Id always admired Sophie, a sharpeyed department head at a London firm. Shed been looking forward to the New Year break for weeks, planning a trip up to the Scottish Highlands to try her hand at downhill skiing. Her daughter, Alice, was in her third year at university, studying on a fully funded place and even receiving a scholarship. Sophie loved bragging about it to her colleagues.
Smart girl, Alice, shed say, no tuition fees and a stipend to boot. I can finally afford a proper holiday.
Her friend and coworker, Nicola, would reply, Youre right, Sophie. Your daughters doing brilliant, unlike my own lad who still needs his dad to pull the strings and shuttle him to the campus for a decent allowance.
Sophie earned a respectable salary, owned a flat in Camden and a modest hatchback. Shed been divorced twelve years ago; her exhusband had gone back to his hometown, cut off all ties and forgotten he ever had a daughter. Sophie didnt mind; shed raised Alice on her own, and the girl was now studying in Manchester and likely to stay there after graduation.
Sophie was tall, pleasantlooking, with chestnut hair cut into a sleek bob and serious brown eyes. She was courteous, wellmannered, and after the divorce shed had a few romances, but none that promised marriage. This winter getaway was the first thing shed truly looked forward to since the summer.
Nicola, look at this ski suit Ive bought, she laughed, holding up the glossy jacket. Its pricey, but Im treating myself. Finally Ill learn to ski, while you and your husband already zip down the slopes. If only we had a resort closer to home, we wouldnt have to travel so far.
Just before the holidays the office threw a festive party, everyone let loose, and then the staff drifted off for their respective breaks.
Enjoy every minute, Sophie, Nicola called out as they said goodbye. My husband and I are heading to his parents cottage for the holidays, so well catch up once youre back. Take your time, the break is three days longer than usual.
Thanks, Nicola. Ill try to relax fully. Im used to summer vacations, so a winter break will be a change, Sophie replied.
She boarded a flight to the Scottish resort and, after the holidays, the office reconvened, refreshed but still yearning for a longer break.
Hey, Sophie, Nicola greeted her with a bright smile when they met again. You look radiant, like youve just walked away on a cloud. Must have been a fantastic holiday.
It was the best vacation of my life, Sophie replied, eyes sparkling. Glenshee, Aviemore, the Cairngorms its all stunning. And the food, the whisky, the scenery I even met a bloke.
Do tell, Nicola urged. Whats his name?
The instructors called Arthur. He teaches snowboarding, and Ive fallen for him, Sophie confessed, blushing. Hes charming, attentive, and made the whole experience feel like a romance novel.
Congratulations, Sophie! Finally something serious for you, Nicola said, genuinely delighted.
Sophie wondered how they could make a longdistance romance work, since shed have to fly back to London while Arthur stayed up in the hills. He, however, reassured her not to worry.
From the moment we met, it felt like a movie, Arthur had told her. We toured the town, dined in the fanciest restaurants, and one evening, high up on a mountain overlook, I confessed my love.
It sounds like pure romance, Nicola remarked.
Arthur explained, Ive been waiting for a woman like you. There are plenty of pretty girls up here, but none have sparked this kind of feeling. Our connection is mutual, and Im ready to move for you.
Sophie and Arthur talked for hours about their future. She didnt want to leave her job, and he wasnt keen on abandoning his life in the Highlands. Eventually Arthur agreed to relocate to London for her sake.
Good for you both, Nicola cheered. Arthurs a great guy.
When the time came for Sophie to return home, Arthur promised a swift reunion. Ive still got two months on my contract, then Ill be with you, he said, seeing her off at the airport.
They kept in touch daily, sending each other tender messages. Sophie kept Nicola updated, thanking fate for the love shed found and counting down the days until Arthurs arrival.
Two weeks later, Arthur sent a worrying text: Sophie, I slipped during training and broke my leg in two places. Doctors say I need surgery urgently.
Sophie called him straight away. Ill book a flight and take unpaid leave. Ill be there as soon as possible.
Arthur replied, Dont bother flying; Im in the hospital. Could you loan me £300 for the operation? Ill pay you back as soon as Im back on my feet.
Without hesitation, Sophie transferred the money, trusting the man she loved. Nicola, however, raised a cautious voice.
Sophie, thats a lot of money to send to someone youve barely met. Maybe verify the doctors details first, she warned gently.
Sophie shot her a fierce look, silencing any doubts. I know what Im doing, she said.
Arthurs messages continued, expressing gratitude and promising to repay every penny. Sophies days were filled with counting down the days of his recovery and the eventual flight back to London. She reassured him constantly: Your health comes first. I love you, and Ill wait for you, no matter how long it takes.
Then Arthur messaged again, saying he needed another £30000 to buy a ticket and finalize his move. He pleaded, If you could send that, Ill be there soon and will give you everything you deserve.
Sophie read the request with a heavy heart; Nicola noticed her distress.
Whats wrong now, Sophie? Nicola asked.
Sophie showed her the long, pleading note. It read, in Arthurs shaky tone, It feels like my life is a series of dark clouds, but thinking of you and our meeting gives me hope. Dont think badly of me. The message ended with the same request for money.
Nicola felt uneasy, rereading the text. Sophie, this smells like a scam. He keeps asking for cash. You should be careful.
Sophie defended him: Arthur is sincere; hes just had a rough patch. Someone has to help him, and Im his lady. Youre being overly suspicious.
Nicola pressed on, Youre not exactly rolling in cash, love. Im worried hes taking advantage of you. Dont send any more money.
Even Sophies exhusband, whom shed spoken to in confidence, chimed in: Dont trust him, Sophie. Tell him you cant send the money. Hes a weak, whiny man who always needs funds.
Sophie called Arthur. Im sorry, but I cant send any more. Im broke myself. Figure something out.
Arthurs voice turned harsh. Fine, youre selfish. Ill find someone else then, he snapped before hanging up.
Nicola sighed, See? Hes not worth a penny. Youll find a proper man someday, someone who doesnt drain you.
Sophie stared at the silent phone, the weight of the deception sinking in. The winter snow outside reminded her of the bright days shed once hoped for, now clouded by a harsh reality.
