Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Everyone knew about Richard Gun and his abundance of wealth thanks to the success of Penwood Incorporated.

His business, whose humble beginnings were in welding automotive parts, became a flourishing financial consulting group, earning top spots on Forbes's list of top 100 companies alongside giants like BDO and Deloitte. While he didn’t expect it, it was always a dream of his to achieve such a feat.

And like any powerful businessman, Richard became beloved. Every magazine had his face splashed across its cover either once or twice. He was so highly regarded that for several years, he was named “The UK’s Most Eligible Bachelor”. 

Though Richard avoided marriage. It wasn’t because he loathed it, but he felt he didn’t have time for it. He likened his pastime to more pleasurable activities, one that allowed him to escape from the stress of the working world. 

But of course, indulging in one too many drunken one-night stands had its own consequences. And soon enough, he had produced an heir to the Penwood name.

Except when he found out, he was absolutely enraged. 

Richard never got a chance to formally know of his beloved daughter, nor even match a name to a face when determining who the child’s mother was.

No, Richard didn’t even get a note. All he got was a crying infant in a sleek baby carriage parked right in front of his doorstep on an awfully stormy evening. She had an armband, presumably from when she was born. The only remaining clue he’d ever gotten was her name: Sophie Baek.

But even with a name, Richard couldn’t decipher who this child’s mother was, nor identify any extended relatives that could possibly be related. Richard didn’t remember names.

He was not, however, a monster. So Richard chose to raise Sophie, despite his reluctance. Though his feelings were anything but present, and most of his interactions with little Sophie remained obligatory rather than out of affection.

He sent her to the finest schools and hired the finest help so that he could continue running his company successfully without needing to tend to Sophie for more than five seconds.

Richard believed he was fulfilling his legal duty, and so long as he kept Sophie fed, well-dressed and healthy, that was all there was to it. In turn, Sophie never experienced true quality time with her birth father. Heck, she couldn’t even recall a moment where they sat down and had a meal together, given that Richard was barely home, and when he was, he was already too tired and, by that time, Sophie had been fed by the phenomenal Mrs Gibbons and tucked into bed. 

Life remained this way until Sophie finally moved out and began attending university in London. She thought it was odd when all her classmates during her high school graduation began crying and complaining about going their separate ways. For her, feelings were quite the opposite. Being accepted into university meant her world was changing for the better. It was thrilling, scary, but nonetheless exciting. She was ready to move out of the little bubble she’s only ever known and meet new people, start her own life.

Most of all, she was excited to free herself from the pressing neglect by her supposed father. Sure, she was grateful he could provide for her, particularly financially. It was a blessing that she never really needed to work part-time or worry about making ends meet since Richard took care of almost everything. But Sophie couldn’t lie. The emotional distance he placed between them was enough to make her reject any form of close bonding with anyone, friends from secondary school included.

Perhaps the only person Sophie was close to, and whom she opened her heart to, was Mrs Gibbons. She was definitely more of a parental figure for Sophie, what with attending her parent-teacher meetings, accompanying Sophie to field trips, and even attending her own graduation, which her own father could not because of “urgent matters” with Penwood.

At that point, Sophie was convinced no one else would ever get as close to her. But it wasn’t like she was willing to let anyone in anyway. After her first year, she’d made some friends, but they were nothing more than colleagues she’d attend classes or occasionally study with. Other than that, Sophie maintained her distance. There was really no point in letting her guard down to form meaningful relationships because those didn’t exist. Even if they did, they wouldn’t last either.

That was until one alluring, debonair yet humble art student crawled, without permission or warning, into Sophie’s heart.

Sophie remembers the exact moment she met Benedict Bridgerton. She was doing her weekly shopping at Aldi’s, specifically perusing the soup aisle. It was a rather cold and tired day, more cold and tired than the usual English weather, but she’d been feeling rather rubbish the previous day, what with a pounding headache and stuffy nose.

Besides drinking her herbal tea, she needed something comforting. And as much as she would normally concoct a hearty pot of miyeok guk (courtesy of Mrs Gibbons’ recipe from her childhood days, which Mrs Gibbons borrowed from one of her Korean neighbours), Sophie was not in the mood to cook. So a stash of Cream of Mushroom soup mix would suffice. Once she was better and had more energy within her, she’d fix herself a proper meal that was not instant.

While she scanned the selection of soup mix, a cheeky figure had the nerve to critique all the different brands in front of her. 

“Mmm, that flavour is absolutely revolting. I wouldn’t get that.” A man’s voice crept its way through Sophie’s ear, leaving a melodious ring. Sophie jolted, almost dropping the box of Cream of Mushroom, and turned to match the voice to a face.

She scoffed, unamused. “What are you, a soup expert?”

The man, unfazed, with the cheeky lopsided grin, answered enthusiastically. “Yeah, something like that.”

Sophie didn’t have time to argue with some random boy about soup, a boy who was very obviously trying to hit on her. She was a few degrees away from developing pneumonia. 

“I don’t have time for this…” She muttered and began to leave.

Benedict’s smile faltered, and he immediately went after her, feeling slightly foolish.

“I’m sorry. I-I-” He began to apologise.

Sophie crossed her arms. “What, that you were trying to lure me into whatever charming spell you were brewing?”

Benedict looked taken aback. “I was not- wait, you think I’m charming?”

