Page 109 of A Simple Reminder

Leora listens silently, not rushing me. Her steady presence anchors me even from thousands of miles away. When I finally stop, wiping at my face with trembling hands, she lets the silence stretch just long enough for me to take a deep breath.

She hums thoughtfully, her calm anchoring me even through the phone. “Do you love him?”

“Yes,” I whisper, the admission coming easier than I expected. “I do.”

“Does he love you?” she asks, no judgment in her tone, just a simple question.

I close my eyes, letting my mind drift to Liam’s face, the way he looks at me like I’m the only person in the room, the way he’s fought for me in ways no one ever has. “I think so.”

“Then screw the rest,” she says firmly, her voice brimming with conviction. “You and Liam can figure this out. Articles, gossip—none of that matters if you’re both willing to fight for it. And you’re a fighter, Soph. You always have been.”

I let her words settle over me, a balm to the storm raging inside. “But what about my career?” My voice cracks again. “I’ve worked so hard to build this, and now it feels like it’s slipping away.”

“Your career isn’t over, babe,” she assures me. “You’re too damn talented for that. I will always clap for you so damn loud you won’t even notice the ones who aren't. And hey, this isn’t just on you. Liam got you into this mess—he better be ready to help you clean it up.”

A soft laugh escapes despite the tears still wet on my cheeks. Is she right? Will this just fade away? Or will it haunt me forever?

“You’ve got this, Soph. And I’m here, even from the other side of the world.”

“Thank you,” I whisper, meaning it more than ever.

“Always,” she says firmly.

The door slams open, startling me, and Liam runs in first, his face etched with worry.

Adeline follows close behind, but instead of rushing to me, she stops a few steps into the room, her body going rigid. Her eyes widen when she sees me, taking in my tear-streaked face and the tension radiating from my body. Her shoulders slump slightly, as if the weight of my pain settles on her too. Her hands hover near her chest, clenched into loose fists, unsure whether to reach out or stay still. Her own eyes glisten, “Sophie…” she whispers, her voice trembling.

“Liam and Adeline just got here,” I whisper into the phone.

“Good,” Leora says softly. “Let them take care of you and let them help. You don’t have to do this alone.”

I nod, and I end the call with a quiet, “Love you.”

Liam is in front of me in an instant, his hands cupping my face, his thumbs brushing away the fresh tears. His dark eyes lock onto mine, filled with regret and a fierce determination that takes my breath away. “I’m so sorry, Sunshine,” he murmurs, his voice breaking. “This is my fault.”

I try to shake my head, but his grip is firm, anchoring me when everything else feels like it’s slipping away. My lips part to speak, but no words come out. I glance past him at Adeline, who still stands frozen near the door, one hand pressed to her chest. Her tears spill over, but she doesn’t move, as if unsure if she should step closer or give me space.

Liam leans his forehead gently against mine, his voice low and soothing. “We’ll fix this,” he promises. “I swear to you, Sophie, I’ll make this right.”

I manage to find my voice, though it’s hoarse and small. “They dropped me. Nobody wants to work with me.” My throat tightens, the words choking out as my tears threaten to fall again. “I don’t know how to fix this.”

Liam’s hands move to my shoulders, gripping me gently. “You don’t have to know. That’s why I’m here. That’s why we’re here,” he says, glancing briefly at Adeline, who nods in silent agreement.

Adeline sniffs, wiping at her cheeks. “You’re not alone, okay? We’ll figure this out. Together.”

“Whatever it takes. I’ll make this right.” The weight of his guilt and love are both evident, and it cuts through my panic like a lifeline.

FORTY-TWO

SOPHIE

“I’m sorry. Say that again? I don’t think I heard you right.” My voice wavers between disbelief and frustration. After I’d finally calmed down, Lucas showed up at the apartment too, adding his stern energy to the already tense atmosphere. We’ve been sitting around for what feels like hours, tossing around ideas and making zero progress. Until now—or at least Lucas seems to think this is progress.

Lucas crosses his arms, his expression like stone. “I said the best way to handle this is for you and Liam to go public with your relationship. Not just as a couple—but engaged.”

I stare at him, blinking slowly. “Engaged?” I repeat, my tone dripping with skepticism. “Are you out of your mind?”

“It’s damage control,” Lucas says flatly. “Right now, the narrative is against you. The media is painting you as some opportunist and Liam as irresponsible. An engagement shifts the story from a scandal to a love story.”

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