I Ctrl+Alt+Deleted My Ex and Ctrl+C'd His Uncle novel Chapter 16

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**Chapter 16**

As the sun reached its zenith the following day, Sophie found herself at the restaurant well ahead of schedule, her heart a mix of anticipation and unease. The cozy ambiance, with its soft lighting and gentle hum of conversation, did little to calm her racing thoughts.

When Liam finally arrived, he was a half-hour late, his demeanor clearly reflecting the toll of sleeplessness. His eyes were shadowed with dark circles, a testament to the restless night he had endured.

“Sorry, Sophie,” he mumbled, running a hand through his disheveled hair. “I was up all night reworking the proposal.” He offered a weak smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You must be starving; let’s order something.”

With an air of casualness that felt forced, he gestured for a waiter, hastily selecting a few dishes as if the choices were inconsequential. Sophie observed him in silence, her heart sinking deeper with each passing moment.

Same old story, she thought bitterly.

He professed his love for her, yet never once did he take the time to ask what she truly desired.

“Sophie? What’s on your mind?” Liam’s voice broke through her reverie, calling her name with a hint of urgency.

“Nothing,” she replied flatly, her gaze fixed on the table.

“You wanted to see me today… is it about the wedding? Have you figured out how to tell your parents?” His eyes sparkled with hope, as if he believed that the mere mention of the wedding would erase all their issues.

“It’s not about the wedding,” she stated, her tone icy, cutting through the air like a knife.

“It’s not?” His voice pitched higher, drawing curious glances from nearby diners.

He quickly dismissed their attention, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “Sophie, the longer we wait, the bigger your belly gets. You’ve always loved looking your best; don’t you want to wear your wedding dress before your figure changes?”

As he spoke, his eyes meticulously scanned her face, searching for any sign of agreement. “If you’re unsure about telling your parents, I can do it. Once they know you’re pregnant, they’ll have to agree to the wedding…”