Sophie cleared her throat and avoided prolonged eye contact, darting her gaze to the bread aisle. In truth, this man, however ridiculous he seemed, had quite the approach. Not to mention he was bold, playful and devastatingly handsome. Not even Sophie could deny it.

“No, I did not say-”

But Benedict cut her off easily. “Ah, but you said charming. I heard it.”

“Whatever, I just wanted my soup, yet you managed to ruin that for me, too. Thanks a lot,” Sophie huffed and began to walk away again.

Benedict cried out, perhaps a little too loudly for a supermarket shop. “Please, I’m- look, I didn’t mean to offend you. I just. You looked lost.”

“And somehow that makes it even better, hmm? Taking advantage of a lost woman in a grocery aisle? How noble of you,” Sophie bit off. She could’ve been out of Aldi’s well over minutes ago, but here she was, picking a fight with a man trying to flirt with her and maybe get in her pants. She was not having any of it.

“I was not trying to take advantage!” Benedict replied defensively. “I was-You-I-You were there for a good fifteen minutes picking up and putting down every soup known to mankind, and I just wanted to help. Give some recommendations,” Benedict confessed.

Sophie felt her cheeks blush. This was strange, if not rare. Men seldom noticed her. Not even in uni, not so much as a prolonged stare. For most of her life, Sophie felt invisible. Yet, here she was, out of all the times, she was sick as a dog, and a guy finally saw through to her.

Her senses were encouraging her to give him a chance, despite her head telling her to leave this situation at once. But, for a man to show interest in her, when she was feeling and looking the most disgusting she’s ever been, there was something about this man.

Sophie, ever so rare, let down her guard. She didn’t want to entertain this man any longer, but he left her with no choice.

“Okay, so what are your recommendations, then?” She folded her arms.

Benedict’s face softened. He didn’t think she would give in. Slowly, a boyish smile appeared on his face, and he led her back to the soup aisle.

“Okay, you have got to know your mixes. Some can be extremely terrible, some can be the best thing you’ll ever have, you’d think your mother just made it…” He started. Sophie couldn’t believe how enthusiastic he sounded talking about soup of all things.

As Benedict continued to explain, Sophie couldn’t help but notice how infectious his energy was. Even though she was quite ready to beat him with her umbrella, she was glad to have spent the better part of her afternoon debating back and forth about soup mixes and other nonsense topics.

That night, Sophie immediately phoned Mrs Gibbons to tell of her supermarket tale. That, and Mrs Gibbons wanted to know if Sophie was feeling any better since she got sick.

Mrs Gibbons found it hilarious that someone would be so passionate about soup that they’d resort to flirting. Sophie just laughed and insisted that it was the last she’d ever see of him anyway.

That was until it wasn’t.

Somehow, by some strange shift in the world, Benedict Bridgerton reappeared in Sophie Baek’s life. She wasn’t the one to turn him down, although she was a little hesitant about letting him become her friend.

She wasn’t used to people wanting to be so close to her. It was almost suffocating. But, at the same time, it was refreshing. She had someone, other than Mrs Gibbons, to talk to.

After a month, Benedict and Sophie continued to stay in touch, and Sophie realised that there was no getting rid of him. In fact, they took it upon themselves to catch up every week if they could. It was a little difficult, what with Benedict in art school and Sophie at another university. But they found out how close they lived to one another, and that made things a little easier.

—

“Love, I think he really likes you,” Mrs Gibbons whispered excitedly.

Sophie was back at Penwood House for the summer. Although she was sad to leave the familiar streets of London, she was more than happy to be back in the countryside, in her ancestral home. That, and she so terribly missed Mrs Gibbons’ cooking and company.

When Mrs Gibbons first heard about Benedict, she was delighted that Sophie had made a new friend. But, while her judgment of him didn't change, she was starting to believe Benedict’s intentions were beginning to become more than just friendly.

“No, don’t be ridiculous. He wouldn’t want to go out with me. I’ve heard his stories; he doesn’t date. He merely jumps around…” Sophie dismissed her presumptions.

“How many times has he taken you to dinner?” Mrs Gibbons questioned.

“I don’t know, I can’t really count that,” Sophie waved her off, as if the endless dinners they went on that past month were not telling.

“Hmm. And how many of those dinners were at a candle-lit restaurant?” Mrs Gibbons prodded in a teasing voice.

Sophie grew irritated. “Mrs Gibbons, I- look, he really likes them.”

Mrs Gibbons looked her dead in the eye, unamused. Sophie noticed her expression and lifted her left brow, puzzled.

“What?” Sophie groaned.

Mrs Gibbons shrugged. “Darling, I’m just saying. Men don’t just take girls they like to flash restaurants for nothing, especially ones with candle-lit dinners.”

“I-” Sophie began. She took a deep breath and sighed. “Look, he hasn’t said anything to me, so who am I to ask?”

Mrs Gibbons saw the look of exasperation mixed with a hint of sorrow on her face. She could tell Sophie was falling. Although at the time she didn’t realise it, like magnets, something pulled her towards Benedict. Like she had to know him.

And for the past 20-something years, Sophie never expected to open her heart to anyone else. She basked in her solace, and her occasional, yet consistent, calls with Mrs Gibbons were enough love for her. But Benedict made her feel different. And it was magical.

And clearly, Benedict didn’t want a situationship because only a madman would go so far in their attempts. Perhaps a madman and someone who was desperately and exhaustively in love. And he was, to Sophie’s realisation, the latter.

