37:A Friend's Concern
Chapter 37: A Friend's Concern
The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the cozy café.
Ophelia glanced at her wristwatch as she waited by the window. It had been weeks since she'd agreed to meet her closest friend, and judging by the messages she'd been receiving, she knew she was in for a lecture.
Right on cue, a familiar voice rang out.
"So, you finally remembered you have a best friend?"
Ophelia looked up and smiled.
"Vivian."
Vivian Sterling walked over with a bright smile and wrapped her in a warm hug before taking the seat across from her. She looked effortlessly elegant in a fitted emerald-green dress, her tablet tucked beneath one arm while her phone buzzed nonstop with work notifications.
"I'm officially offended," Vivian declared.
Ophelia laughed.
"Why?"
"Because you've practically disappeared."
"I've just been busy."
Vivian narrowed her eyes.
"Busy? You ignored my messages."
"I replied."
"After four days!"
Ophelia raised both hands in surrender.
"Okay... I'm guilty."
Vivian shook her head dramatically before laughing.
"I've missed you."
There was something comforting about hearing those words.
For the first time in days, Ophelia allowed herself to relax.
"I've missed you too."
The waiter arrived with their drinks.
Vivian sighed as she silenced yet another incoming call.
"I swear, event planning is going to be the end of me."
"That busy?"
"You have no idea."
Vivian leaned back in her chair.
"I've been planning corporate galas, birthday celebrations, charity dinners, engagement parties... and now two luxury weddings."
Ophelia smiled.
"You've always loved your work."
"I do."
Vivian grinned.
"But sometimes I wish clients understood that I can't clone myself."
The two women laughed together.
After a few moments, Vivian rested her chin on her hand.
"Enough about me."
Her smile became teasing.
"Tell me about Ethan."
Ophelia nearly dropped her coffee cup.
"What about him?"
"Oh, please."
Vivian chuckled.
"You've had dinner with his family."
"You've gone out together more than once."
"And don't think I haven't noticed the way you smile whenever his name comes up."
"I do not."
"You just did."
Ophelia looked away, trying not to laugh.
Vivian pointed at her triumphantly.
"See? That's exactly what I'm talking about."
"It's nothing."
"Mmm-hmm."
Vivian clearly didn't believe her.
"I'll let you keep denying it... for now."
The afternoon slipped by as they talked about work, old memories, and life.
For a little while, Ophelia forgot about hidden identities, investigations, and unanswered questions.
She simply enjoyed being with her best friend.
As they stepped outside the café, Vivian's phone rang again.
She glanced at the screen and sighed.
"My clients never rest."
Ophelia smiled.
"Go save another event."
Vivian laughed.
"One day, when you finally decide to get married..."
She pointed playfully at Ophelia.
"I'm planning your wedding."
Ophelia smiled without giving anything away.
"We'll see."
"No," Vivian corrected with a wink.
"We definitely will."
They hugged once more before Vivian hurried toward her car.
"Don't disappear again!" she called.
"I won't," Ophelia replied.
"I'll hold you to that!"
Ophelia watched her drive away before turning to leave.
She never noticed the silver SUV parked across the street.
Inside, a man lowered his camera after taking several photographs.
One of Ophelia.
One of Vivian Sterling.
He picked up his phone.
"She's not alone."
A voice answered from the other end.
"Keep watching."
"What about the friend?"
A brief silence followed.
Then came the reply.
"Anyone close to Ophelia is worth watching."
The call ended.
The SUV pulled away unnoticed.
Neither Ophelia nor Vivian realized...
Someone had just made them both part of the same dangerous game.