Sophia Parker

"Tell me about this one." I rubbed the scar by the side of his knee.

"Fell off from a motorbike." He said casually from behind me. His breath tickling my ear.

"When? And how?"

"Its stupid. I was in college and we were racing. Sean was there too."

"Really?" I scooped some of the water into my hands and poured it on his knee.

Like that was supposed to make any difference to the scar!

"Yeah... he was." He threw his head back onto the edge of the bathtub and relaxed, his arms gripped both sides.

"Just our of curiosity, did Sean ever get interviewed for his position?" I asked.

While I was at Wilson & Co, I remembered reading his application for the role of Head of Accounting and Finance. When I recommended him, Adam merely laughed. Plus, I don't recall Sean ever getting interviewed. I could bet it had something to do with their friendship.

I could hear and feel Adam chuckle from behind me, causing my own body to move in sync with his.

"Yes, I did interview him." He said.

"When? I swear you didn't. I never setup an appointment for him." I said, reminiscing those days when I used to be his personal assistant.

"That's because I did it over the phone. Although it was more like an informal chat, than an interview."

"Aha! I knew it. That's nepotism!"

"Call it whatever you want Sophia." He ran his fingers through my wet hair, moving it all to one side before he gently rubbed the skin at my shoulder. "Sean has all the right skills and experience. Plus, he's doing me a huge favour by working under my company, because quite frankly, he doesn't need to."

"Is it because he comes from a very wealthy family?" I asked.

"How did you know that?" He asked with a hint of astonishment.

"Um, we dated... remember?"

I could literally feel his body become taut after what I said. Gladly, he couldn't see my face, which meant that I didn't have to withhold the huge smile that ventured across my lips. I don't think Adam will ever come to terms with the fact that Sean and I actually dated, which I will forever find amusing.

"I'd rather not." He said grimly before he dismissed that topic entirely. "I've always known Sean to be discreet about his family. Which is why I took surprise to your awareness."

Knowing that it might aggravate him, I decided to pick up topic of us dating again.

"Oh, but surely, as we were once together, it's reasonable to expect that I am VERY acquainted with Sean... in ways that are well above the average-"

I was cut off when Adam instantly sprout up, bringing his lips dangerously close to my ear.

"Mention his name one more time, and I swear-"

"Or what?" I challenged before he could finish his threat. The once still water around us was now splashing around due to his swift movement.

I didn't have to wait too long before I found out what he would do. He leaned over my shoulder and captured my lips in an instant.

"Mmm..." I responded swiftly.

I didn't mind this sort of punishment for talking about Sean... considering he was the one brought him up in the first place. I'd endeavor to talk more about him in future.

His fingers sneaked through my side and squeezed my left breast.

"Oh my god..." I moaned when he mercilessly began to tease my nipple.

It didn't help that I still had tender breasts. It only heightened and intensified the feeling.

When he did the same for the right, I completely lost my head. I leaned back against him and let him take total control of my body.

My head shot into the clouds as he simultaneously worked both my nipples. The incessant throbbing between my legs became unbearable. Thankfully, he used one of his hands to address this.

Oh stars, sweet sweet stars! ⭐️

I saw them right there, in the middle of his bathroom, on a Saturday morning... inside of his bath tub!

***

"Okay, the table's set, the food is ready, and everything else is in order." I breathed.

"Well done m'love." He said, walking into the kitchen. He held me and kissed my forehead.

I had spent the last few hours preparing for the arrival of my parents. Finally, I was going to get to see them again... since the incident.

I was scared as hell to meet them. Who knows how my dad will react to seeing us again. The last time, things didn't end well between us.

"Oh, Adam. I'm really nervous." I hugged him.

"Don't worry Sophia." He reassured. "I promise you, this time it'll be okay."

I hope so.

My parents had already arrived in New York a couple of hours ago. Adam arranged a hotel for them to get settled into first before coming over to visit. They should be here any minute now.

"Mmm... that smells really good." He said.

I'd spent the whole day making four maple-glazed sheet pan salmons with brussels sprouts and radicchio. I had to go for a healthy option because of my dad.

"Thanks." I grinned at him.

"I have a few calls to make in the meantime before your parents get here. Let me know when they do. I'll be in the study." He briefly kissed me on my cheek before he dashed off.

Things were still 'business as usual' for him. It sucked not being part of that aspect of his life anymore. But I couldn't complain, this new aspect was much better!

