Sophia's Personal Photography Exhibition
After leisurely admiring each and every photograph on display from start to finish, Rocky couldn't help but feel deep respect for Sophia's exceptional photography skills. More importantly, though, was the heart she put into her work—she sought out the scenes she wanted to capture with intention, pressed the shutter with care, and poured her soul into conveying the ideas embodied in each image.
Viewers could easily grasp the thoughts and concepts she aimed to express through her photos.
He had to admit she was a top-tier photographer, skilled at capturing the most beautiful, shocking, and unforgettable moments. Under her lens, everything was faithfully and vividly portrayed.
No wonder Susan and the others had come to see the exhibition the day before and returned full of praise, even placing orders for over ten photographs.
Checking the time, he figured her meeting should be about over. Rocky leisurely made his way toward the office, but had only taken a few steps when he noticed Sophia walking toward him.
"Finished?" he asked casually.
"Mhm." She seemed somewhat downcast.
"What's wrong? Bad news?" His concern came out naturally, surprising even himself. "Was the reception of this exhibition not good? Or…"
It shouldn't be—he thought it was excellent.
Sophia shook her head.
He didn't press further, waiting for her to explain on her own. If she didn't want to share, he wouldn't force her.
After a moment of silence, she spoke: "Someone ordered more than ten of my photographs."
Wasn't it a good thing to have someone recognize her talent? He didn't quite follow her logic… Unless the "someone" she meant was Susan?
"It was Susan," he said with a light smile.
She looked surprised. "You knew?"
He didn't hide it. "Susan mentioned it yesterday. You seemed to be tied up with Penn and Paige at the time, so you might not have heard."
"Why? She didn't need to do that." She already owed the Smith family more than enough favors.
He cut her off bluntly. "Do what? Support you by ordering photos?"
"Isn't that it?" she questioned.
"Of course not," he immediately refuted. "Susan ordered them because she genuinely likes your work. It has nothing to do with personal connections. You should have more confidence in your art."
"I do," she stated firmly.
"Then that's that." Rocky took out his car keys and headed straight for the parking spot.
Life had been relatively calm over the past month, without even the slightest hint of trouble. Had the other party given up? Lost in thought, Sophia trailed a short distance behind Rocky.
Just as Rocky bent down to unlock the car door, he caught sight—from the corner of his eye—of a vehicle in the distance speeding straight toward Sophia. Instead of slowing down, it accelerated even more. His heart jolted violently.
That car was clearly trying to run her over!
"Sophia, watch out!"
Hearing his voice, she looked up, confused.
Rocky's body shot forward like an arrow. In that critical moment, he grabbed Sophia, and they rolled out of the way just in time.
Seeing that the attempt had failed, the driver sped off and disappeared.
"Who drives like that? That was really dangerous!" Sophia said indignantly.
She was thinking too simplistically.
"Do you really think that was an accident?" Rocky brushed the dust off his clothes.
She froze. "Wasn't it?"
He gave her a faint, almost teasing look. "That car was trying to kill you." His green eyes suddenly gleamed with a deep, unfathomable sharpness.
He had wondered how patient they would be—turns out, not very.
Good. They were finally making a move.
"You mean that driver was trying to kill me?" She only now felt a chill—was she a bit slow on the uptake?
So, he had saved her again! He really was her guardian angel. Meeting him was the luckiest thing that had ever happened to her. But what about for him?
Meeting her was surely the beginning of his misfortune.
"Mhm." A faint, intrigued smile slowly appeared on Rocky's lips. "The other side is making their move."
"What should I do?" She ought to do something too, right?
She couldn't just wait for others to protect her.
He looked at her. "Just trust me."
"I do," Sophia replied without hesitation.
"Good." Her immediate answer stirred something in him—a fleeting sensation that brushed past his heart, too quick to grasp.
A fair, refined-looking man stood outside the iron gate.
A servant approached and asked, "Can I help you?"
"Sophia is staying here temporarily, isn't she?" the man inquired.
The servant paused, eyeing the man outside with suspicion. "What business do you have with Miss Sophia?"
"I'm her cousin, Henry," the man introduced himself. "May I see her?"
"Please wait a moment. I'll go inside and check." The servant turned and went back into the house to verify.
After what felt like a long wait, Henry finally saw a familiar figure hurrying out.
He called out, "Sophia."
"Cousin, how did you know I was staying here?" Sophia was utterly surprised. "Where's Mary?"
"She didn't come." Henry scrutinized her carefully, relieved to see she was safe and sound. "You disappeared so suddenly—I was worried sick. If I hadn't asked Zoey, would you have kept it from me forever? Why didn't you tell me something this serious happened? Do you not trust me that much?" His tone carried a hint of pain.
"It's not like that. You already have enough on your plate—I didn't want to add to your worries," Sophia explained calmly. "Besides, I'm fine now."
"This place…" It didn't seem like an ordinary household. They must be people of significant influence. How did Sophia get to know them?
Henry glanced around, lost in thought.
"It's the home of the person who saved my life," she replied.
"You shouldn't trouble others any longer. Come back with me." Henry reached out his hand.
Though he tried hard to suppress it, she could still see uncontrollable, intense emotion in his eyes—it made her uneasy.
She unconsciously took a step back. "I…"
Suddenly, a deep voice cut in. "Why not invite your guest inside?"
Hearing Rocky's voice, Sophia's tense nerves immediately relaxed. For some reason, she felt reassured.
Rocky strolled over leisurely. "And this is?"
Sophia quickly introduced them. "Rocky, this is my cousin Henry. Henry, this is Rocky—the one who saved my life."
He gave a slight nod. "Pleasure to meet you."
"Thank you for saving my cousin," Henry said gratefully.
"You're welcome." Rocky couldn't shake the feeling that the way Henry looked at her wasn't how a cousin should look at a cousin.
Was he being overly sensitive?
"I'm sorry to have disturbed you for so long. I came to take her back," Henry stated his purpose, then added, "Sophia, don't trouble these people any further."
"Um…" She didn't want to go back with her cousin, but she was also afraid Rocky would see her as a burden.
"It's no trouble at all," Rocky said, as if seeing right through her. "Until this matter is fully resolved, it's safer for her to stay here." That was an objective assessment.
"Thank you for your kindness, but I believe I can protect her."
Henry declined Rocky's offer, his gaze burning intently toward Sophia as he softened his tone. "Come back with me."
"No, I'm staying here," Sophia said, avoiding his eyes.
Henry's expression shifted unpredictably before he finally let out a heavy sigh and said bitterly, "Alright then. Stay here. I'll head back now and come see you another day."
"Mhm." She didn't look at him, her emotions in turmoil.
Henry nodded to Rocky, gave Sophia one last look, then drove away.
Rocky was certain—Henry felt something more than familial or friendly affection for Sophia. It was the kind of love between a man and a woman.
This discovery stirred a sense of displeasure in him, slowly spreading through his heart.
Henry was clearly deeply in love with her.
And what about her?
Rocky suddenly realized he cared a great deal about whether Sophia loved Henry back.
Ah! He was deeply shaken. Since when had he started caring about her feelings? Could it be…?
Why hadn't he noticed it himself until now?
"Aren't you going to ask?" She had regained her composure.
"If you don't want to answer, asking would be pointless." Rocky glanced at her subtly.