Once Sophie returned to London, they went for a quick stroll by the Thames after a ride on the Eye. Benedict opted for a change from their usual dinners this time, much as they loved them. That, and he terribly missed Sophie and wanted to spend more time with her, more than he ever imagined.

Just a few days after Sophie left for Penwood, he realised he wanted more than a friendship and more than that, he was in love with her. And he thought it was foolish to keep himself in anticipation. In fact, seven times he attempted to call her, confess over the phone or even on text. But, he thought that wouldn’t be fair for Sophie. 

“So…how have classes been?” Sophie asked the same question every time they met up. Only this time, it felt like an icebreaker because the tension between them was thicker than usual. Benedict wasn’t acting like his usual playful self, and it was a little unsettling.

Benedict snapped out of his thoughts and looked over to Sophie, realising that she’d just asked him a question and was waiting for his response. They found themselves both seated on a bench, facing the still water while the slight breeze brushed against their cheeks.

“Oh, uh. Classes? Classes have been  good…what about you?” Benedict answered.

Sophie noticed his oddness and tilted her head slightly to observe his mannerisms. 

She replied, “Classes have been  good too…” Then she noticed him fiddling with his hands restlessly and asked again. “Benedict, are you okay?”

Benedict’s head whipped towards her. “What? I’m-I-I’m good…”

Sophie quirked one eyebrow up, unconvinced. “You are not good.”

He heaved a sigh. There was no use hiding his feelings from Sophie; she was a masterful observer. And, from the moment they became friends, it was like she’d known him forever. Nothing could get past her.

Benedict wriggled to face Sophie. Clearing his throat, he began, “Sophie, I-I have something to say…”

Here goes nothing.

“We’ve been friends for…a while. And, despite knowing so many people in my life, save for my seven brothers and sisters, you have been the greatest friend I’ve ever had. Truly.”

Sophie’s heart began to race as she inched closer to Benedict to look at him more closely.

“And, I don’t want to set myself up, but I also don’t want to live in constant torture. So, I just wanted to know…if you feel anything more between us? Between our friendship?”

Sophie blinked, and then blinked some more. She was speechless, to say the least.

Benedict searched for an answer in her eyes, feeling thrice unnerved. He realised what kind of a bomb he had just dropped and quickly followed up.

“Because I…I do. I feel something more between us, but I hope that doesn’t come off as sudden and weird because it might change things between us, and I don’t really want to lose you and-”

Sophie placed her index finger in front of his lips to silence him. She didn’t look particularly enthusiastic, but she didn’t look disappointed either.

“Benedict, I, I don’t know what to say,” Sophie spoke up quietly. 

He looked a little disappointed but kept his composure to ensure he wouldn’t cry just about now. He thought to himself, of course, Sophie would see him as a friend. She’d never once hinted about going or wanting to go beyond their friendship.

“I…Benedict. Meeting you was unexpected but fun. And I am grateful, but…” Sophie wanted so badly to say, ‘Yes, I do feel something more, ’ because in truth, she felt like she did. The way her heart fluttered when he was around. Even when he got on her last nerve, she always felt comforted by his company.

But her heart was so reserved, she didn’t think she was ready to give it away just yet. Or ever. And she didn’t exactly know how to love anyone else back. Not in the way she wanted.

“I get it,” Benedict answered hastily. He wanted to spare himself the heartbreak. “You don’t have to say anything more.”

Sophie frowned. She wanted to kick herself so bad after upsetting Benedict. But she needed to make sure that she was ready, and right now, she just couldn’t give herself fully. And she would resent herself even more.

Benedict feigned a reassuring, yet rueful smile and excused himself early, leaving Sophie sitting in pure shock.

That night, Sophie couldn’t sleep. Usually, she had no trouble drifting off - in fact, she’d do it all the time because of her love for naps. But it was two-thirty in the morning, and she was still wide awake, her conscience full of thoughts about Benedict and his feelings and how he wanted something more and how she wanted more.

She was restless.

Sophie emerged from her bed and paced back and forth, chewing excessively on her lower lip. 

Slowly, she picked up her phone and searched for Mrs Gibbons’s contact. If she had no self-control, she would’ve called her immediately, without any warning. But she realised, it was two-thirty in the morning, and that would be rude, especially for her.

She thought about her conversation with Mrs Gibbons that one summer evening. How they talked about Benedict treating her like the only girl in the world by taking her out to candle-lit dinners. How he would call her so often. How he was the one always persuading her to go out with him.

Was I really that naïve? Sophie thought to herself. Of course, Benedict liked her. 

Sophie flopped back onto her bed, sighing deeply. How was she going to face Benedict now? Scratch that, would he still even want to be friends with her?

For the longest time, Sophie never thought someone could alter her life so significantly. But Benedict Bridgerton was different. He wasn’t just someone who snuck his way into her heart, he was the first person to want to know her fully. To be her true friend.

And while her fears plagued her mind, the thought of Sophie losing Benedict shattered her.

Once again, Sophie rose from her bed and walked straight to her mirror to check on her appearance. She was still wearing her pyjamas and decided to change into something a little more comfortable.

She searched for the nearest hoodie, threw it on and quickly dashed out of her flat and into the streets of London.

Benedict wasn’t staying very far. A ten-minute bus ride and she was there at his flat, which he shared with his flatmate, Will. Surely enough, Sophie made it, and she marched herself to his doorstep before stopping herself.

“Come on, this is stupid. It’s 2:30 am,” She muttered to herself. Sophie carefully retreated, willing to accept defeat and head back home.

