Chapter 22- Remember my promise , cupcake I had fallen . Hard . But this was the kind of falling that didn't hurt , the kind of falling that made your heart beat faster , the kind of falling that made every stupid , ridiculous cheesy quote or song that wasn't supposed to make sense make me smile . I probably resembled a lunatic with the stupid grin I had been wearing for the past month but I couldn't help it . I was so happy . Being with Austin made me feel like I was on a different kind of high . The kind that filled all the other gaps and cracks and holes that had developed in me with time . The sad and horrible things were pushed aside , they had no significance to me anymore , I was learning to love with all my heart and you know what ? It felt bloody amazing . The media had gone crazy after the event unfolded . You wouldn't call a face off and b *** h slapping a " kind- of - bride " in a church exactly ceremonious and I sincerely apologize to Jesus for that but apparently the people lapped up the news like it was it was sweet nectar of hot gossip . Which it was but that meant that the media now eyed us like we were some kind of prize . Two parties had developed in this story . The first party supported me and Austin and called Esmeralda a " gold digging b *** h " while the other party supported Esmeralda and called me a " attention seeking home wrecker " and Austin was portrayed as a mindless dummy who couldn't make up his mind about women . But that was the tabloids and I honestly , didn't care anymore . The people whose opinions really mattered were okay with it , so I was pretty content , the rest could go to hell . I had befriended Stefanie and Jennifer , Austin's sisters who absolutely adored me , they gushed over me so much I couldn't help but feel like I was a little kid being pampered . And the best part was , that I finally felt like I had a real family , they sucked me right in inside their happy group . It was contagious . I smiled as I leaned back on my chair letting out a huge puff of breath . It was done . I had officially finished working on Aerin's book . It was titled Soulwoven . It was a beautiful book and its ending literally reduced you to tears . It was the kind of book which you just sped through and in which you felt as if the characters were stealing a piece of your heart as you turned every page . I loved it and I was sure the audience was going to love it too . The book was set to release next month . The final process was going on in full force to make it a huge success . " You ready ? " Aerin asked as she walked inside my office , practically inhaling the box of donuts she had in her hand . She was well into the third month of her pregnancy and the bump was pronounced under her turtleneck sweater . 14 11 IL 1/9 Z COM DT O < Chapter 22- Remember my promise , cupcake I stood up and stretched my feet and nodded . Aerin let out a mock sigh of relief . +8 Points > " Finally ! Seriously , Sophia you have to be the only basket case in the world who rushed to finish work on her birthday . " " Better today than tomorrow . " I smiled . She shook her head but it was evident from the smile on her face that she was appreciative of the effort that I was putting into making her book a hit . " It's your birthday . You should be chilling . " " My work is my " chill place " , I love it . Besides I just worked half day , it isn't much . Now come on , let's go . " I grabbed my purse as we exited my office . Stefanie and Jennifer had invited me , Aerin and Trish for a nice girl's day out , they were treating me to a relaxing day for my birthday and I couldn't have asked more . Austin was out of town on a business trip and was going to be back at night to be with me . I hadn't planned much like usual , just a nice day with my close friends . Birthday's hadn't been very special to me , growing up . And it was nice having a large group of people caring about me for once , felt nice . We drove to Ren Stone one of the most expensive spa's in LA . Stef , Jenny and Trish were waiting for us . " Happy birthday sweet heart ! " Stef and Jenny chorused , their blue eyes twinkling with genuine fondness as they wrapped me in a bear hug . " Thank you . " I smiled . Trish enveloped me in another hug , grinning . " Happy birthday dork ! Congratulations , you're growing old . " She teased . Yep , there you had best friend for you . " I love you too idiot . " I chuckled . We spent the afternoon treating ourselves to much needed relaxation and pampering . By the time we were done , it was evening . Stef stepped out of the changing room , positively glowing . " That felt great didn't it ? " I sighed happily , grinning . " I feel like my body is floating , damn this was good . " I looked at myself in the mirror and felt satisfied with the woman who was staring back at me . Clear , sparkling eyes , glowing face and glossy hair . For the first time in ages I felt like I could whoop every single insecurity's ass I had out of my system . Aerin had gifted me a beautiful aquamarine dress that complemented my eyes and made me wear it . I couldn't complain though , the dress was beautiful . Stef , Jenny and Aerin parted ways after wishing me happy birthday . The sky had now turned dark and I knew that I needed to hurry , Austin was about to reach home any minute . I had survived an entire week without talking to him , he was busy I knew , so I didn't pester him about it . 