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🌙 Chapter 6 – Sofia Notices Everything
Sofia Watson had always noticed things before they broke.
The way her mother paused mid-sentence.
The way Liam Watson went quiet instead of angry.
And now—the way Noah Watson smiled a little less freely.
She leaned against the kitchen counter, watching her sister stir coffee she wasn't drinking.
"You're distracted," Sofia said casually.
Noah didn't look up. "You've said that three times already."
"Because it's still true."
Noah sighed and finally met her eyes. "It's nothing, Sof."
Sofia raised an eyebrow. "You only call me Sof when you're lying."
That earned a small smile—but it faded quickly.
From the living room, laughter echoed. Eva, Emily, Mike, and Alic were arguing over a movie choice. Luca Fernandes' voice cut through occasionally—calm, grounding. Adrien Fernandes laughed too, but Sofia noticed how it sounded… forced.
"You're standing in the middle of something," Sofia said quietly.
Noah stiffened. "Middle of what?"
"Luca Fernandes looks at you like you're gravity," Sofia continued. "Adrien Fernandes looks at you like you're hope. And you—"
She paused.
"You look like you're scared to choose either."
Noah's grip tightened on the mug. "I didn't ask for this."
"I know," Sofia softened. "But it found you anyway."
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That afternoon, Sofia found Luca alone on the back porch, staring at his phone without actually using it.
"You're quiet," she said, sitting across from him.
"So are you," Luca replied calmly.
She smirked. "I'm quiet when I'm observing."
Luca met her gaze. "Then what have you observed?"
Sofia didn't hesitate. "You care about my sister."
He exhaled slowly. "That obvious?"
"To me? Yeah." She leaned forward. "But here's the thing—Noah doesn't fall easily. And when she does, it terrifies her."
"I wouldn't hurt her," Luca said instantly.
Sofia studied him. "I believe you. But intentions don't always stop damage."
Inside the house, Adrien passed by the window and saw them talking. His chest tightened—not with anger, but with understanding.
Everyone was choosing positions.
And he was running out of places to stand.
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That evening, Noah found Sofia sitting on her bed, scrolling mindlessly.
"You talked to Luca," Noah said.
Sofia looked up. "You noticed."
"Always," Noah replied softly.
Sofia patted the bed beside her. "Sit."
Noah sat.
"I just want you safe," Sofia said. "From people. From history. From yourself."
Noah swallowed. "What if I don't know what safe feels like anymore?"
Sofia wrapped an arm around her. "Then we figure it out together."
From the hallway, Alina's name echoed faintly from someone's phone—an incoming message notification.
Noah didn't know it yet.
But the moment Sofia Watson started paying attention—
the story stopped being quiet.
And somewhere very close, someone was preparing to tear that fragile balance apart.
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