Chapter 58
Raven noticed my sudden stillness and voiced her concern, “Sophia, are you alright?”
The man, catching wind of the conversation, turned to look our way.
His eyes locked onto mine, and a moment of recognition passed between us.
I rose from my seat hastily, my heart pounding as I tentatively uttered, “Director Hopkins?”
A bittersweet smile tugged at the corners of Cole’s lips, and he nodded. Sophia.”
He had been on a business trip before and had no idea that I had joined Strakovski Jewelry.
The complexity of our emotions swirled, each harboring a wealth of unspoken thoughts. After three years of obscurity, Cole hadn’t anticipated being recognized by a familiar face.
My mind buzzed with a multitude of questions, uncertain where to begin.
Why the change in surname?
Why sever all ties for three years?
Did he know that Ava had been searching for him?
Witnessing my shifting expressions, Cole deduced my internal quandary. He suggested, “Sophia, come to my office.”
3
Within the design department, the exchange between us was cryptic, leaving the onlookers baffled. What was going on?
“Why does it seem like Director Hopkins and Sophia know each other?”
“I don’t think so. Sophia recognized his name but didn’t react as if she knew him when she heard it
yesterday.”
“You’re right. Her expression didn’t convey familiarity. Perhaps since Sophia was newly transferred to the design department, she hasn’t crossed paths with Director Hopkins before.”
followed Cole into his office and regarded the man seated at the desk. With a respectful tone. I
Unspoken Farewell at 30,000 Feet
39.9%
greeted, “Cole”
ole glanced at me, a smile touching his lips. “Sophial”
A pause lingered, then he contiumed, “Please, have a seat. If you have any inquiries… feel free to ask.”
Given our impending collaboration, some matters couldn’t be sidestepped..
I nodded, my gaze steady, “Cole, weren’t you previously Cole Harris? Why the change to Cole Hopkins? No wonder Ava and I couldn’t locate you over the past three years.”
Cole’s surprise surfaced briefly, followed by a self deprecating chuckle. “The surname alteration was a family decision. But tell me, why were you seeking me out?”
Keeping Ava’s distraught state from last night in mind, I regarded Cole with a complex expression. I replied helplessly. “You’ve forgotten, but you owe Ava a life–saving favor. Your sudden vanishing act naturally has her deeply concerned.”
Cole remained unaware of Ava’s affections toward him, and I was cautious not to rashly break it.
At the mention of Ava’s name, a flicker of amusement danced across Cole’s eyes. “I thought she
usually maintains indifference to such matters. I apologize.”
“You should convey that to her. She’s been genuinely worried about you for three years. But why did
you cut contact after college?” I struggled with my response.
Cole hesitated before explaining. “There was a family issue that required my presence in another city. I only returned here within the past two years.”
I sensed that Cole wanted to avoid discussing the details of the years away from us, I nodded, lips forming a gentle smile. “Indeed, it’s a pleasure to see you again, Cole.”
“I heard a new designer was recommended personally by Mr Strakovski himself. I was curious about the identity of this designer. And now, I find it’s you, Sophia. I’ve always held you in high regard. Your design talent is among the most exceptional I’ve encountered.” Cole’s smile matched.
mine.
1
“I find that hard to believe. Designer Emily’s skills surpass mine, don’t they?” I playfully countered.
Cole hesitated, his tone turning serious. “Perhaps her current accomplishments overshadow yours, but her raw talent isn’t on par with yours.”
I linked, momentarily taken aback, before recovering with a smile. “You’re just trying to tease me. Keep that assessment between us. We wouldn’t want to make Olivia jealous.”
Unspoken Farewell at 30,000 Teet
“I understand. She holds Emily in high esteem. But remember, your talents are exceptional too, with effort, you’ll surpass even Emily.”
and
I intended to jest in response, yet the gravity in Cole’s eyes halted me. Our exchange was interrupted by a knock on the door.
“Director Hopkins, Designer Lopez, Mr Strakovski has called for a meeting with all the designers from the design department!”
“Let’s go. We should join the meeting.” Cole rose swiftly.
With no opportunity to relay the good news to Ava, I trailed Cole to the conference room on the top floor.
As Lukas entered the room, he mulled over the idea of involving me in the Century Jewelry Competition. He wondered if such an endeavor might trigger unintended anxieties for me.
However, upon his arrival, his thoughts were redirected. There stood Cole and I, engrossed in an intimate conversation.
Our heads were close, laughter flowed, and my eyes sparkled like stars.
