Too Late She Already Married Mr. Right (Sophia) novel Chapter 275

"Mr. Sterling," Sophia said seriously, fixing her gaze on him. You're the kind of man who's out of everyone's league-born with privilege, shielded and adored by all those who know you."

What she really meant was that someone like her could never fit into his world

Richard caught her drift, letting out a cold chuckle as he sank back into his chair.

"If you don't want to be with me, just say so. You don't have to make me sound so untouchable," he replied

He didn't bother to keep his voice down, and Harley, who was driving up front, was so startled he nearly slammed on the brakes.

"Oh man, did 1 really just hear that?' Harley thought, his mind in a frenzy.

"Did Ms. Evans just turn down Mr. Sterling?' He couldn't wrap his head around it.

"I've just overheard the juiciest secret ever... Am I going to get silenced for this?' Harley fretted anxiously.

Sophia hadn't expected him to be so blunt, and for a moment, she was at a loss for words.

She pressed her lips together, turning her head to watch the city lights blur past the window, until the scenery outside started to look familiar.

'Wait, is this..?' Sophia thought, her heart skipping a beat.

The black Bentley pulled into the hotel and stopped right in front of the revolving doors. When Sophia saw the familiar lobby, she couldn't believe her eyes.

She'd thought Richard would take her back to his hotel, but instead, he'd brought her right back here.

'So that's how he showed up at the club at just the right time-he knew exactly where I'd be, Sophia realized

Richard pushed open the car door and swung his long legs out, getting out in one smooth move.

Sophia balled her fist, took a breath, and got out of the car after him.

Harley knew when to make himself scarce-he took off right away, not about to hang around as the third wheel.

Richard gave Sophia a sidelong glance, then strode into the hotel and checked in at the front desk

He'd actually headed straight for the club as soon as he got off the plane.

He did have legitimate business to deal with there, but after wrapping things up, his plan was to hang around

the hotel and wait for Sophia to show up.

As he was passing by one of the private suites, he happened to catch a glimpse through the glass — Sophia was cozied up with two guys, looking like she was having a blast and totally forgetting about everything else.

Sophia stood nearby, waiting for him.

Richard finished checking in, came over with the key card, and said, "It's getting late. I'll walk you to your room."

Sophia quietly walked by his side as they headed for the elevator.

Richard actually walked her right up to her room, waited until she went inside, then turned and left.

Inside, Sophia slumped down against the door, her back pressed firmly to it as she slid to the floor.

"What am I even supposed to do now?' she thought, feeling completely helpless.

If she'd known things would spiral into such a mess, she would never have let her guard down and brought him that glass of water that night.

Half an hour later, Annabelle was dropped off by Erica's people.

She swiped her card and walked in—only to jump out

of her skin when Sophia suddenly appeared from the bathroom. She was so startled, it felt like the booze evaporated right out of her system.

"Jesus, you scared me!" Annabelle blurted out.

Sophia was bent over, busy toweling her hair and hiding her face, so Annabelle honestly thought she'd bumped into something spooky.

Hearing Annabelle's scream, Sophia quickly parted her hair so her face was visible.

"It's me, relax," she said

Annabelle gaped at Sophia, and when she realized it really was her best friend, she could finally breathe again.

"You nearly gave me a heart attack! How did you get back? Did Uncle Richard actually let you out?" Annabelle exclaimed

Sophia thought back to their conversation in the car, then mumbled awkwardly, barely meeting Annabelle's eyes.

"I misunderstood," she said softly.

Annabelle grinned, leaned in with a mischievous look

"So, you two haven't seen each other in days—any sparks flying, or did you end up setting the room on fire?"

Sophia's face went bright red. "Annabelle, quit it!

Nothing happened that night was just a total accident!"

Annabelle smirked, "An accident, huh? Well, from the way Uncle Richard was acting, it sure doesn't look like he's letting you go anytime soon."

Sophia stared at Annabelle, suddenly remembering that Richard was staying in this very hotel-and his room was right next to theirs.

The stress was absolutely suffocating

"Annabelle, let's bail." Sophia blurted out.

She just couldn't bring herself to face Richard at all - that was the decision she'd made while she was in the shower.

She hopped out of bed and hurried over to open the door.

Outside the door, Harley stood holding breakfast, flashing his trademark grin. "Morning, Ms. Evans!

Hope I'm not interrupting your beauty sleep?"

The room was still dim, making it obvious the two of them had only just woken up.

Sophia couldn't help glancing behind Harley, subconsciously checking to see if Richard was with him-but he was nowhere in sight.

Uncertain whether she was more relieved or let down, she smiled and replied, "No, we were just about to get up."

Harley caught her searching for someone and said,

"Mr. Sterling flew out of the country early this morning. He had me swing by and grab the viral breakfast everyone's been raving about online-eat it while it's still hot, okay?"

Begonia Bay had a handful of must-try restaurants, but this breakfast place was the real internet sensation.

Word was, people started lining up at six o'clock in the morning

Sophia and Annabelle always wanted to try it, but honestly, neither of them could be bothered to wait two whole hours in line just to get breakfast.

They could have slept in with this time instead of wasting it.

But a big shot like Richard actually asked Harley to do something so trivial for her... Sophia found herself momentarily speechless.

"Thank you, Harley. Have you had breakfast yet? Do you want to join us?" Sophia asked politely.

Harley glanced inside, and his grin got even bigger.

"Looks like Ms. Quinn's still out cold, huh? Guess it's not really the right moment for me to butt in on your girls' morning."

Sophia took the breakfast and thanked him once more, but Harley quickly shook his head, waving off her gratitude.

"No need to be so formal with me, Ms. Evans. Mr.

Sterling asked me to stick around specifically to look after you and Annabelle," Harley said with a friendly grin.

"Just text me when you two decide what you want to do this afternoon. I'll just be hanging out in my room, waiting for you," he added

With that, Harley turned and headed out.

Sophia stared at the still-steaming breakfast in her hands, her feelings a tangled mess she couldn't even begin to sort out.

"Richard's such a good guy-after all he's done for me.

would I really end up hurting him like this?' she thought, self-blame twisting in her chest.