The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming

Zachary stepped forward and gently placed Sophia behind him, shielding her from Sky's gaze.

"I'm here," he said in a low, steady voice, the slight rasp from sleep still present but reassuring.

With Sky no longer in sight, Sophia remained quietly behind Zachary. She took a slow breath, trying to calm the discomfort rising in her chest.

After a brief pause, she said softly, though there was firmness in her voice. "Zachary, I'm alright. Trust me. I think I can handle this."

Zachary hesitated before turning his eyes away from Sky and back to her. His gaze was steady, filled with warmth and concern.

"Don't push yourself. If anything doesn't feel right, tell me immediately."

She nodded. Though her expression was calm, her heart had raced the moment she saw Sky. That old wave of fear returned, sudden and sharp.

But Zachary had stepped in. His presence, his scent and the warmth of his body gave her something to hold onto. Slowly, the panic subsided.

She was no longer alone.

Sky might be out of prison, but he was still under supervision. If he made another mistake, he would be taken back without hesitation.

"I'm not afraid. Let's see him together. You don't need to go in ahead of me. We're already here. If I hide now, it feels like I'm running from him," she said with a small smile.

Zachary's concern didn't fade. He reached up to gently ruffle her hair, his voice even softer than before "Just promise me you won't force yourself. I'm right here. Nothing will happen to you."

"I'm not forcing anything. I've told myself I need to face him. Only when I can look at Sky without fear will I know I've really moved forward," she replied.

Her

reddened slightly. "Zachary, I'm grateful. Truly. Without you, I don't think I would have made it this far. Sometimes, I still

Zachary stated. "What happened wasn't your fault, and you

the road wasn't easy. I know what it cost you. But you made it through it. You're here, Sophia. You're one of the strongest people I've ever known. With the people who

before she could stop them. She opened her mouth to speak, but the

with you. If this is how you want to meet him,

"I'm not afraid of him anymore. Not even a little bit. If anyone should be nervous right now, it's Sky. He's the one

for a moment, then asked,

go,"

looked up at Zachary with a soft smile. "Let's

with confidence, and

"Alright."

side by side toward Sky. He hadn't moved since spotting them. He stood next to his car, watching silently as

were close enough, all three came

Good afternoon." Sky spoke first, his voice composed and polite. He reached out

once been engaged, almost on the path to

could have predicted that things would end up like

Sophia replied in the

his hand

"Alright."

just a step behind. As he walked, he noticed the way Zachary held Sophia's hand. There was no hesitation in it. Only quiet protection and

engagement had been arranged.

had learned fragments of what she endured, he had looked away, and

appeared calm and composed, Sky could tell that Zachary treated her very well. The

silently behind the two of them. Once they entered the Harborview Restaurant, Zachary requested a

Zachary handed it

passed it to Sophia. "Ladies first, Ms.