Is this destiny?

It was late afternoon of the party at Hill family villa. Some people started coming, and Stella was welcoming them in.

Sarah looked at the people coming in the house, from the second-floor staircase landing, and frowned. She went to her room and closed the door.

"You are not in a good mood." Aiden observed and pulled her in his embrace.

"Yeah... what is there good about this?" Sarah complained. "Stella loves these gatherings. Me... not so much. Remember Andrea and Clara from Christmas? They will be here. Just when I think how they were shamelessly drooling over you, makes me want to smack them around. Oh, and let's not forget Ed."

They sat on the edge of the bed, and Aiden frowned. "The one with a crush on you?" Aiden's face darkened at the thought that Ed has some thoughts about Sarah.

"That's the one." Sarah confirmed.

Aiden gave his best to improve his mood, at least on the outside. And he decided to joke about it. "You smack Andrea and Clara, I will take care of Ed. How does that sound?"

"Now that sounds like a fun night!", Sarah laughed.

Sarah thought of something, pushed Aiden down on the bed and swiftly straddled him.

"Don't make sudden movements", Aiden warned her. "You still didn't recuperate completely."

Sarah ignored his warning tone and bent slightly. Her hands went under his top. She closed her eyes while her palms slowly moved over his abdomen. She exhaled, "Mmm... I miss you."

Aiden grabbed her hands while fighting his urges and hers. "You are still not well enough."

"I am well... look!" She wiggled her arms out of his grasp and lifted them above her head.

"You still wince when you make sudden movements, don't think I didn't notice."

"True... but we don't need to make sudden movements." Her hands went back under his top. "We can take it nice and slow..."

"Sarah, baby... let's not rush." He held her hands again. "I don't want you to get worse. You have no idea how bad I felt seeing you on the hospital bed, unconscious. I don't want to go through that again."

Sarah was irritated. "How long are you going to use that line? I'm telling you that I feel fine. Why don't you believe me?"

"I believe you, but what is few more days? Just to make sure?" He coaxed her.

"You said few more days few days ago!" Sarah sharply exhaled. "Fine. You leave me no other choice... I will just get you drunk tonight and have my way with you." She smiled at him and bit her lower lip playfully.

"We will see about that. Go get ready." It's not that he does not want her, but ever since she was in the hospital second time, he saw her as a delicate being who might disappear at any moment. He wants her to get better, and to not get hurt ever again.

Sarah pouted and went to the closet do get dressed for the party.

…

In Edward's study room, Edward and Sophia are sitting on the sofa.

"Dad... I wanted to talk to you in private." Sophia hesitated before continuing. "I'm sure you have a good guess by now, but I want to make it clear. Felix and I are dating."

Edward was looking at Sophia without moving. Only his pupils contracted, showing his anxiety.

"Well, do you have anything to say?" Sophia looked at Edward apprehensively.

Edward was quiet for some time before finding strength to speak. He did his best to sound natural. "What do you expect me to say? Should I congratulate you?"

Sophia exhaled in relief. "True. I don't know what was I expecting... Honestly, I'm glad you are taking this calmly."

Edward was serious. He put his outmost effort to stay calm and not to blow up. He does not want to repeat what happened with Sarah. He repeated to himself that Felix is not from White family. Felix does not have such a complicated background… if he makes Sophia happy and is true to her, there should be no problems. "Is he taking good care of you?"

Sophia was happy to hear that Edward is interested in that. "Yes, he is. I hope you find some time to talk to him and see for yourself that he is a good person."

"I will try."

"Thank you." Sophia thought that it might end up badly. Seeing how Edward took it, it made her feel a huge relief.

Edward was still serious. "I would like to talk to him. Can you tell him to come here?"

Sophia was surprised. "Sure. He should be outside waiting."

Sophia walked out and found Felix further down the hallway. "My dad wants to talk to you. He seems OK." Sophia noticed that Felix stiffened up. "Just be yourself and it will be fine." She reassured him and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.

Felix walked into the study and closed the door behind him. He walked toward Edward and stopped few steps away from him. "Mr. Hill..." He slightly nodded.

Edward looked at him with an unreadable expression. "So, you are dating my Sophia?"

"Yes, sir." Felix politely responded.

"Do you love her?" Edward observed Felix who was standing with his back straight and arms behind his back.

"Very much."

Edward nodded repeatedly while lost in thoughts. "Good, good. I hope you do your best to protect her. She looks strong, but that is just a front. Inside she is a fragile and kind person who needs to be cherished. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir. I will not betray her." Felix was confident.

Edward nodded and smiled faintly. "Later I will introduce you to some people. Since you just moved to the area, it will be good to expand your network."

"Thank you, sir."

"Go and give Sophia company. I will join you shortly." Edward stood up and walked to his desk while Felix exited the study.

Sophia was outside waiting. She was looking at Felix with her eyes wide open.

When Felix saw her expression, he could not help but chuckle. He showed her a thumbs up.

Sophia was very happy. She excitedly hopped to him and held his hand. "Come, let me show you my room.... and you can tell me how it went."