Sophia stood hesitantly outside Jason's door, her hand frozen mid-air, about to knock. The deep, masculine response from inside made her heart race.
"Just breathe," Sophia murmured to herself, trying to muster some courage. It was Jason who had feelings for her, not the other way around. And wasn't it him who had kissed her that day? If anyone should feel nervous, it should be him, not her.
"Don't be afraid!" She whispered to herself, aiming for a sense of nonchalance.
But the sleepless nights had taken their toll, leaving dark circles under her eyes. Would Jason notice? And if he pressed her for answers, what would she say? Mentioning Robin might only make things worse.
Lost in thought, Sophia was startled when the door suddenly swung open. Jason stood there, an unreadable expression in his eyes. "What are you doing, waiting for me to open the door for you?"
Her face flushed with irritation. "Oh, I wouldn't dare expect Mr. Gilder to open the door for me. I'm not that important."
Jason retorted, "Maybe not important, but certainly feisty!"
Sophia just glared at him as he turned and walked back into his office, telling her to close the door behind her. The brief exchange seemed to ease her nerves, though she still avoided making eye contact. "Did you need to see me about something?"
Jason, seated behind his desk, spoke matter-of-factly. "Mrs. Jasmine sent some things for you. Pick them up from my place tonight."
"My mom sent something for me?" Sophia's curiosity was piqued.
"You'll see when you get there."
Jason's voice was tinged with sorrow as he held her closer. "You might as well stab me in the heart. It would hurt less than this torment."
Sophia struggled in his embrace, her tears flowing freely. "You were the one who didn't want to be friends!"
"So, if we're not dating, we're nothing? Was your friendship all just a strategy?"
"I valued our relationship like family, you know how much it meant to me!"
At her last words, Jason's mix of heartache and frustration turned into a bitter laugh, a laugh filled with both sadness and resignation.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Time for Carson andarina to comit. Thank you for the updates....
Things are looking up for Xavier and Norah. Thank you for the updates....
Woohoo! This was sooooo good. Thank you for the updates....
This was classic updates. Thank you so much...
May we please have updates. Thank you...
I sincerely hope that Gonzalez finds the taped meeting of Hannah and Trevor to throw them under the bus....
How will Gonzalez get back at Hannah, Yvonne and Trevor for the setup and fall from grace....
Adrian needs to safe face and not do this. It will embarrass he and Norah and his family. Thank you for the updates....
This a HOT MESS for them both....
WOW! I didn't see that coming at all for Norah nor Gonzalez, the plot thickens. Thank you for the updates....