Page 46 of Designing Love
“It’s enough dealing with his sabotage of the Miller House. For what? Having me under his thumb in Vancouver?”
A brief pause, then cautiously, Sam asks, “So this Vancouver trip — it’s just to wrestle Daniel into signing, right? Then straight back to Bluewater Cove, to Ethan?”
My heart skips at the mention of Ethan’s name, my cheeks blushing instantly. “Yeah, back home…” I admit softly. “That’s the plan.”
“That Ethan guy is something special! I knew it!” Sam’s voice brightens with satisfaction. “Your voice never sounded this dreamy when Daniel’s name came up.”
“Daniel and I were always more… practical,” I say, smiling despite myself. “This feels different. Ethan is different.”
“Different is good. You deserve someone who sees your worth. Once you’re free from this legal nightmare, what happens next?”
Before I can respond, the phone interrupts again, Ethan’s name flashing insistently. My pulse quickens, hand hovering uncertainly over the call. Traffic suddenly thickens around me, brake lights flashing ahead.
“Sophia? Still there?” Sam asks.
“Yeah. Sorry, another call just came in.”
He waits for a beat. “Ethan?”
“Yes,” I say, voice tight with anxiety. “But I can’t talk now. Traffic’s a mess. My head’s spinning.”
“I understand. Just one last thing — are you absolutely sure about all this?”
I exhale shakily, eyes fixed forward. “Yes. I need this settled — I need to be free.”
“OK. Call me when you land. Safe travels.”
“Thanks, Sam.” I disconnect and glance at Ethan’s missed call, guilt squeezing my chest.
I debate whether to call Ethan or send him a text.
But another horn blares sharply as a truck crowds my lane, forcing my attention back to the road.
Sunlight streams through the windshield, forcing me to squint. Just a few days. Handle Daniel and return home free.Home.Bluewater Cove is now my home.
I want to give Ethan the strongest version of myself — someone ready for a new beginning, not someone dragging a trail of unfinished mess behind her.
As Toronto Pearson finally comes into view, traffic thickens to an excruciating crawl. Memories of Bluewater Cove flood my thoughts — the Miller house, quirky raccoon antics, Ethan’s soft laughter. The longing strikes painfully, threatening tears.
“Pull yourself together, Sophia,” I whisper sharply. “Almost there.”
Navigating airport roads, I return the rental, grabbing my suitcase hastily. Inside, the bustling terminal envelops me with noise and movement. My phone vibrates again.
Sam: Draft ready — brace yourself.
Another from the airline.
I click on Ethan’s name.
Me:Sorry I missed your call, was on with my attorney. At security. Will text when I land.
Security crawls forward slowly, each step echoing memories: arriving uncertainly in Bluewater Cove, discovering Ethan, and finding unexpected happiness.
Finally, the agent waves me through. Another step closer to severing ties with Daniel. I move toward the gate, blending into the crowded walkway.
“Flight to Vancouver now boarding,” a voice announces overhead. Pulse quickening, I join the line, clutching my carry-on tightly.
Settling into my seat, engine noise building, my thoughts blur. Just a flight, a final confrontation, and a chance to reclaim the future I’ve chosen.