Then she thought, I already put in this much effort. So, she proceeded to walk back to Benedict’s flat’s front door.

Sophie gathered up all her courage and knocked a few times. She decided that pounding on the door would cause a disturbance, and she was already intruding at an ungodly hour as it was.

Sophie knew that there was a chance Benedict would be fast asleep and wouldn’t hear a thing. So, after a few knocks and still no answer, Sophie stepped back, eyed the door for any sign of movement and began to walk back.

As soon as she turned around to catch the bus back, the door creaked open and a sleepy Benedict, dressed in a night robe, stood tall, rubbing his eyes while yawning.

“Sophie…?” He asked, bewildered.

Sophie swivelled around to face Benedict. She was so certain he wasn’t going to answer that she failed to prepare a reason for her unexpected visit.

“Ben…I…Hi…” Sophie stuttered as she walked closer to him.

Benedict stepped out, closing the door behind him and walked towards her until they came face to face, barely inches apart.

“Hi,” He greeted back, although he didn’t sound enthusiastic, rather, very, very confused. “What are you doing here?”

“I like you…I mean….” Sophie started. “I want something more, too.”

Benedict’s eyes widened, his feet going slightly off balance. “Oh? I thought you-”

“Please, let me explain,” Sophie gulped, all nervous. She decided Benedict was owed an explanation after her confession. After all, this visit was a little too spontaneous; it seemed too good to be true.

Sophie laced her fingers together. “I haven’t been the most honest. I mean, you know a little bit about me and my family and my background and…all that…”

Benedict nodded, gesturing for her to go on.

“I just. I’ve never been in a relationship. Hell, I haven’t even kept close friendships. And for so long, I was at peace with that. I convinced myself I never needed anyone, probably, besides Mrs Gibbons, but the truth is. I don’t know how to put my heart out there. Or at least, I’m scared to put my heart out there.” Sophie confessed.

She continued. “But when I met you, as annoying as you were, my life changed. I had a friend. And it was nice. But, over time, I always felt this strange sensation that us being friends was…not wrong…but…”

“Not enough?” Benedict finished off her trail of thought.

“Right. Something like that,” Sophie nodded. “Anyway. I don’t know, I just didn’t know how to express it.”

Benedict’s eyes softened. He knew a bit of her background; her absentee father, her isolated upbringing, her knack for independence. He was no stranger to Sophie’s reserved nature. 

“So don’t overthink it,” Benedict suggested, as if that were the very solution.

Sophie looked at him, puzzled.

“Like…it’s hard to explain, but, Sophie, I can’t hide my feelings from you, and clearly you can’t either. I don’t think it’s doing either of us a favour,” He reasoned. Sophie hesitantly agreed.

He grabbed her hands, clutching them tightly. He brought them up to his lips and kissed them, making Sophie blush.

“I understand your fear. I really do. But Sophie, I want to be with you. You’re the best thing that’s ever been mine.” Benedict’s eyes pleaded, like he longed for her love, longed for it for his whole life.

Sophie looked up to meet his starry eyes. “I want to be with you, too.”

Benedict smiled, the same one he had when he saw her in that grocery aisle over a month ago. “I love you.”

Sophie looked taken aback, but Benedict was embracing her so warmly, she never felt safer.

“I love you too.”

Instantly, he pressed his lips onto hers. Sophie gasped for air as Benedict left a trail of kisses down her neck.

Then, remembering they were quite literally outside on the street, in the middle of dawn, in public, the two of them parted.

Benedict grinned cheekily while Sophie blushed, smiling back at him, giddy as ever.

“So…what does this mean?” Sophie asked.

Benedict rolled his eyes and pulled her closer to him again, lacing his arms protectively around her petite figure.

“What this means, Sophie Baek, is we’re together,” He declared joyously, kissing her temple.

“Hmm, that works,” She joked, making him chuckle.

“And there’s no getting rid of me now,” Benedict replied playfully.

Sophie swept the hair falling over his eyes away and planted a sweet kiss on Benedict’s cheek. He smiled back, beaming. “There’s nothing I want more.”

Chapter Text

“Oh, sweets, I am so sorry for being late!” Sophie huffed and puffed as she gingerly removed her coat and kindly handed it over to the front staff attendant. She thanked the hospitable gentleman before launching into Kate’s wide open arms, crushing her in the tightest embrace.

“Nonsense, Soph. The party quite literally just started!” Kate reassured her as they pulled back from their hug.

It’d been a year since Kate and Sophie had caught up with one another in person, so this was twice the momentous occasion for them.

“I missed you so much, Kate,” Sophie pouted while pretending to hold back tears. Kate mimicked her expression and took Sophie’s hands, squeezing them tightly.

“Oh, Soph, how long has it been, a few months?”

“Try a year, babes,” Sophie corrected her. Kate gasped in plain shock, unable to believe how much time had passed.

It was funny, Sophie thought. For so long, she was used to seeing Kate every day, whether that was playing in the sandpit at school or tea time at Kate’s house or the beloved and cringeworthy sleepover sessions where Kate would spill about the latest guy that caught her eye.

Although it was much more difficult during university, they managed to catch up every month because they weren’t so far apart. But now, after graduating and embarking on their real lives, seeing each other proved even more challenging.

Aspects of adulthood that weren’t so nice.

“No way it’s been that long. But, ah, I am so happy you made it tonight!”

