Chapter 2 - Melvin Musgrave

"Mom, do you really think she'd go there?" A tensed Alissa asked Rachel, Marvin's mother who was wearing a crooked smile on her face.

"Alissa... Alissa... She'll definitely go there." Rachel said as she rotated a phone which was switched off in her old hands, while leaning on her chair.

"I don't know, it just seems like a long shot. Though, Sophia may seem like a fool. It might also just be a mask to keep a leash on Marvin," Alissa said, biting her lip.

Rachel laughed, "Trust me dear. I know, Sophia. She's nothing like how you've imagined her in your head. All she has is a pretty face with no brains unlike you. And, I'm sure by now she must have even reached the hotel."

"But, what if she didn't? Our entire plan would fall apart, Mom." Alissa voiced out her thoughts, bitting her perfectly chipped nails.

The concern in Alissa's voice made Rachel stand up as she stroked her hair lovingly before throwing in the words to comfort her," Even if she hadn't gone. The only girl I'll ever accept as my son's lawful wife is you, my lovely Alissa. As for Sophia, Marvin will throw her outside the house tomorrow itself. That's my promise to you."

"But, what if Marvin really loves her, Mom?" Alissa asked, looking up at Rachel with concern etched on her face.

Rachel sighed at Alissa's unwanted concern," Love is not something that Marvin feels for Sophia, Alissa. I've known my son for 28 years. All she is to him is an untainted beautiful porcelain doll. Once that doll is tainted, it wouldn't take take him even a moment to replace it. And, that moment will be tomorrow. All you have to is patiently wait till tomorrow. Okay?"

Alissa nodded, feeling somewhat reassured by her soon mother-in-law's words. She knew that Rachel had always been protective of Marvin and would do everything in her power to ensure that Alissa was the one who ended up marrying him. Therefore, after that answer she let that matter rest. However, one thought still lingered in Alissa's mind.

What must be happening at Melvin Musgrave?

"Madame, we have reached the hotel." The driver called out to a Sophia who was daydreaming about finally being able to see her mother-in-law being friendly towards her. The joy in her eyes were shining brighter than crystals. With a shine so pure that anything could hardly compare.

"Thank you, Mr. Driver." Sophia replied with a smile as she stepped out of the car and made her way towards the hotel entrance.

As she entered the grand lobby, her heart skipped a beat. The elegant marble floors, the golden chandelier that hung from the ceiling, and the grand staircase that led up to the rooms gave her a sense of awe. She had always been a simple girl, and something this grand was all just too much for her.

However, she quickly composed herself and headed towards the reception desk. She had a job to do.

"Good evening, how may I assist you?" The receptionist greeted her with a smile.

"Hi, I'm Sophia. I'm here to meet Rachel Carson. Room 128." Sophia said, keeping her tone formal and polite.

The receptionist checked her computer for a moment before turning back to Sophia. "Are you Miss. Sophia?"

Sophia nodded, "Yes, that's me."

"Great. Madame Carson is waiting for you in her room. You can take the elevator to the 12th floor and then turn right. Room 128 will be the furthermost room on your right-hand side. Here's the room's key card." The receptionist told her, pointing towards the elevator and then handing Sophia a black card.

"Thank you." Sophia thanked the receptionist gratefully with a smile before taking the room card from her, making her way towards the elevator.

As she entered the elevator, Sophia couldn't help but feel nervous. She had never met Rachel Carson before, and she had no idea what to expect. All she knew was that she had to convince the woman to give her a second chance with Marvin.

As the elevator doors opened on the 12th floor, Sophia took a deep breath and stepped out.

Just as she did, the poor girl's illness acted up. A painful sting hit her mind making her stop entirely as her mind was cleared of all the chain of thoughts she had running in her brain.

Which direction she had to turn into?

Right? Left?

After a lot of thinking, her thoughts started kicking back in as she decided to turn left.

The furthermost room on the left.

Turning left, she quickly found room and hesitantly swiped the key card to enter to dim-lighted beautifully decorated room.

"Hello? Is anyone in here?" Sophia called out, her voice echoing within the room.

There was no response. Sophia walked further into the room, taking in the grandeur of it all. Suddenly, she heard a soft chuckle that sent shivers down her spine.

Once, she did turn around. It wasn't Rachel who was there standing behind her. But, a gorgeously dressed blue-eyed drunk man who was breathing rather heavily.

Sophia's heart raced as she took a step back, reaching for the lamp handle behind her.

"Who are you? What are you doing in Room 128?" Sophia asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

The man stumbled towards her, his face twisting into a leering smile as he grabbed her arm. "Room 128? Don't act innocent, little kitty. Like you weren't the one who put aphrodisiac in my wine and waited in my room to sleep with me."

Sophia's heart was pounding against her chest as she struggled against the man's grip, but he was too strong for her. She was about to scream when a pair of warm lips came crashing down on hers as the blue-eyed man's hand snaked behind Sophia, loosening her grip on the lamp handle.

Sophia's mind went blank as she pushed against him, but his grip only tightened around her. 

She has never felt this safe yet this threatened around a man.

As soon as their lips parted, Sophia who was already weak in her knees came crashing down on the white marble floor, without the support of the man upholding her.

Tears streamed down her eyes as she looked up at the man pleadingly, "Please let me go."