without overpowering the space, and soft, golden lighting that bounces off the floors, casting a warm glow over the entire terrace. The lush greenery is designed to make the space feel like a private, elevated oasis—a sanctuary above the hustle and bustle of the city below. A high-end restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows provides a stunning panoramic view of the skyline, while several sleek bars offer handcrafted cocktails, each station with its own unique theme and ambiance.

There's even a private dining area for intimate gatherings. And then, the crown jewel—a personalized butler service exclusive to guests staying in the premium suites. It’s the kind of experience that whispers luxury but still feels personal. A perfect balance. It’s perfect.

Sophie’s smile beams with pride as she finishes explaining, her eyes sparkling as she watches me take it all in.

But just as I’m about to respond, Jared cuts in, leaning forward with an air of confidence that grates against the moment. “Yeah, so, I thought adding those private cabanas with individual fire pits would really elevate the space and make it more intimate, you know? And Isuggested the separate themed bars too—gives guests different vibes to explore.”

“Actually, the cabanas—” Sophie tries to jump back in, but Jared interrupts again, waving his hand dismissively. “Yeah, we also thought the butler service was a nice touch, something that came to me while we were brainstorming.”

Sophie’s lips tighten, and I can see her jaw clench for just a moment before she steps back slightly, frustration building behind those ocean blues. But Jared either doesn’t notice or doesn’t care, and he continues to ride on the success of her work, pretending it’s his own. What a piece of shit.

I narrow my eyes, watching Sophie silently as she bows her head slightly, and my gut twists.Speak up, Sunshine. Say something.My thoughts scream, but her lips remain pressed together, her gaze fixed downward. Why won’t she just stand up for herself?

My teeth grind together, heat rising from every pore as rage boils inside me. I’m fuming. Jared? Sure, that’s expected. But Sophie? How can she just stand there, letting him take credit for her idea? The concept that she crafted so meticulously, the one that’s absolutely brilliant. She's amazing, incredible, fantastic and everything in between.

The sun never cares who it blinds; why does she diminish her own light for others? Especially for people like Jared, who already broke her once. Of course, he'd do it again. It's in his nature to take advantage, to leech off brilliance.

I’m practically shaking with anger, my jaw clenched so tight I’m sure I could crack my teeth. I glance at Sophie again, and she’s staring at the floor, not at me. Why won’t she look at me? She won’t after everything that’s happened between us, not after our night.

“That’s enough. I don’t need to hear more.” I stand up, my voice sharp, leaving no room for argument. “I choose number five.Youridea, Sophie. Great job.”

The asshole stiffens, his mouth parting like he wants to argue, but shock steals his voice. Good on him, because if he would speak I’d probably break his nose.

Sophie’s head snaps up. “We both–ehm,” she says softly, almost as if she’s trying to convince herself as much as me. Her voice is low, nearly broken. She still won’t meet my eyes, and that only fuels my anger further. She’s still protecting him.

“You are dismissed,” I say, cutting off any more excuses before they can leave her lips.

TWENTY-SEVEN

SOPHIE

Jared walks out of the office, and I follow close behind, my thoughts racing as anger, shock, and disappointment swirl inside me. How could he do that? After everything. Even though Liam saw through it, the fact that Jared even tried—after I forgave him—hurts more than I expected. But maybe the worst part is how I stood there silent, letting it happen. Why didn't I say anything? Yet, there’s still a kernel of hope inside me that he has a reason. Maybe he was stressed or nervous, accidentally saying that my idea was his. Because I don’t want to believe that there’s peoplethatconniving.

I can’t deal with this. I’m already struggling with being in the same room as Liam. Every second I’m in his vicinity, the professional, mature thoughts I try to cling to start to dissipate, like smoke in the wind. I can’t think straight when he’s near. Not with everything that’s happened between us—our past already complicates things, but now he’s my boss. My boss. If I cave it could ruin everything, my career, my reputation.

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