Sophie doubled back and dramatically exclaimed, “What do you mean? And miss your engagement party? Not for the world, and not for my best girl.”

“Aww, I love you so much,” Kate pulled Sophie in for another quick side hug. “Come, Anthony would be dying to see you again!”

Kate grabbed Sophie’s hand, and they zipped between all of the guests chatting and drinking before finally spotting Kate’s beloved fiancé, Anthony.

Sophie met Anthony briefly two years ago. At that time, they had been together for only three months, having crossed paths at a university mixer they both dreaded attending. Anthony was a guest speaker, and Kate was part of the organising committee.

The beginning of Kate and Anthony's relationship was one of those defining moments in Kate and Sophie’s friendship because it made him the number one topic in all their conversations. And as much as Sophie loved hearing about their stories, the hopeless romantic that she was, there were occasions when she’d tune out, and Kate became nothing but white noise.

Sophie could clearly tell they were in their so-called ‘honeymoon phase’.

Only a few months later, Sophie was found half being a shoulder to cry on and half being a wise old owl. 

Sophie thought that would be the end of it for Kate and Anthony, but clearly they proved her wrong. In the end, she was more grateful for it; Kate seemed more relaxed, as if she had finally allowed the weight of the world’s burdens off her shoulders. 

Sophie was proud that her neurotic, type-A best friend could finally channel her inner carefree side and allow herself an ounce of pure happiness. And she was thankful to Anthony Bridgerton for that.

“Ant, darling, Sophie’s here! You remember her, right?”

Anthony beamed, offering her a friendly cheek-to-cheek kiss as he greeted her, “Of course. How are you, Sophie? Thank you for coming tonight.”

“I’m very well, thank you and congrats again, you too!” Sophie wiggled her finger, pointing between Kate and Anthony.

Kate laced her arm around Anthony, while he grabbed her hand and held it tightly.

“Thank you, Soph. It means the world that you’re here, because I’ve been dying to ask you to be one of my bridesmaids!” Kate squealed, unable to control her excitement.

Sophie gasped and smiled widely. “Oh my gosh, Kate! Thank you for even asking, I am beyond honoured.”

“Nonsense. You’re my best friend in the world. I couldn’t ask for anyone else to stand up there with me. Well, minus Edwina,” Kate chuckled.

Sophie and Kate went in for another hug before the three of them resumed fine conversation.

“So, Sophie, I heard you just graduated from your Masters a few weeks ago?” Anthony asked.

Just as Sophie was about to respond, she heard a familiar masculine voice interrupt from behind.

“Brother!” The voice hollered enthusiastically, followed by a deep, cheerful chuckle.

Despite meeting only once, Sophie knew exactly who this was. She didn’t even need to turn around to check, but Anthony had beat her to it.

“Benedict!” Anthony replied, looking both unsettled and happy to see his brother.

Lo and behold, there was Benedict Bridgerton in the flesh. She couldn’t believe that it’d been exactly one year since she first saw him at Kate’s small birthday get together.

Benedict introduced himself after finding Sophie alone, on Kate’s funky futon. At first, she thought he was going to make a move on her, but their conversation went swimmingly, ranging from small talk to intellectually stimulating topics.

To her surprise, Benedict came off sweet and friendly. He wanted to know her, sincerely. And Sophie couldn’t help herself from falling for his charms.

But by the end of the night, Sophie had jinxed herself. Ten drinks deep by the third hour of the night and Benedict Bridgerton unlocked his rowdy side. 

It began innocently, with Benedict challenging the birthday crowd to a dance-off competition in Kate’s living room. Unfortunately for Sophie, she was part of the unlucky mix. But, Benedict had been persuasive enough to let her try.

And what was a harmless rivalry became an ill attempt at seductive flirtation. At least that’s how Sophie saw it.

Without any warning, Benedict gave Sophie a lap dance. It was terrible, mainly because Benedict didn’t know how to lap dance.

Looking back at it now, Sophie couldn’t decipher whether he was giving her a lap dance or he was just a very committed drunk-dancer that had no regard for personal space.

Either way, Sophie was not impressed.

At once, she could see through the wittingly charming facade.

She knew of guys like Benedict; an untamed spirit, recklessly wild and a notorious player.

It wasn’t Sophie’s own judgment, in fact, Benedict himself confessed to her earlier that same night, after knowing Sophie for a mere thirty minutes, that “relationships are pointless because they’re no fun”.

And that was enough for Sophie to understand Benedict Bridgerton was a bad idea.

“We thought you wouldn’t make it!” Kate exclaimed, just as surprised as Anthony.

After hugging Anthony, he exchanged a cheek-to-cheek kiss with his dearest future sister-in-law.

“I couldn’t miss your engagement party for the world. You guys are the couple of the century,” Benedict exaggerated dramatically.

Anthony rolled his eyes but patted him on the shoulder. “It’s good to see you.”

Benedict nodded back and then turned around, only to come face to face with none other than Sophie.

“Ah, look who it is. The infamous best friend, the one and only, Sophie Baek.” Benedict winked at her direction.

Though Sophie rolled her eyes and scoffed, she couldn’t help but feel all tingly as Benedict acknowledged her presence. With those sparkling green eyes gazing into her soul, her mind almost forgot he was a bad idea.

But of course, Sophie was smarter than that. She wasn’t gonna let herself fall for Benedict Bridgerton, of all men.

