I Walked Away Seven Years Too Late But Right on Time novel Chapter 88

"You told him to get out, to stay far away, and said you would never give him your blessing. Sophie, do you even know what you were saying?"

Sophie pressed her lips together and stayed silent.

"Do you have any idea how awkward it was for Gavin? I didn't even know what to say to comfort him."

Seeing Sophie lower her head and stop eating, Sarah didn't have the heart to keep scolding her.

"Make sure you apologize to Gavin later. Don't break that boy's heart. He treats you so well, and I see it all. He's done so much for you. You can't let him down."

After Sarah left the room, Sophie pressed her knuckles against her temples, trying frantically to remember last night.

She had forgotten which colleague had brought up the topic of marriage, but it had suddenly reminded her that Luke and Eileen's wedding was only two days away.

The man she had buried deep in her heart surfaced in her mind once the alcohol hit.

She hadn't wanted to think about it, but the more she drank to suppress it, the more her logic completely unraveled.

Sophie pulled out her phone, utterly unsure of how to explain herself to Gavin.

She sat on the bay window to soak up some sun, hoping the light would somehow burn away the gloom in her heart.

Around 10 AM, Gavin sent a text: "Are you awake? I'm working overtime today. I'll be back late."

Sophie texted back that she was up.

Gavin replied: "Get some rest. The sun is out today. You should take a walk in the park; don't waste the nice spring weather."

Sophie agreed, but she didn't move. Without realizing it, she fell asleep right there on the bay window.

When she woke up again, it was already afternoon. She threw together something quick to eat and decided to take a walk in the park to clear her head.

It was late March, the peak of spring. Cherry blossoms, crabapples, peach blossoms, and redbuds were all showing off their brilliant colors. Sophie strolled slowly along the paths until she reached the wide open plaza, drawn by the sound of children's laughter.

Dozens of kids were learning to rollerblade and ride bikes, laughing with pure joy.

The smiles on their faces were as radiant as the sunshine itself. It was enough to make anyone forget their troubles.

"Auntie Sophie!" A bright, childish voice rang out. It was Mia.

"Look! I learned how to ride a bike!"

Mia glanced back at Jason and happily pedaled forward. Behind her, Jason jogged alongside the bike, keeping his hands ready to protect her.

Mia rode in a circle and returned to Sophie, beaming. "It only took me a week! My dad doesn't even have to hold the handlebars anymore. Aren't I awesome?"

"You're incredible, Mia," Sophie praised genuinely.

Jason wiped the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand and looked at Sophie. "Your mom mentioned you weren't feeling well. Are you doing better?"

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