In the heart of London, Edward Harrison was a man known to manya successful restaurateur with a chain of upscale eateries, even branching into neighbouring cities. Those who knew him understood he was a stern man, one who never forgave a slight. Everything in his world was tightly controlled, every favour repaid.
He lived with his family in a grand country house, though he kept a flat in the city for convenience. The countryside was preferablepeaceful, with crisp air, nestled by a serene lake and bordered by ancient woodland.
His only daughter, Sophie, had just finished school and passed her final exams for university.
“Daddy,” she called him excitedly over the phone, “I got in! And I did it all on my ownno strings pulled. My names on the list. Im officially a student now.”
“Congratulations, love. I always knew you were clever. A reward is in order.”
“Oh, Daddy, you promised me the newest iPhone!”
“Consider it already in your pocket,” he chuckled.
Had Sophie not passed on her own, Edward would have ensured she was admitted regardless. That she had succeeded without his interference made him prouder still.
Margaret, her mother, had set the table for a celebratory dinner. When Edward arrived home, the two were already waiting.
“Hello, my darling girls,” he said, twirling a sleek iPhone box in his hand. “Here you are, Sophiewell-earned.”
“Oh, Daddy, youre simply the best! You always keep your promises.”
Edward, though usually buried in work, had made time for his beloved daughter today. Normally, he returned lateMargaret was long accustomed to it. Between business meetings, evenings at his own restaurants, or the occasional indiscretion with younger women, his life was full.
Sophie had never known want. Designer clothes, gourmet meals, a circle of wealthy friendsshe had it all. Those outside her world assumed her proud, even arrogant, but they didnt know her. Beneath the privilege, she had a kind heart and valued sincerity above all.
By her third year at university, Sophie spent most evenings with friendsusually at one of her fathers restaurants. For the past six months, shed been seeing Oliver, a fellow student from an equally affluent family. But where Sophie earned her grades, Olivers were bought. He was cruel to those beneath him, mocking those who couldnt afford his lifestyle.
Sophie often felt ashamed of him.
“Oliver, have some decency. Not everyone has money. You cant belittle people for what they wear.”
But he was too arrogant to listen. Eventually, shed had enough.
“Im ending things with Oliver,” she told her friend Emily. “I cant stand how he acts.”
“Oh, Sophie, I can imagine the vile things hell say. But I support youhes unbearable, acting like he owns the world.”
The breakup was heated.
“Oliver, I dont want to see you anymore. And you should really reconsider how you treat people.”
“What people?” he scoffed. “Most are just sheep.”
“You think Im one of them?”
“If youre throwing me away, then yes. Youll regret this.”
“I doubt it. Goodbye.”
For months, Sophie stayed single, though suitors were plentifuleven Olivers friends, relieved shed left him, vied for her attention.
One evening, she and Emily stopped at one of her fathers cafés. A handsome waiter approached.
“Good afternoon, what can I get you?” he asked, his gaze locking with Sophies. His eyesdeep and warmleft her breathless.
Emily smirked. “Blimey, youve gone all doe-eyed!”
“Emily, his eyeslike pools. Ive never felt this before.”
“Oh, come off it. Hes not your type.”
But Sophie couldnt shake the feeling.
His name was Jacob, a final-year engineering student working part-time. Raised by a single mother in a small village, he paid his own way.
That night, Sophie couldnt sleepJacobs face filled her thoughts. The next day, she returned to the café. When he saw her, his cheeks flushed.
“How long have you worked here?” she asked.
“About four months. Just saving up. Technically, I shouldnt chat with customers, but Id like to.”
“So would I. When do you finish?”
“Forty minutes.”
“Ill wait.”
That evening, they walked for hours. Jacob was uneasySophie drove a luxury car; he took the tube. But his sincerity and quiet confidence won her over.
Their secret romance bloomed, full of stolen moments.
But happiness was fleeting. Oliver, furious at being replaced, made sure Edward found out.
“Sophie, youre dating a waiter from my café? Have you lost your mind?”
“Father, hes graduating soon! Hes just working there to save money.”
“Dont take that tone with me. I expected you to marry someone of standingOliver was perfect. If you dont end this, Ill make life very difficult for him.”
Heartbroken, Sophie clung to Jacob. Theyd dreamed of marriage, a future together.
But Edward was ruthless. Using his connections, he had Jacob fired from his new job.
“You understand nowI can ruin you. Leave this city. Stay away from my daughter.”
Jacob had no choice. He tried calling Sophie, but her number was disconnected. With no way to reach her, he left, carrying her memory forever.
Sophie was devastated. Her father had deleted Jacobs number, warning her never to seek him out. She married latera match arranged by her parentsbut it lasted only a year.
Then tragedy struck. Edward died in a car crash.
“Sophie, you must take over the business,” Margaret urged. “Youve an economics degree. And Graham, your fathers right-hand man, will guide you.”
Graham was honourable, teaching her the ropes. Within a year, she was thriving.
But her heart remained empty.
Years later, Emily invited her to Edinburgh for New Years.
“Come with us! My husbands family has room.”
Something drew Sophie therethe citys charm, its quiet grandeur.
Walking down Princes Street, she collided with a man. Looking up, her breath caught.
Jacob stood before her, older but unchanged in spirit.
“Sophie”
“Jacob!” She clung to him, afraid hed vanish.
They stood embraced, oblivious to the world.
“I always knew wed meet again,” he murmured. “You cant replace someone you love.”
“Nor can I,” she laughed through tears.
The days that followed were a blur of joy. They wandered the city, silent in each others company, needing no words.
Sophie knew fate had reunited them. At thirty, she chose her own path. Jacob left his prestigious job to join herlove outweighed ambition.
They married in a quiet ceremony. Soon, a son arrived, then a daughter. Happiness, at last, was theirs.