2 TO M 2/9 < Chapter 22- Remember my promise , cupcake I turned to leave with Trish when I suddenly remembered I had forgotten my purse . " Oh crap ! I forgot my purse at the spa's reception desk , I'll go get it . " Trish shook her head at my carelessness . " I'll come with you . " We went inside and I turned to the receptionist who thankfully handed me my purse before I could say a word . " Thank you so much . " I smiled . She motioned something in sign language . I quirked an eyebrow at her . " Uh , I'm sorry I don't quite understand .. " +5 Points > She smiled and grabbed a pen and paper and wrote- " You're welcome . I can't speak . Have a nice evening . " I stole a glance at her badge . Valerie . I was touched by her kindness and I gave her my best smile and thanked her again.I made a mental note to send her a cookie basket later this week . Trish and I turned to leave when we confronted the person who was responsible for the majority of my insecurities . My heart twisted with a bittersweet ache . The beautiful woman turned to look at me and her grey- blue eyes widened in surprise . Her arm was entwined in a tall male's arm , probably one of her recent conquests , who knew ? Her coral lips formed a delicate O. " Sophia . " Her fluttery voice rang to me . I gripped my purse in my hand , suddenly feeling like a small girl once again . " Mom . " I nodded . Even though my tone gave nothing away , inside I was turning into the same old little girl who looked up to her mother , silently hoping if she remembered that I was her daughter , if I had a space in her packed schedule of men , parties and what not . She gave me a hug . It was formal , like I was her business associate and not her daughter who she had not seen for years . " Aw , darling it's so good to see you here . Long time , huh ? " Yes mom , long time . Three years to be precise . I gave her a small smile and nodded , I felt Trish's hand rub my back soothingly like she was saying ' It's okay ' . Mom turned her eyes to Trish and smiled again . " Kristina ! Oh how lovely catching up with you girls today ! What brings you two here ? " I grit my teeth feeling my heart sink deeper . 050000 ĐN 3/9 DOM DT 111 O < Chapter 22- Remember my promise , cupcake It's my birthday mom , you gave birth to me today , remember ? I held my snarky retort back knowing that there was no point . She forgot . As usual . +8 Points > The same way she had forgotten my recital's , my previous birthday's , daughter's day's and the big whammy- my graduation day . She was the sole reason I had pitifully followed Trish to L.A hoping I'd find a happy ending away from home and I sure did find it . My parents were a toxic couple , they hated each others guts and when they divorced it was a huge relief . But then after they divorced they refused to even cross each others paths . Sometimes it confused me why they even got married in the first place but I never got an answer to that question . For a few years I tried being the adhesive that held my family together but I failed . I held the useless family reunions that in the end ended up with scathing words , storming out and banging doors . And then dad married Dannielle , she wasn't exactly a wicked stepmother but she wasn't very fond of me . Why ? Because I was my mother's daughter . And I knew when I wasn't welcome . Dad relocated to Bahamas and graced me with one phone call per month but my mom was a whole different story , she took off and never looked back . I lost my mother after that day . She partied , globe trotted , had flings and forgot all about my existence which wasn't a big surprise but thanks to Trish , I survived . Trish's family became my family , her sisters became my sisters and Sam and Grace her parents took me under their wing and I owe them everything for it . Mom's mindless chatter pulled me from my depressing thoughts . She patted the man's arm who she was hanging from . " This gorgeous man is my boyfriend Dex ." I forced a smile to the man , who praise the lord , looked a wee bit uncomfortable being flung headfirst into meeting me . " Hey Dex . " He gave me an awkward smile and I mentally rolled my eyes . Mom patted my arm . " By the way , I heard you bagged that hunk , Austin Hamilton . It was so great to hear that you snagged him , such a catch , I swear . I knew you had it in you . " I narrowed my eyes at mom , now finally pissed off . " I did not " snag " Austin mom . We are dating and I sure as hell have a lot ' in me ' . But not in the gold digger field mom , " I snapped . That's your area of expertise . " Maybe you would've seen how much I had it in me when I graduated cumma laude from Yale or maybe when I got promoted or maybe when I bought my own house within a year of graduating , but oh no , how would you know that ? You forgot . You never asked . You left me alone for three years . How can you be so chill right now ? " Mom opened and closed her mouth , shocked . 