“Sophia, you’re really wronging me here.
I just wanted to stay close to you—not to scare you at night, but to keep you company.”
“Well, now I don’t need you around.
Out.”
“And what if your little guy here just stands right here and watches while you change?” I grinned cheekily.
“No way.
I’d be too embarrassed.” In the morning light, Sophia looked a bit shy.
She couldn’t keep up that relaxed vibe she had at night.
She clutched the blanket tightly like I might yank it off her at any second.
“I’ve already seen it all, haven’t I?”
“Still no.
I’m not getting out of bed until you leave.
If you don’t, I’ll start calling you a creep.”
“Alright, alright, I’m going.
But I’m not a creep—I’m your sweet little guy, right?”
“That’s more like it.
Good boy.”
Just as I was about to turn and leave, she grabbed my wrist, looking at me with this kind of expectant glance.
“What?
Can’t bear to see me go?
Knew it—you like having me around, don’t you.
I’m yours now, so what’s there to be shy about?”
“You’re getting full of yourself,” she laughed, poking her cheek.
“Right here.”
“Yes, ma’am.
Guess I’ve been slacking on spoiling you.” I leaned in and gave her a loud peck on the cheek.
“I’ll go whip up some breakfast.
By the time you’re dressed, it’ll be ready—the little guy’s treat for you.”
“My little guy is the best.
Go on, everything you need’s in the fridge.”
Her praise made my chest puff up a bit as I finally stepped out of the bedroom and headed to the kitchen.
This morning felt kinda magical.
Usually I just grab something quick from the store downstairs, never bother cooking.
But today was special—I wanted to do something, even something small, for Sophia.
That warm fuzzy sort of feeling you get from sharing a space with someone you care about…
I was soaking in it.
I didn’t even notice Sophia sneaking in until I felt her arms wrap around my waist from behind.
She looked so damn happy, eyes glowing with contentment.
“You okay in here?” she murmured.
Turning around, I was met with a soft kiss that made my heart flutter.
“Everything’s going great.
Trust your little guy—nothing’s too tough for me.”
“Alright, I’m off to wash up.
We’re gonna enjoy this awesome morning, yeah?”
“Go on, I’ve got it covered.
Breakfast will be ready soon.”
She gave me a playful smack on the butt and laughed as she left the kitchen.
After finishing up the dishes and setting breakfast on the table, I noticed she wasn’t back yet.
I wandered into the bedroom—and that’s when I saw it.
I pulled open her closet and froze.
Several pieces of men’s clothing hung there, even pajamas.
Pain twisted in my chest like someone had stabbed me with an icepick.
Didn’t think she had someone else…
But if these clothes weren’t mine, then whose were they?
Just picturing another guy’s stuff in here, in this space I was starting to think of as ours—it made my stomach turn.
Sophia, are you really that casual with things?
I couldn’t help wondering.
In a flash of irrational jealousy, I wanted to rip those shirts down and chuck them straight out the window.
My hand clinched a shirt, ready to tear, but my head cooled down just enough to stop me.
I couldn’t do that.
Even if this stuff meant there was another man—and I really hated the idea—I couldn’t let Sophia see that her “little guy” was that petty, that insecure.
“Andrew?
Where’d you go?” Her voice echoed from the living room.
She must’ve just finished washing up and noticed I wasn’t there.I quickly folded the shirt and put it back in the closet, just about to close the door when Sophia walked in.
“What are you doing?”
I forced a smile.
“Just curious what colors you usually like to wear.”
She shot me a glance, sharp and knowing, like she could read my mind.
“You’re holding something in, aren’t you?”
“Nothing,” I said casually, avoiding the real reason — I’d seen men’s clothes in her closet, and they looked pretty new.
That scene messed with my head.
I really wish I hadn’t seen any of it.
“You can’t fool me,” Sophia said, crossing her arms.
“Your eyes totally gave it away.
You’re nervous, like you want to say something but don’t want to let it slip.”
“Sophia, I…”
“You’re probably wondering why there are men’s clothes in my closet, huh?
Thinking maybe there’s another guy staying here or something?”
“I know it sounds dumb, but…
I just don’t like the idea of someone else being close to you.”
“I get where you’re coming from, Andrew.
Honestly, I’m kind of glad you care that much.
It means I matter to you.”
“So, will you tell me the truth?”
“Of course.
Those clothes belonged to my ex-husband.
He only just moved out not long ago, and I haven’t had the chance to clear everything out yet.”
“I thought…”
“You thought what?” she asked, a teasing smile playing on her lips.
The knot in my chest loosened.