Meanwhile, Benedict was more than happy to see Sophie. In fact, he was hoping she’d be here tonight so that he could make up for their first meeting. A big part of him still felt so awful because he thought they were finally hitting it off.

“Nice to see you too, Benedict,” Sophie replied as composed as she could.

“Wow, you remember me,” Benedict quipped. Then he momentarily stopped one of the servers, taking not one, but two of the shots he was serving and downing both of them at once.

Sophie had to let out a deep sigh. Sometimes she wondered if this man was truly real.

“What? I need to get loose, no one’s having enough fun right now,” Benedict defended himself as if he wasn’t two drinks away from being drunk.

“How could I forget such a…personality.” Sophie eyed him up and down.

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Benedict beamed with a boyish grin. “But you ought to have some fun tonight too, this is a party you know.”

Anthony and Kate were about to interject when a wave of new guests arrived. Quickly, they dismissed themselves and went off to welcome their friends into the party.

Before departing, Anthony pulled Benedict closely. “Do not try anything with her, again.”

At the same time, Kate whispered to Sophie, “Yell help if you need.”

Anthony wasn’t particularly fond of what went down at Kate’s birthday last year. Although what happened was extremely harmless, Benedict was acting like a fool. Anthony had no choice but to apologise on behalf of his Benedict.

Benedict rolled his eyes and nodded, then turned his attention back to Sophie.

“I know how to have fun,” Sophie said matter-of-factly, crossing her arms.

“Hmm, what’s the most you can tolerate?” Benedict dared her, his left eyebrow cocked up.

“Tolerate what?” Sophie questioned.

“Alcohol,” Benedict clarified.

Sophie huffed. “I’ll have you know, I have excellent tolerance.” Then she quickly avoided eye contact and muttered softly, “Though I don’t drink very much.”

“Ah, well that’s all gonna change tonight, Sophie Baek,” Benedict grinned mischievously.

Sophie was about to protest but Benedict had grabbed her hand and was leading her to the bar in a matter of seconds.

Sure, she could’ve protested further and excused herself from him. But the crowd was so big (she didn’t even realise how many people Kate and Anthony knew) that she thought it best to stick with Benedict for now. That, and she couldn’t spot any other familiar face she felt comfortable surrounding herself by.

Benedict, however, was enjoying every second of this. And by some delusional thought, he was hoping Sophie was too.

Once they reached the bar, the two of them spotted Daphne and her husband, Simon, chatting with Gregory’s new girlfriend, Lucy. She was about to make up some excuse to part with Benedict and confide in Daphne and Simon, but he was too quick and already half-way through ordering tequila shots.

Big mistake, Sophie thought. She hated tequila shots.

She could’ve run for the hills, but her weirdly competitive side convinced her to stay.

It was funny. Benedict acted like they were old friends, with the way he behaved around her. Usually, he had his guard up for the rest of the world. But with Sophie, he could easily move past the formalities and small talk and just be his most genuine, silly self.

Sophie, too, felt strangely comfortable around Benedict. Sure, he was bad news, but he was also exciting, full of energy, full of life. It was enough to keep her attracted like a moth to a flame.

Kate was often the extroverted one between the two, often being the one convincing Sophie to step out of her shell. But since getting together with Anthony, the two girls barely made time for each other. While it made Sophie a little sad, she was just happy her best friend was getting a happy ending.

“Thanks, mate.” Benedict thanked the bartender and immediately passed the tequila shot to Sophie while taking one for himself.

“You’re doing another one?” Sophie asked in disbelief.

Benedict scoffed, a shot glass already in his left hand. “Three’s got nothing on me. Try me on my 21st and then we can talk.”

His annoyingly cocky remarks almost sent Sophie to the edge. Yet, still, there was something different about Benedict that made him stand out from other guys. He exuded this level of confidence that was infectious. And Sophie couldn’t help but cave in and challenge his knack for rivalry.

Whenever she talked back, it was stimulating. And to an odd degree, she felt sparks fly whenever he slapped on that stupidly boyish smile.

Maybe, or it was the alcohol beginning to talk. She shouldn’t have bragged about her drinking capacity because she really didn’t have one.

“God, I forgot how disgusting tequila tastes,” Sophie stuck her tongue out as if that would get the taste of shots out of her mouth.

“Yeah, you make a fair point,” Benedict agreed.

He ordered other spirits with some RTDs in the mix for a balance of flavours. Sophie had two more shots while Benedict took three for the team. She was beginning to feel a little lightheaded, but still conscious enough to know her surroundings.

“Isn’t it crazy?” Benedict said aloud.

“What is?” Sophie replied.

Benedict drew in a sigh then exhaled, like he was reminiscing. “When we met, Kate and Anthony were only dating a few months. Now they’re engaged.”

Sophie paused with that thought. It was wild, just in a matter of ten months, Kate and Anthony decided they would spend the rest of their lives together.

“How do people make decisions like that?” Benedict pondered all of a sudden.

Sophie didn’t know whether he was thinking out loud or he was genuinely engaged in conversation with her. Either way, she just shrugged and continued drinking her glass of rum and coke.

“It’s cool though. Commitment and all.” Benedict finally said after some prolonged silence of the two of them just drinking.

Sophie turned to face Benedict, a little shocked at what he just said.

“Commitment…you?” Sophie reiterated in disbelief.

Benedict shrugged but then he shook his head. “I don’t know. I’ve been starting to think that maybe having someone would be kind of nice.”