4/9 o M IIIO < Chapter 22- Remember my promise , cupcake +8 Points " Precious , don't talk like that . I'm sorry , I had been busy , I had my Europe and Asia tour and all and then I met Dex , life gets busy sweety . " I huffed out an exsapharated breath . She's incorrigible ! Trish narrowed her eyes at mom . " Miss Martell , do you even know what day it is ? " Mom looked blank and I was torn between wanting to throw a punch or dissolve into tears . Trish rolled her eyes . " Thought so , its Soph's birthday . " Mom gasped like she suddenly remembered . " Oh precious , I'm so sorry ! I- " I sighed . " You forgot , I know mom . " Mom shut her mouth and looked at me sadly . I walked out after throwing a cold goodbye to the lady who apparently was my mother . Once we stepped out my shoulders drooped . Trish put an arm around me . "Are you going to be okay ? " I looked up at her and smiled . " When have I not ? " 1 She chuckled . " Attagirl . Dont let her get to you , it's your day . Remember that . " I smiled at my best friend as we got into her car and drove to Austin's pent house . Trish offered to carry my bags upstairs and I quirked an eyebrow at her . Trish helping willingly meant two things- 1 ) Something fishy was going on 2 ) She wanted a favor " Trish ? What do you want ? " " Huh ? " " Why are you being nice ? " Trish laughed and patted me like I was her puppy . " It's your birthday . " " So ? " " I love you , that's why , now move your dumb little ass upstairs . " I knitted my brow together . Has she finally lost her sanity ? 00 5/9 TO M T O < < Chapter 22- Remember my promise , cupcake " Now , you're scaring me . " " Up , keep moving . " +8 Points I shook my head but complied , I reached the penthouse door and let myself in with the spare key , Austin had given me , while not so subtly suggesting I should move in with him but hey , I was not going to give up my house so easily . I loved that place . I turned the key and at once my eyes were searching through complete darkness . " What the hell ? Who switched off the lights ? " I grumbled as searched for the lights .. My hands searched through the darkness to find those stupid touch switch boards . " Why cant this fellow have normal things ? Like normal switches ? But no , Mr Rich Pants needs to have ridiculous fancy shmancy switches that don't make sense and put me into a whole lot of- aaaaahhh . " I screeched as I stepped on some kind of soft , bouncy thing and fell butt first on the floor . The lights suddenly switched on , blinding me for a second a the room erupted in cheers . " SURPRI- " Everybody shut up mid word as they stared at my not - so - graciously - fallen figure on the floor . Thanks a lot balloon . A baby voice cut through the surprised silence . " Surprise ! Surprise ! Surpriiisee !! " Marvin sang and bounded to me and plopped down beside amongst the balloons like it was absolutely normal . " Happy budday aunty Sophie ! " I chuckled , finally taking in the surprise and enveloped Marvin in a hug . " Thanks a lot baby . " " Where's my hug , cuppcake ? " I looked up to see the man , I had thoroughly missed the past week . Seeing him made my heart do a cartwheel . I stood up , pretending to dismiss him . " People who don't bother to call for an entire week don't get any hugs from me ." " Aw , I'm hurt cupcake . Is this how you welcome your lover after an entire week ? " " Not really , but throwing a hardcover book at your pretty face seems like a pretty good way though , hm ? " Austin gave me one of his heart stopping smirks as he pulled me into his arms and captured my lips in a mind blowing , toe curling kiss . I put my arms around his neck and nipped his lower lip as he kissed me . harder , pressing me to his chest . I felt every single fibre in my body tingle . We pulled away as he pressed his forehead to mine . His chocolate eyes , now the darkest shade of liquid brown that seared me with its dark , hungry gaze . " You know cupcake , I love it when you get all fiery with me . I can picture a lot of things I want to do to you right now , cupcake . " He whispered huskily in my ear . DION 2 6/9 DO M O < Chapter 22- Remember my promise , cupcake I felt my entire face go red as I felt a familiar spark run down my body . The things this man does to me . +8 Points > " Okay lovebirds , there are kids in this room , let's keep it PG shall we ? " Stef commented , smirking at us while bouncing her baby on her hip . I turned to look at the room full of people and felt my face flush more . Austin's mom stepped forward and gave me a warm hug . " Don't listen to her . Happy birthday sweetheart . " I smiled at her , feeling my heart fill with joy . Being