I laughed a little and looked at her, trying to joke it off.
“I thought maybe someone new was living here.
Seeing those clothes really messed with me.”
“You little jealous guy,” she teased.
“Didn’t know you could get jealous like that.”
“Why not?
Guys get jealous too, especially when it comes to someone they really care about.”
She looked genuinely happy hearing that.
“Knowing my little man gets jealous for my sake…
that makes me feel kind of special.”
“I’m not even joking.
I was seriously jealous just now.
I even thought about tossing those shirts out the window, let the ladies downstairs take them for recycling or something.”
“If you did that, they sure would be thrilled.”
“And I’d feel a lot better not having to look at them.”
“Then toss ’em.
They’re no use to me anymore anyway.”
“Alright, out they go.”
Sophia chuckled and gently pulled me out of the bedroom.
Watching her digging into breakfast with that satisfied look on her face filled me with this quiet, warm feeling inside.
“How’s my cooking?” I asked.
“Not bad.
Didn’t know you could even handle a kitchen.”
“Of course I can.
If there’s anything you feel like eating, just say the word and I’ll make it for you.”
“You’re too sweet, Andrew.”
I grinned, feeling lighter all of a sudden.
Sophia suddenly giggled like a high school girl, and for a second, I couldn’t believe this was the same woman known for being so serious at work.
Here, she was carefree and glowing.
Just seeing her like that made me genuinely happy.
Sophia was my little dose of sunshine, the dream I kept hidden deep inside.
As long as she was smiling, I’d be at peace.
And she had no idea — the guy sitting in front of her had already handed over every piece of his heart.
“All done?” she asked.”Alright, Andrew, your cooking’s pretty impressive.”
“I don’t know, I just kind of went with the flow.
I kept thinking, ‘I want to make the tastiest breakfast for Sophia,’ and somehow it just came together while I was focusing on that.”
Sophia chuckled at that, eyes crinkling with amusement. Enjoying the story? Read on at g.com.
She looked skeptical, though.
“Seriously?
Just thinking about me while cooking makes the food taste better?
I don’t buy it.”
I shrugged, grinning.
“When you put your heart into something and really go all in, the results just come out better.
I was completely focused on whipping up something delicious—for you, my Sophia—so of course it turned out good.”
“Andrew, you’re really sweet, you know that?
I’m touched.”
“Feeling a little emotional, huh?”
“Yeah, I am.
What you said makes sense…
If you care enough, you’ll do it right.”
“Exactly.
Passion makes a difference.
If you’re in a bad mood or distracted, the food just won’t taste the same.”
“I’m done eating.
Definitely better than anything I’ve had outside, super tasty.”
“Then let’s get going or we’re gonna be late for work.”
Sophia grabbed her handbag from the bedroom.
I handed her a piece of fruit after washing it.
As we stepped outside, we ran into a woman around her forties—obviously someone Sophia knew.
She paused when she saw me trailing behind Sophia.
“Sophia, do you have family visiting?”
Sophia blinked, glanced at me, and then smiled at the woman.
“Yeah, this is my cousin from my hometown.
He’s just moved to Bayshore recently.
Early grocery run, Natalie?”
“Yeah, I like to get the fresh stuff and a little morning walk doesn’t hurt either.
Also, wow, your cousin’s really good-looking—just like you.”
Sophia grinned playfully.
“Guess good looks run in the family.”
“And he’s not married yet, right?”
I had no idea why she came out with that right away—it was literally our first time meeting.
What was she even planning?
Still smiling, Sophia played along.
“No, not yet.
Just graduated a few years ago and is really focused on his work.”
“Well, my husband’s niece is lovely—she might be a great match for your cousin.
They’d look good together,” Natalie chimed in with a laugh.
Oh boy.
So that’s what this was about.
Matchmaking?
Come on, lady, you don’t even know me.
What if your niece turns out to be a total nightmare?
Like I’d just marry some random girl?
I gave Sophia a little tug, hoping she’d take the hint and we could peace out.
Honestly, the only person I cared about was my gorgeous boss Sophia.
Natalie, you can set up your niece with someone else.
Seriously, I’m not your guy.
Sophia shot me a quick glance with a knowing look.
Natalie seemed to pick up on something between us.
Her smile turned half-teasing.
“Alright now, I won’t keep you.
Go on to work.
But if you have time, bring your cousin to my place for dinner sometime.”
“Sure thing, Natalie.
We’ll catch you later.”
We got into Sophia’s BMW, and both burst out laughing the moment the doors shut.
“Andrew, should I actually set you two up for a coffee date?”