Sophie had only just found out that Colby had this uncanny knack for reading people, almost like he had a sixth sense for understanding emotions. He could always figure out what she was thinking, as if he was inside her head. They''d been apart for over a month, and


    Sophie realized she was only starting to get a glimpse of who Colby truly was.


    "At first, I didn''t see it. I was worried you''d think I''m not good enough," Colby mumbled, his eyes dropping to the floor.


    "Oh, I definitely find youcking," Sophie teased, making Colby''s eyes darken with a hint of hurt.


    "But seriously," Sophie continued, "I find you a bit dense for not telling me something so important sooner! Love isn''t just some biological response. I just need to know you care about me, that I''m in your heart, that you''ll whisper sweet nothings to me, and have my back no matter what. That you''ll never betray me, never fall for someone else. That''s all I need. Love is a feeling, and it''s also the actions you take because of that feeling. I see it all, and to me, you''re not some emotionally detached robot. You''re my husband."


    Hearing Sophie''s words brought a spark back to Colby''s eyes. But before they could savor the moment, Sophie abruptly stepped back.


    "Colby! Are you some sort of clingy shadow?" she snapped. "I told you to keep your distance! I don''t want to see you, and if you don''t leave right now, I''ll call the cops!"


    Watching her dramatic ir, Colby couldn''t help but crack a small smile, even though his voice was tinged with a bit of mock suffering, "I can''t be without you. Please, don''t be mad, okay?"


    Taking advantage of the moment, Colby pulled Sophie into a tight hug. It was forceful, but neither really wanted to let go.


    Eventually, Sophie pushed him away, her voice frosty, "You''re the most shameless guy I''ve ever known! Go run to Ms. Gina and leave me alone!"


    "Sophie, I love you," Colby dered, in a move straight out of a soap opera, cradling her face and kissing her with a boldness that surprised them both.


    Sophie, trying to keep a straight face at Colby''s over-the-top performance, couldn''t help butugh inside. She


    bit his lip, not too hard but enough to leave a mark.


    "Get out! Colby, don''t make me hate you."


    Her eyes were filled with feigned disgust. Colby felt a little put out, thinking harsh words would be enough. Why did the act have to be so convincing?


    Nevertheless, Colby slunk out of the


    Minton family''s vi, feeling a bit like


    a kicked puppy. At the gate, heProperty ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    nced back at the house, his eyes full of longing and hurt.


    Sophie had already turned back into the quiet house. With Odie away from Summerfield, the Minton ce felt especially deserted.


    Remembering the lifeline Odie had


    given her before she came to Summerfield, Sophie curiously rummaged through its contents. It turned out to be a USB drive, and the sheer size of its storage left her stunned.


    Could this USB drive possibly hold... something important?