accepted by Caroline and Jack , Austin's lovely parents was probably the cherry on top of the cake . The party was a hit . Everyone near and dear to me were present including Tango and there was nothing more I wanted . Austin had subtly dropped the hint that his gift was going to be given right in the end , Everybody bombarded me with presents while Austin stood in a corner with a s ** t eating smirk on his face that said " I - love - teasing - you - cupcake " Just as the night was about to end , Jack came up and tinkled to get everyone's attention . " Sophia , sweet heart , we are absolutely thrilled to have you join the wagon , we owe you for knocking some sense into our son and getting him settled down with someone as lovely as you ," I felt a cheesy grin sneak up on my face at Jack's words as Austin's fingers entwined in mine . " But for your birthday , apart from our individual presents , there is something else that all of us agreed to give you- " My eyes widened . " More presents ? You really shouldn't have , seriously I dont- " Austin leaned close to my ear and brushed his lips against it as I forgot what I was about to say . " Ssh , hear dad out and shut that pretty mouth of yours or else I have a good idea to do that myself , cupcake . " My face burned . Our audience chuckled in good humor as I turned redder . " As I was saying , everybody decided that the best thing that you need right now is a little time out and some family time , I have heard you've been working hard and we have booked tickets for a complete family vacation to Miami ! " My mouth dropped open and I struggled to find words to thanks him . Being accepted into a family meant a lot to me . I smiled , struggling not to blubber ans I hugged Jack to tell him how much I appreciated it . The night ended on a beautiful note as our guests left with the reminder of the vacation at the end of the week hanging over everybody's mind . As soon as the guest's cleared out Austin shut the door . " Finally , I have you all to myself . " He pinned me against the door and pressed his lips against mine , kissing me slowly and gently and slowly the tenderness gave way to rough passion and longing . I wrapped my legs around his waist as he carried me 14 COM 7/9 < Chapter 22- Remember my promise , cupcake +8 Points > off the ground , still kissing me . I was completely intoxicated in his taste , it was the kind of high that refused to let go . It made you forget everything . I ran my fingers through his hair and heard him let out a pleasured sound as he kissed my neck biting on the flesh near my jawline and with a gentle flick of the tongue he found my sensitive spot as I let out a soft moan . He kissed me slowly on the lips and I felt fire run through my veins at his touch . We pulled apart to catch our breath . I wanted to continue much more further but I was completely out of breath . He made me breathless . He gave me a slow lazy smile as he kissed the tip of my nose as he put me down on the couch . " You know as much as I want to take you right here and right now . It'll have to wait , I still haven't given you your present . " I quirked an eyebrow as he brought out a velvet box out of his pocket and I opened it to see the most delicate gold necklace I had ever seen in my life , it was plain but it was beautiful . " Austin , it's beau- " " Ssh , that's not even the full thing . Now close your eyes and hold one end of the necklace in your hand , I'll hold the other . " " Why ? " I arched my eyebrow , confused . Austin shook his head .. " Just do it and no peeking ." I sighed . " Fine . " I closed my eyes , a second later a cool object stopped near the tip of my finger after sliding down the chain . I opened my eyes and gasped my heart skipping a beat at the object perched at the tip of my finger , about to slide in . It was a beautiful vintage diamond ring which glittered with small specks of blue and was encased in a platinum band . Austin got down on his knee . " Sophia Martell , this ring is not an outright proposal because I know it's too early in our relationship . But there's something about you that tells me that you're it . You're the one . And this ring is a promise of what I want to you to be in my future . I picture you beside me till the end , till we become grey and weak . This ring is a promise that someday I want you to be my wife and that I promise to love you and protect you and be by you as long as we live , because I told you cupcake , you bewitched me that day I heard you voice and I love you . " I felt a tear slide down my cheek as I smiled so hard my cheeks hurt . I felt as if the final piece in my heart was complete , like I was whole , He was the other piece of me . I stood on my tip toes and pressed a soft , gentle kiss that spoke louder than any word to describe how much I loved him . He was my wrong number afterall . Austin slid the ring onto the chain and clasped it around my neck and kissed my forehead his eyes shining with love . " Remember my promise , cupcake . "