Far From Over

Sophia glanced around the bustling office, her heart already racing in anticipation of the morning ahead.

Her boss, Mr. Grant, strode past her desk with his usual air of authority, barking orders as the crew scrambled to prepare for the big interview.

Lights were being set up, cameras adjusted, and the general murmur of last-minute preparations buzzed through the room.

"Sophia, we need you at the front!" Mr. Grant called out, his tone leaving no room for delay.

"On it!" she responded, quickly gathering her notes and straightening her posture.

As she made her way through the chaos, she glanced over the list of questions she'd prepared.

The interview with Hades and Aurora was a massive opportunity for her career, but it also came with complications—especially since she had to face Hades again.

Sophia mentally braced herself.

She hadn't seen him in person since that fateful day, and though she knew she had to remain professional, the thought of being in the same room with him again sent an unexpected thrill through her.

She had to keep her emotions in check. No one could know about their past connection.

As she stepped into the main room, her heart nearly stopped.

Hades had arrived.

He entered with a casual yet commanding presence, his tailored suit perfectly framing his broad shoulders, his brown hair styled effortlessly.

There was something about the way he carried himself that made everyone stop and stare for a brief moment before quickly returning to their tasks.

His gaze swept across the room, and for a split second, it landed on her.

Sophia's breath hitched.

He was just as handsome as ever, if not more.

His sharp jawline, the intense gaze that always seemed to pierce right through her...

It took all of her willpower not to visibly react.

She quickly reminded herself of her role: she was here to conduct an interview, not to revisit old feelings.

Hades, on the other hand, felt an unexpected jolt in his chest the moment his eyes found her.

He hadn't expected to feel this... drawn to her.

His heart raced for a fleeting moment, but he quickly dismissed the sensation.

Sophia had always been beautiful, even when they had been entangled in a more complicated relationship.

But now, it was different.

They were here in a professional setting, and he was determined to keep his composure.

She's still the same, just as striking, he thought, though he forced the idea away. But this is for Aurora.

Sophia, aware that everyone was watching, approached him with a professional smile.

She had to act like they were mere acquaintances—nothing more.

No one in the room knew about their history, and she intended to keep it that way.

"Mr. Hades," she said with a pleasant tone, extending her hand. "Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. We've set up everything for the interview, and I'll guide you through the process."

Hades looked at her hand for a second before taking it.

Her touch sent a familiar spark through him, but his face remained impassive.

"Thank you, Ms. Sophia," he replied, his voice smooth, his demeanor as calm and composed as ever.

Sophia withdrew her hand quickly, hoping no one had noticed the slight pause.

She gestured toward the interview space. "We'll be starting shortly. I'll need you to sit here, and I'll let you know when we're ready to begin."

Just as she turned away, Aurora entered the room, her presence instantly lighting up the space.

Dressed in a sleek outfit, her hair perfectly styled, Aurora was every bit the down-to-earth actress the public adored.

Sophia gave her a quick wave, and Aurora smiled warmly in return before heading over to greet Hades with a playful nudge.

"Well, well, look who decided to show up on time," Aurora teased, her voice light.

Hades's expression softened slightly at the sight of Aurora. "I wasn't going to miss this."

Sophia watched the both of them interact, relieved that the tension in the room was easing.

Still, her mind was racing.

She was grateful that Hades didn't seem to be acting on whatever unspoken connection still lingered between them. And yet, she couldn't help but feel a strange pull every time he glanced her way.

Finally, the cameras were ready, and Sophia stepped into her role as the lead journalist.

She stood at the center of the room, addressing the crew before turning to Hades and Aurora. "Alright, everyone, we're about to begin. Let's keep everything smooth and professional."

The lights dimmed slightly, and the cameras rolled.

Sophia began, her voice steady and confident. "Good morning, everyone. Today, we're joined by two incredibly talented individuals. First, we have Aurora, a talented actress known for her captivating performances. And joining her is Hades, a brilliant businessman whose ventures have garnered both attention and success. We're excited to have them with us today for an exclusive interview."

Sophia turned to Hades for the first segment. "Hades, thank you for joining us. I'd like to start by asking about your entrepreneurial journey. What inspired your spirit in business, and what keeps you motivated?"

Hades crossed his arms lightly, leaning back as he considered the question. "I've always believed in building something meaningful. For me, it wasn't just about financial success, but creating a legacy that could impact others. Motivation comes from knowing that what I do makes a difference."

Sophia nodded, impressed by his calm, measured response. "And how do you measure success, beyond just profit?"

"Success," Hades replied after a pause, "is about the people you affect. Whether it's through my business ventures or my philanthropy, I believe in giving back and making a positive change."

The interview continued smoothly, with Hades answering each question with thoughtful precision.

Despite his initial reluctance, he opened up more than Sophia had expected, especially when it came to his philanthropic efforts.

Next, it was Aurora's turn.

Sophia shifted her attention to her friend, offering a warm smile. "Aurora, you've been incredibly busy with your latest project. Can you tell us what drew you to this particular role?"

Aurora beamed. "It's a project that resonated with me deeply. I wanted to challenge myself as an actress and bring something raw and real to the audience."

The conversation flowed effortlessly, with Sophia guiding both guests through their individual segments before moving into the joint discussion.

As the minutes passed, the tension in the room began to melt away, replaced by a lively, insightful dialogue.

By the time the interview wrapped up, Sophia felt a sense of relief. It had gone well—better than expected.

She stood, thanking Hades and Aurora for their time.

As the crew began to pack up, Hades lingered for a moment longer, his eyes once again finding Sophia. This time, he didn't dismiss the quickening of his heartbeat.

Perhaps, he thought, some things between them were far from over.