I looked around me at what was once a barely furnished apartment. I had slowly turned it into a more homely, friendly and welcoming space. Starting with flowers and decorations, to kitchen and bathroom ornaments, and just basic homeware that were missing. I was still in progress but the whole place was taking shape, there was a massive difference compared to the first time I was here.

The two extra rooms that were once completely empty were now being converted. One into a guest room and the other for the baby. It was difficult to do anything without knowing the gender of the baby so that has been put on hold for now.

Although this was his main residence, Adam had another smaller bachelor apartment somewhere in the city and a house in The Hamptons. I was yet to see the house but from what I knew, it was already fully furnished and massive.

As for me, I didn't need my apartment anymore. I intend to tell my parents today once they arrive that I was letting go of it...

...and they were here!

I went to the door intercom and spoke to the front desk assistant of the building. I told her to let my parents through.

Feeling nervous, I rushed to the study to get Adam. He ended his phone call and we both went to the living room to wait for them. I held onto him for emotional support because I felt like a wreck inside.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so scared."

"It's okay baby, everything will be just fine." He whispered in my ear from behind me.

I held his arms that were wrapped tightly around me and took a deep breath.

We waited in excruciating pain and finally just as the doorbell buzzed again, Adam moved to open the door.

Oh god please let this go well.

The door swung open and revealed my parents. Thankfully there was a huge smile on my mums face.

"Mum!" I gasped.

"Oh my baby!" She rushed into my arms. "I've missed you so much."

"I've missed you too, ma."

"Oh dear my baby is pregnant. How are you feeling, are you okay?" She put her fingers on my cheeks, trying to feel my temperature.

"Yes ma, I'm fine." I complained, slightly embarrassed at her.

While my mum was being overly affectionate and concerned about me, Adam spoke to my dad.

"Pleasure to see you again, Mr Parker. Welcome to our home."

As expected, he looked at him skeptically but surprisingly, he gave Adam a courteous nod before walking in.

Clearly he was still doubtful about us moving in together...

"My daughter." He said. He gave me a hug too once my mum finally let me go.

"I've missed you dad." I said honestly. We might have ups and downs but he is still my father and I am lucky to still have him in my life after everything that's happened with his health.

Once all the pleasantries were exchanged, I went over and stood beside Adam. I held his hand, indicating to my parents where my loyalties ultimately stood. This was my future now, with the father of my child... and I was going to do anything and everything to support our relationship.

Of course my dad took notice of it but he didn't react... not just yet.

"You've got a lovely place Adam." My mum looked around.

Thank god I had done it up a bit.

"Thank you Mrs Parker. But please, all credit belongs to Sophia. She helped turn this space into a proper home." He said, smiling at me. "Anyway, I'm sure you both had an exhausting flight and must be starving. Why don't you join us for dinner made by Sophia?"

"Oh we would love to!" My mum beamed excitedly. "I've really missed Sophia's cooking."

"Excellent. Shall we?" He gestured.

Adam led us all to the dinning table. I was really pleased with him, unlike me, he was handling the situation pretty well. But then again, he's always had a way with impressing my parents.

Instead of taking a seat at the head of the table, he actually sat next to me, and my parents sat directly opposite.

I revealed the salmon that was still piping hot thanks to these new set of serving dishes I had bought. My mum was very impressed.

"Of course, this is inclusive of everyone. I know there's certain things that you can't eat, dad. I've avoided all of them." I said.

"Very thoughtful. Thank you my dear." He replied.

As dinner progress, Adam tried to make light conversation with them but only my mum was responding. This was unusual because he'd previously always had something to talk about with my dad. Either my dad was deliberately being quiet or he was still mad at him. Maybe he was still mad at this whole arrangement.

"So, how's the prep for the baby going, have you run any checks or tests?" My mum asked me this time.

"Yeah, I've had one prenatal visit so far. It's still early days so I haven't really done much."

"I hope it's not taking a toll on you. When I was pregnant, it was a very stressful time. Hopefully you'll have it a lot more earlier than me." She smiled.

I don't think so.

I was not about to disclose the emotional and hormonal roller coaster that I have been through because of this pregnancy. But I'm pretty sure mine is worse, merely because of the fact that I did my prenatal much more earlier than usual.

"I've been okay Mum. So far there hasn't been any issues." I lied.

"Good. Because I can't wait to be a grandmother." She smiled.

Once dinner was finished, my mum helped me to clear the place. I noticed that my dad had pulled Adam for a chat. They both headed towards the balcony and closed the door behind them, so we couldn't hear their conversation.

