Chapter 2411

In the cozy gazebo in the backyard, with a crackling firepit in the center, Sophia and Estelle settled down, warming themselves by the flames as they slipped into conversation.

Sophia hesitated, the words catching in her throat before she finally let them out, "Mr. Gilder, well, he told me he likes me."

Estelle paused, a surprised smile spreading across her face. "He finally

confessed!"

Sophia looked at her, astounded. "You knew?"

Nodding, Estelle responded, "Yeah, when you had just come back, at one of our get-togethers, Jason told me himself."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Sophia's expression was one of utter disbelief.

Estelle explained, "Jason asked me not to say anything. Plus, back then, you

were still with Robin. He didn't want to add to your stress."

Sophia bit her lip, a mix of emotions swirling within. "And here I was, thinking he had eyes for you."

Raising an eyebrow, Estelle chuckled, "Now, that's a wild thought."

Letting out a sigh, Sophia confessed, "The thought of Mr. Gilder liking me seems just as wild."

"What's going through your mind?" Estelle probed gently.

Hugging her knees, Sophia shook her head. "I don't know. It's so unexpected. I never pictured a romantic angle to our relationship. I always thought what we had was purely platonic."

Estelle couldn't help but laugh at her friend's naivety, though her tone remained serious. "Jason is head over heels for you!"

Sophia's eyes softened as she met Estelle's gaze, then dropped them back to the dancing flames.

"Is that why you came back early?" Estelle asked quietly.

"Yeah," Sophia nodded.

"You shouldn't feel pressured, you know. If you still have feelings for Robin, it's okay to turn Jason down" Estelle's voice was calm. "Love isn't about obligation. And after all this time, Jason's prepared himself for any outcome."

Hearing Estelle mention 'all this time' tugged at Sophia's heart. She

opened up about discovering

Robin's betrayal on New Year's Eve, feeling disillusioned and

heartbroken.

Estelle understood then why Jason chose to confess.

"Let's not dwell on him. I just don't know how to face Mr. Gilder now," Sophia admitted, sounding defeated.

Estelle added another log to the fire,

her advice straightforward. "It's simple. If you like him, give it a shot. If not, be honest. Jason's not the type to linger on what can't be. But after revealing his feelings, things can't go back to how they were. You have to understand, he's been carrying this torch for a long time."

Sophia felt a pang of guilt, wondering aloud why Jason would choose such a one- sided affection.

"Because he loves you," Estelle stated plainly.

That hit Sophia hard, leaving her to wrestle with her feelings in silence.

After a moment, Sophia considered the possibility of leaving her job to avoid

causing Jason further pain if she couldn't return his feelings.

Estelle suggested giving it more thought, praising Jason's qualities and questioning Sophia's lack of interest.

Lost in thought, Sophia didn't respond.

Eventually, she expressed her confusion and hesitation to leap into a new relationship so soon after her breakup with Robin.

"Give yourself some time to think it over," Estelle advised.

Agreeing, Sophia changed the subject, asking about Estelle's wedding plans.

Estelle smiled, revealing the date, April 29th, chosen to coincide with Jonathan's birthday—a detail she'd thoughtfully considered.