in contrast to the quiet hum of the late afternoon office. With a sigh,

as ever. "Before you leave today, be sure to

eren't exactly on her daily routine. In fact she had neither st

before leaving," she replied, professi

l an eternity to compose. Finally, the clock struck five, and Sophia pract

stood Hayes, a sheepish grin on his face. "Sophia

o her own tiny apartment. An awkward silence settled as Sophia

riend's birthday is coming up tomorrow, and I want it to b

he stammered, a flicker of disappointment crossing her features, quickly mas

many," he replied, winking. "So, a

personal. You need to consider her tastes, her hobbies... wh

said, holding up a hand. "This is getting a little

emotions. "Perhaps something she's been hi

claimed. "But that's the problem! She keeps drop

to the initial surprise. This charming, successful Mr. Hayes she'

oed, her voice bare

features. "Yeah, and let's just say... that'

just want to have some fun, you know? Keep things l

r eyes. The charming facade had chipped away, rev

her voice devoid of its usual warmth. "Something imp

uttered, avoiding her gaze. "Well, thank

ising to her feet. "Actually, I should

ry about it," she said, her voice firm. "I'll call a cab." she gave a curt nod and headed for

he bustling city night, a

tared out, the rhythmic drumming of the rain mirroring the frantic beat of her heart. Hayes's w

intelligent Mr. Hayes the man she'd dreamt of impressing was revealed to be a commitment-phobic playboy, treatin

to the cushions, burying her face in her hands. Tears welled up, blurring her vision. It wasn't just the disappointment; it was the realization

lancing at the screen, she saw Nancy's name

ame through, laced with concer

hout sounding pathetic? "Yeah," she started, her

h from Nancy. "Sounds like more than

counter with Hayes, the request for a gift, and the startling revelation about his girlfrien

anding. When Sophia finished, a heavy silence settled between

women like some kind of disposable accessory? You deserve so much

rmth battling the chill of disappointmen

never interested in that kind of life anyway? You want a real partnership, someon

ne to see through her starry-eyed naivety. "You're right," she admitted.

ophia. You have the power of your mind, your skills, and your unwavering deter

dreams, the late nights spent pouring over college textbooks, scribbling ambitious goals on sticky n

Nancy suggested playfully. "See how far we've come

ing in her eyes. "We could do a whole 'adulting goals' night. Piz

of disappointment. After a brief catching up, they hung up. She let out an exhauste