Sophia felt trapped in the bustling corridor, her heart racing as she yearned to retreat, yet her body refused to cooperate. She could only widen her eyes and shake her head in disbelief.

Jason's voice was cold and commanding, "This is to make sure you can't leave me. Forget about what happened with Robin. Try leaving me again, and see what happens!"

Sophia stared at him, shocked.

Jason's hand slid down to her chin, and he suddenly leaned in to press his lips against hers.

The cool, soft touch sent a shiver through Sophia's body.

It was brief, and the man quickly pulled away, striding into his office.

Sophia remained frozen, unable to move for a long time.

When she finally made it back to her office and sat down, she angrily threw the documents in her hand onto the desk.

She had been kissed forcefully, again!

Jason stayed in the studio all day, while Sophia holed up in her office, not wanting to leave. Even her lunch was brought back by her assistant.

After working late under the guise of overtime, she waited for Jason to leave first, claiming she had forgotten something.

As the studio quieted down, Sophia was working on some drafts when there was a knock on the door. Jason walked in, "Aren't you leaving yet?"

Sophia looked up, "I-I need to work late. You go ahead. I'll fetch it when I'm free!" Jason looked at her calmly, "Sophia, avoiding the issue won't solve it."

"Who's avoiding?" Sophia huffed, packing up her things and standing up, "Fine, let's go. I'm not afraid!"

Jason smiled slightly and led the way out.

They got into the car, with Jason, driving away from the office building. The weather was dreary, with heavy clouds making it dark although it was not yet six in the evening. swnovel

"Let's grab dinner. What do you feel like eating?" Jason asked while driving.

Sophia glanced around, "There's a nice diner up ahead on that street. Let's go there!"

They arrived and walked into the diner, which was bustling with people. They found a quiet spot and Jason picked up the menu to order.

Sophia watched the hurried passersby outside the window, feeling the warmth of the diner and the calming presence of the man opposite her, gradually relaxing. swnovel

After ordering, Jason poured her a glass of femonade, his voice gentle, "Back B City, Jewel was trying to help me win you over. Don't think too much about it." Swnovel

Sophia blushed slightly upon realizing what Jason meant, whispering, "Didn't Jewel like you?"

Jason replied, "She did, but once she knew you were the one in my heart, she stepped back."

Holding her glass, Sophia nodded lightly. Ever since they had cleared the air, Jason's straightforwardness left her defenseless.

The food arrived quickly, four dishes and a soup, all her favorites.

It used to be something she took for granted, but now, seeing Jason in a different

light, she could appreciate the difference between him and Robin.

With Robin, she always chose his favorites, pretending to enjoy them herself.

So, after a year together, Robin never truly knew her tastes.

Being the favored one often leads to taking the other for granted.

She looked up at Jason, "You don't always have to choose what I like. Pick what you enjoy."

Jason's expression remained unchanged, his tone steady, "What you like is what I enjoy."

Sophia felt a sudden pang of sweetness looking at him.