Sophie looked down, and a small smile formed on her face.

“Commitment is scary, but having a companion, I think that helps trump the fears,” Sophie commented.

Benedict emptied his glass before placing it back down on the counter. His eyes followed the bursting strobelights and was immediately hooked.

“Alright, Baek. What do you say? Do you wanna do another dance off?”

“And you’re gonna try lap dancing on me again? No thanks,” Sophie refused and she began to get up from her seat.

Benedict panicked. “No, no! Oh, man. Look, Sophie, I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to give you a lap dance, I was too drunk and stupid.” Then he murmured, but Sophie heard. “What a terrible first impression that was.”

Sophie snorted as her right eyebrow quirked up. Benedict looked at her with amusement.

“What?” He asked.

As uncomfortable as Sophie was at the time, she couldn’t help but laugh at the silly memory. If anything it was more embarrassing for Benedict than it was for her because it would haunt him for the rest of his life.

“It was a terrible first impression, since you couldn’t dance to save your life,” Sophie teased.

Benedict audibly gasped. “I am not a terrible dancer! Why you- let’s see you on the dance floor then.”

Sophie nodded, accepting the challenge and the two of them charged for the dance floor.

A couple of people were swaying away, with a few really feeling the rhythm. The DJ was playing a fast R&B-pop song, and Sophie loved every beat.

Benedict watched her in awe, admiring the way she moved so confidently and with ease. Sophie may have had this uprightness about her, but he enjoyed bickering with her because of her clever remarks. She was probably one of the few people who could tolerate his childish behaviour.

“Okay, so you do have some moves,” Benedict said, sounding impressed.

“Of course, I do. Now let me see yours,” Sophie challenged, her hands firmly planted on both sides of her hips.

Benedict snorted then let out a chuckle. “As you wish.”

The song that was blasting over the thumping speakers reached its chorus. And by some universal coincidence, Benedict danced alongside its rhythm, rarely missing a beat.

Sophie was too amused even to be mad. She laughed and laughed as Benedict’s dance moves became more serious and aggressive.

“Okay, okay. You’ve proved your point,” Sophie tried to calm him down. “Now stop before you poke someone’s eye out.”

Benedict grinned like the charming lad he was.

“My dance skills impress you?” Benedict wiggled his eyebrows.

“Not even in the slightest.” Sophie wasn’t about to admit how much fun it was to watch Benedict dance and have fun.

“Aw boo, tell me, what tickles Sophie Baek’s fancy?” Benedict urged.

“Not you, that’s for sure.”

Sophie wasn’t about to admit that she was falling for Benedict’s charm. There was just something about this man. He made her want to catapult herself into a lake to drown him out, but, at the same time, she wanted to throw herself at him, let her be his.

Benedict, on the other hand, couldn’t stop thinking about Sophie. In fact, ever since their first meeting, there wasn’t a day where Sophie didn’t cross his mind. And it wasn’t everyday where Benedict found himself thinking about a woman he’d only met once.

It’s not like he didn’t try. He had a notorious reputation, and that wasn’t something he could change overnight. But parties became less fun, and his one-night stands and situationships became more meaningless.

Beside the uncalled-for lap dance, Benedict felt some sort of connection with Sophie. Heck, she was probably the only person he was willing to engage in deep conversation with. But of course, he ruined all of that and now, she’d never think of him any differently.

Benedict stopped dancing for a second, realising that he might’ve been pushing his luck. Sophie wasn’t impressed, so what was the point in even trying.

”Why’d you stop?” Sophie frowned, panting as she tried to catch her breath.

”I don’t know. I’m- it’s stupid,” Benedict brushed her away.

”Seriously, Benedict, are you okay?” Sophie pressed on. She crossed her arms and planted one foot in front of the other as if she meant business.

”Do you hate me?” Benedict asked sincerely, with a hint of sorrow in his voice.

Sophie chuckled nervously. “What? Why would you say that?”

”That came out kind of wrong…” Benedict quickly followed up. 

“Benedict, I don’t hate you. I wouldn’t even be hanging out with you if I did.”

Sophie realised that this could’ve been his drunk self talking. So, she ushered them to sit at the nearest vacant table. A waiter happened to walk by, and Sophie immediately asked for some water.

”Is it your head? There’s some water coming if you need it,” Sophie said to Benedict, who had his head buried under his hands, on top of the table.

”No, no. It’s fine,” Benedict mumbled.

Sophie scoffed, “It’s not fine. Maybe you just can’t handle your drinks as well as you think.”

Benedict’s head shot up, and he looked Sophie dead in the eye.

”What? I’m just saying, no one has an invincible tolerance…” Sophie answered defensively.

The server returned with a glass of water, and Benedict gulped it down in one go.

”So you were thirsty.”

Benedict attempted to act cool. ”Needed a little break before round two.”

”You mean round ten? No, you’re staying right here.”

”Sophieeeee…” Benedict groaned. He didn’t want to admit that she was right because he felt like he was about to hurl right there and then. But he hated vomiting so he forcibly pushed down any chance of spilling his guts.

”No. You’re sitting down. And you need to explain to me what the hell is going on with you.” Sophie commanded as she straightened her posture.

”I’m drunk out of my mind,” Benedict giggled.

Sophie rolled her eyes. “No shit, Sherlock. And stop trying to change the topic.”

Then, Benedict did the unexpected. He reached out to fiddle with Sophie’s hair. ”You’re so pretty.” 

