Sophie stood by the window, staring at the empty courtyard below. The trampled snow glittered with remnants of New Year’s confetti, and scraps of tinsel clung to the bare branches of the shrubs. The city seemed lifeless, everyone asleep after the exhausting celebrations. Inside, Sophie felt just as hollow.
How could she have been so blind? Why hadn’t she sensed the deception? Now, everything was clear—but then? Nathan had seemed intelligent, loving, resentful of his father. Or so he’d pretended. She’d believed he loved her.
The click of the front door lock made her flinch. She’d rehearsed her accusations, but now the words fled her mind. Quiet footsteps halted behind her. Sophie held her breath, tension coiling in her chest. A warm breath brushed her neck, raising goosebumps.
“Soph,” Nathan murmured, resting his chin on her shoulder.
She stepped away.
“You’re still angry?” His voice was smooth, coaxing. “I don’t know what came over me. The way he looked at you—I just lost it.” He waited, but Sophie stayed silent.
“It’s your fault, really. Smiling at him, leaning in, unable to take your eyes off him. I couldn’t stand it.”
“Stop lying. We were just dancing,” Sophie said flatly.
“Fine, I’m sorry. I got jealous. That’s natural when you love someone.” He reached for her shoulders, but she shrugged him off.
“Come on, Soph. I apologized. Don’t be ridiculous.”
“You should be apologizing to *him*.” She finally turned, meeting his eyes before looking away.
“I did. Went to the hospital, said sorry to your sailor.” Nathan’s voice turned sharp, his eyes glinting with malice. “He didn’t press charges. Just drop it. When he’s discharged, he can come over. We’ll have a drink, bury the hatchet.”
Sophie whirled on him.
“Come over? Bury it? There *is no us*. There never will be. Leave the keys and get out.”
“Oh, so you’ll bring *him* here instead?” The charm vanished, replaced by venom.
“Go. I never want to see you again. You lied to me.” Her voice trembled despite her efforts to stay calm.
“Should’ve taught *you* a lesson too. Remember what you called me?” He grabbed her arm, fingers digging in, yanking her close until their faces were inches apart. Hatress burned in his eyes.
“Let go—you’re hurting me!”
“I’ve wasted *years* on you. No, darling, I’m not going anywhere. You *will* marry me!” He fumbled in his pocket, pulling out a ring. “Never got to give you this.” He forced her hand up, trying to slip it onto her finger.
Sophie fought back, but his grip tightened.
“Let *go*! I won’t marry you!” Tears spilled down her cheeks.
“You will—unless you want your sailor to stay alive and unharmed.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
“Oh, I *would*.”
***
Years earlier…
“I’m leaving tomorrow,” Daniel said.
Sophie liked him—a lot. But he’d been afraid to tell her. They’d only just started seeing each other.
“Where?”
“Bristol. Got into the naval academy. Sorry I didn’t say sooner. Wasn’t sure I’d make it.”
“Will you at least call?” she asked, hurt.
“Don’t sulk. What can we do? There’s no navy here.” He sighed. “Soph, I don’t want you feeling obligated to wait. Training’s long, then deployments—six months, sometimes more. You don’t know how hard it is to be left behind.”
“Don’t decide for me,” she snapped.
“You’ll be at uni. Plenty of blokes there—”
“Just *go*, then!” She turned on her heel and stormed off.
“Soph!” He almost chased her—then stopped.
He lingered a moment before trudging home.
That New Year, when he came back on leave, Sophie had been overjoyed. They went to the cinema, took long walks. Daniel talked about Bristol, the sea, his friends—and she listened, secretly willing him to kiss her.
But he only pressed a chaste peck to her frost-chilled cheek before returning to the academy.
Yes, there *were* other boys at uni. They noticed her, flirted. But none of them mattered. Daniel called sporadically, asking about her studies like a friend. The moment she admitted missing him, he changed the subject.
Then her great-aunt passed away. No children, estranged from family—but to everyone’s shock, she left Sophie her spacious flat in Kensington.