My heart was beating so fast in my chest that I thought it might stop working.

I felt my mum put her arm around mine. She knew exactly what I was thinking.

"Is he still upset?" I asked her.

She nodded.

"Oh my god." I almost broke down.

"Shhh, it's okay Sophia. He knows you've made your decision and he has to respect it. He just wants to make sure of Adam's intention."

"Mum! He intention should be clear by now! We live together! How else can he prove himself?" I cried frustratedly.

My dad was being so unreasonable and annoying. All we wanted was to mend fences with him. But no! Firstly, dinner was awkward because of him and his stubborn attitude. Now he's about to have it out with Adam.

"It's because you aren't married yet. That's the reason he has a problem with this." My mum said.

"But he's going to marry me, ma."

"Are you sure? Has he asked you yet?" She looked at me intently. She was on my side. She wanted this to work just as much as I did.

"No, but he will. I can just tell." I said, wiping my tears.

She gave me a reassuring look and helped me wipe the tears off my face.

"Don't worry honey. I have faith in him too."

***************

Adam Wilson

As soon as I closed the balcony door, the interrogation started.

"What are your intentions with my daughter." He stated plainly. His face held a very serious look.

"Bruce." I started. "I believe I've answered that question before. I once told you about how much I love your daughter."

"Ah, yes you did. Right after you slept with her, under my roof. Without any sense of discretion."

Had to stop myself from rolling my eyes, out of respect.

"Come on, we've been over this alr-"

"No, we haven't. I threw you out before I could get a proper explanation from the both of you."

"Okay. Would you like a proper explanation now?" I asked.

"Yes. When did you realize that you love my daughter. Was it before or after you started sleeping together?" He quizzed.

"It was certainly before." I said confidently. "From the day I first set my eyes on her when she came into my office for a job interview, I felt something for her. I didn't know what it was at the time but I hired her on the spot. For about a year and a half, I managed to maintain a professional working nature with her. But I couldn't stop thinking about the feelings that I had. It got to a point where I decided to pursue things with her, but she refused. Yes, your daughter rejected me countlessly."

He seemed taken aback by the fact that Sophia had rejected me. He hadn't known the full story of our relationship before. Hopefully now he can understand us better. Anyone who knew about our history would be thankfully that we are together now.

"But I didn't stop pursuing her. Time after time, I let your daughter know that I wanted her. She quit because she felt harassed."

"But you did harass her." He accused.

"No I didn't, because we made love the same day she quit her job."

"What?"

"Right after she quit, Sophia and I had our first encounter and it was consensual."

"I don't understand." He shook his head in confusion.

"Bruce, your daughter confessed to me that she was also in love with me from the very beginning. She was in a state of constant denial. But it was only a matter of time before it happened. Our second time was in Virginia."

He turned away in disbelief.

"I know this is probably not what you had planned for your daughter but-"

"Probably?!" He said with anger before turning back to face me. "This is DEFINITELY NOT what I had planned for her. She made a mistake and she ran away from you. But you came after her and forced her to make the same mistake again under my roof. And this time, your actions had consequences."

"I didn't force her Bruce. Has it ever occurred to you that your daughter is an independent young woman who is free to make her own choices?" I defended.

"Not after she's been heavily influenced and seduced by you."

At this point, I laughed. There was nothing else I could do or say to him to convince him.

"So are you saying that you are not in support of what Sophia and I have?"

"What do you have? Apart from the child, you have nothing. What's stopping you from taking off with another woman tomorrow?" He said.

That's when I realized where his anger was channeling from.

"Ah, I see. This is about us not being married."

"Damn right it is!" He challenged, stepping closer to me. I had a slight height advantage over him but not significant enough.

If only he knew how bad I wanted to marry Sophia. I was only taking my shrimp's advice by laying off for a bit. In the study earlier, I had been talking to a few suppliers about engagement rings.

"I can't marry her without your blessing."

"Then you should have thought about that before you got her pregnant."

We were both glaring menacingly at each other. I refused to back down from the stare down and so did he. I also noticed his hands were now balled up into fists.

"Perhaps I could have handled the timeline of events much better, but I have absolutely no regrets with your daughter." I spoke to him in a careful tone. "I would say this ONE last time, I am in love with your daughter. In fact, I have already made plans to get married to her. If I cannot get your approval simply because she is pregnant out of wedlock then I will proceed without it."

Having said that, I walked away.

********