Sophie cleared her throat and inched herself a little further, out of Benedict’s reach.

”Uh, thanks?” Sophie tried to brush off his comment, but her cheeks began to heat up quickly.

”Noooo, I mean it, Sophieee,” Benedict drawled.

”Benedict, stop.” But a part of her wished he were serious. “You’re just drunk.” But of course, she couldn’t expect that.

The truth of it all was Benedict was the opposite of what she was looking for. He drove her insane. So, he could never be the one for her. At least, that’s what she was trying to convince herself.

They could simply never work.

Benedict dismissed her. ”I’ll remember this in the morning, trust.”

”And regret it for the rest of your life.”

Or would Sophie be the one regretting for the rest of her life?

Benedict was like a full-on rainstorm. Chaotic, energetic and bold. Sophie was like a house of cards. Delicate, orderly and poised. He was made to ruin her.

But maybe Sophie wanted a little ruining. 

Sophie realised that a part of her would always think about Benedict. And in what world would she voluntarily give up her fun time to nurse him back to sobriety?

As much as she hated it, she cared about him.

“Do you want me to get you more water?”

Benedict didn’t speak up for a few seconds, but after a few moments, he nodded.

Another server passed by and Sophie ordered two more glasses. She could’ve just walked to the bar, but she felt compelled to remain by Benedict’s side.

When the same waiter returned, Benedict downed the two glasses in lightning speed. Slowly, he began to feel a little sober.

“You know, Kate told me you were bad news,” Sophie spoke up again.

Benedict looked in Sophie's direction, a little taken aback by her comment.

“Of course, I knew you were, from the beginning,” She added. “You weren’t very subtle about your…adventurous engagements.”

Benedict scrunched up his face in embarrassment, knowing precisely what she meant by that.

“Then you got piss drunk and gave me a lap dance. Well, an attempt at a lap dance.”

“And, again, I’m very sorry-” Benedict interjected but Sophie spoke over him again.

“Then tonight, you dare me to drink and dance with you again. Then you call me pretty.”

Benedict leaned back. “I meant that with the utmost sincerity.”

Sophie stood up. She wasn’t mad, instead, she was conflicted. 

Finally, she drew in a breath before exhaling. “But for some strange, out of this world reason, you amuse me.”

Benedict blinked. Was he amusing to her?

“You’re everything I never wanted. You’re probably my worst nightmare, but I don’t know. Seeing you today, and spending time with you at this loud, overwhelming party. A part of me felt okay. Safe. Fun. Thrilled.”

Sophie scoffed. She couldn’t believe the words she was saying. Sometimes, it paid to keep one’s thoughts in silence.

Benedict couldn’t believe the words he was hearing either. Just minutes ago, he was convinced Sophie was getting sick of him.

“You amuse me, Benedict Bridgerton.”

“And you amuse me, Sophie Baek.” She more than amused him. She was so captivating, like a firework show.

Benedict stood up, finally able to firmly ground himself without feeling wobbly. He stepped towards Sophie, caressing her cheek. But before he could make a move, Sophie dropped her guard and crashed her lips onto his.

Benedict’s hand snaked around her waist as he pulled her closer to him. He reeked of alcohol, but Sophie couldn’t care less. She devoured his taste, her kiss sinking deeper as he begged to explore her. Her fingers ran through his hair, looping her index finger around a loose curly wave.

Soon enough, Sophie realised what she had got herself into and quickly pulled away with Benedict barely able to let go.

She opened her eyes and blinked at him rapidly, but Benedict was too stunned to speak.

“What was that?” He said, panting.

“I don’t know…” Sophie began. “That was…wrong. I’m sorry.”

Before she could dash off in shame, Benedict stopped her. “Maybe it was wrong to you. But to me, it felt right.”

Sophie’s shoulders relaxed as Benedict reassured her. Slowly, she retreated and sat right back down on the table. Benedict moved himself closer, barely leaving inches between them.

“The truth? I haven’t stopped thinking about you since we met,” Benedict confessed. “And since then, it’s been agonising.”

Sophie’s eyes softened. This was the first time she witnessed Benedict being truly vulnerable. Well, except for earlier when she literally had to stop him from blacking out.

“And…when I saw you today, I thought to myself, ‘Thank God Sophie’s here’.” Benedict chortled, scratching the back of his neck, feeling all nervous.

Sophie chuckled, “And I thought to myself, ‘Yikes, Benedict Bridgerton strikes again’.”

Benedict laughed, not because of himself, but because of Sophie’s radiating joy.

She just got him. He couldn’t explain it, but his intuition told him that she was the one.

He stepped one foot forward. “You really despise me that much?”

“Oh, I despise you. I despise you a lot,” Sophie joked. To her surprise, Benedict was pulling her back close to him.

Ever so tenderly, he planted another kiss. This time, it was short and sweet, but it was enough to make Sophie levitate.

“I can live with that.” Then she threw her arms around his neck for a more intensely passionate kiss.

A few minutes later, Kate and Anthony had circled back, spotting Sophie and Benedict in what looked like a full make-out session.

“I swear they were about to rip each other’s heads off just fifteen minutes ago?” Anthony questioned, unable to believe what his eyes were telling him.

Anthony was about to interject before Kate stopped him.

“Let them be…We were once like that, too.”

Anthony heaved a sigh and carried on to talk to a few more guests who noticed his presence.

Kate laughed to herself, shaking her head. “And, I knew it.”