The morning in David Miller's apartment was serene, filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the warm light streaming through the kitchen window. Sofia sat at the table, wrapped in his oversized shirt, her hair cascading loosely over her shoulders. She stirred sugar into her cup with a languid motion, gazing at the professor with a soft smile. David, standing by the stove, was preparing scrambled eggs, his movements practiced and unhurried.
He placed a plate before her and settled across the table, his fingers curling around a steaming mug of coffee.
"Sophie," he began, his voice calm but tinged with seriousness. "Now that you've defended your thesis… what's next? Are you thinking about an academic career? Or perhaps a job in the private sector?"
She paused for a moment, her eyes thoughtful. Then, with a wry smile, she replied, "You know, I still haven't figured out what I want to be when I grow up."
David chuckled, but his gaze remained attentive, searching. "I'm serious, Sophie. You're talented. Your work in philosophy, your thesis… you could go far. Or is there something else you want?"
Sofia leaned back in her chair, her fingers toying with the sleeve of his shirt. She gathered her thoughts before speaking, her voice tinged with introspection.
"My first degree was in marketing," she began. "I had plans to work in sales, build brands, that sort of thing. It seemed logical—career, money, stability. But then… three years ago, my parents died in a car accident."
David froze. He knew she had lost her parents, but she had never spoken of it so openly before.
"Sophie, I'm—"
"It's okay," she interrupted, her voice gentle but firm. "I didn't know they were… wealthy. We lived well, I never wanted for anything, but it wasn't extravagant. After their deaths, I found out about the inheritance. Properties, stocks, accounts. Turns out, I might never need to work." She gave a small, bittersweet laugh, a shadow passing over her eyes. "And suddenly, I realized I had no idea what to do with it. The money, the freedom, myself."
She paused, her gaze drifting to the window where the morning light danced on the leaves outside.
"I enrolled in a philosophy master's program because… it felt like a calling. I wanted to understand what I want, who I am. But I still don't know," she admitted candidly. "The only thing I've truly wanted in my twenty-five years was you, David. And I got you." Her smile warmed, carrying a hint of vulnerability. "As for what comes next… I haven't the faintest idea."