“Massive place, prime location. No need to even redecorate,” her mother gushed. “Perfect for when you marry.”
Sophie vowed not to tell anyone at uni. No need for envy. But word got out. Some sneered, called her stuck-up. The class rep even asked if they could host parties there.
Second year, she met Nathan, a final-year student. Charming, attentive. Daniel was far away, hadn’t asked her to wait. Who’s to say *he* wasn’t seeing someone in Bristol?
“Saville… any relation to the deputy mayor?” her father asked once.
“Dunno,” Sophie shrugged.
“Ask him. Seems a solid lad. Good match.”
She laughed it off—but later, she did.
“Yeah. Didn’t mention it. How’d you guess?”
“Dad figured it out. He likes you.”
“Your dad’s alright. Mine’s unbearable. Can’t wait to graduate and get out. Thinking of renting a place, moving out.”
That night, Sophie suggested letting him stay in the flat.
Her father agreed instantly.
“Charge him a token rent. Future son-in-law, after all,” he joked.
Nathan was ecstatic. He spun her around, showered her with kisses.
“You’re a legend, Soph. Dunno what I’d do without you. Just gotta deal with my parents.”
He grew more affectionate. When she stayed over, her parents scolded her half-heartedly. They already pictured her married to the deputy mayor’s son—maybe a future mayor himself.
But Nathan never introduced her to his family. Dodged questions about them. It nagged at her.
After graduation, he took a mundane office job—”to spite my dad,” he claimed. Then he proposed.
She refused.
“Too soon. Let me finish uni first…”
Time flew. New Year’s Eve came. A friend invited them to her country house.
“Bring your posh fiancé. Big crowd, loads of fun.”
“Who told you about Nathan?” Sophie frowned.
“Ran into your mum. She’s chuffed. You’re marrying up and didn’t even tell me!”
“I’m *not* marrying anyone,” Sophie muttered.
They arrived early. Guests trickled in. Cars lined the driveway.
“Where’s everyone sleeping? The house is packed,” Sophie said.
“Who’s here to sleep?” her friend laughed.
The table was set, the tree twinkling. Outside, snow fell. The lads grilled on the patio—Nathan among them, drinking to stay warm.
Finally, they ate. Toasts were made. Then dancing.
Her friend pulled Sophie aside. “Help me with the plates?”
“Wait.” Nathan caught her wrist. “New year, fresh start. You’ve almost graduated. I’m not rushing you, but—” He reached into his pocket.
“Everyone, this is Daniel Marlow! My old classmate, future captain!” her friend announced.
Heads turned. Sophie froze. *Daniel.* He saw her, smiled. Their eyes locked.
“Randomly bumped into him yesterday! Had to invite him. Ladies, take pity on this lonely sailor!”
Nathan finally freed the ring box from his pocket—but Sophie was already walking toward Daniel.
They spoke softly, then danced while others jumped to upbeat music.
“God, Soph, you’re stunning,” Daniel murmured. “Didn’t want to come, but now…”
To her, it felt like no time had passed. His hands were warm, his gaze tender.
“Lost, sailor? That’s *my* girl.” Nathan shoved Daniel back. “Let’s talk.” He stalked outside.
“Daniel, don’t—” Sophie pleaded.
“Guys, it’s almost midnight!” someone chimed in.
Too late. They were already in the garden. A crowd gathered, but no one intervened.
“You’re Saville’s son? I *know* Nathan Saville—we trained togeth—”
Nathan’s fist sent Daniel sprawling. He kicked him, snow flecked with crimson under the lamp.
“*Do something!*” Sophie screamed, lunging at Nathan.
He shoved her down. The crowd finally pulled him off. Daniel lay motionless, face bloodied.
The ambulance arrived swiftly—along with the police.
Fireworks lit the sky. Cheers rang out.Sophie knelt in the snow beside Daniel, clutching his hand as the sirens wailed, knowing this broken New Year’s night had finally shattered the illusion of the life she’d almost chosen.
