Chapter 1

 

SOPHIE 

More than a year later….

I walked into the production company, my heart heavy with uncertainty. I had been working in the R&B department for the past year, trying to save enough money to relocate to Holland and start a new life for myself and my son, Miguel. I had a special talent for discovering new talents and my boss, Alex, had recently promoted me to a supervisor position.

But the time had come for me to leave and I wasn't sure how Alex would take the news. I also had another reason for relocating, to find my father who I had recently found out was alive and not dead like my mother had made me believe all these years.

I found Alex sitting at his desk, staring at his computer screen with a frown. He didn't seem to notice me enter, so I waited patiently for him to finish his phone call. As I stood there, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness. Alex had been a good boss to me, always understanding and supportive of my situation.

The office was dimly lit, with a few fluorescent bulbs casting a pale light on the rows of desks. The walls were painted in a pale gray, and the floor was a scuffed hardwood.

Finally, Alex hung up the phone and looked up at me. "Sophie, what's up?" He asked, his voice filled with concern.

I took a deep breath and began to explain my situation, telling him about my plans to relocate to Holland and start a new life for myself and my child, and also about my plan to find my father. He listened patiently, his expression neutral.

When I finished, he leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on mine. "Sophie, I understand where you're coming from, but I'm going to be honest with you, I'm going to miss you. You're an asset to this company and I don't want to lose you."

I felt a lump form in my throat as I replied, "I'm going to miss this place too, but I have to do what's best for my child and me. I hope you understand."

Alex nodded. "I understand. And I support you. You're a strong and determined woman, and I know you'll do great in Holland. As for your father, I hope you find the answers you're looking for."

I thanked him and we said our goodbyes. As I left the office, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I had taken a big step towards my future, and I knew that it wouldn't be easy, but I was ready for the challenge. I was ready to be a mother and find my father.

As I walked out of the office building and onto the busy street, I felt a sense of excitement and nervousness. This was a new chapter in my life, and I knew that it would be filled with challenges and obstacles, but I was determined to see it through.

I also knew that finding my father wouldn't be easy, but I was willing to do whatever it takes. I had so many questions, so many things that I needed to know. Why did my mother lie to me all these years? Why did my father leave me and my mother? I was determined to find the answers and finally have closure.

As I walked down the street, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. I knew that the road ahead would be long and difficult, but I was ready for it. I was ready to be a mother, a strong and independent woman, and to find my father.

I was ready for whatever the future holds. I thought about my mother. I hadn't spoken with her much in the past thirteen months and just last week, I saw her wedding invitation to her Damian. Which is all the more reason why I was determined to leave this place and go find my father.

Was I making the right decision by leaving my job and moving to Holland? I didn't have the right answer to that. I didn't have any family or friends there, just a stranger I had met on F******k named Valentina who I had reconnected with a few months ago. But I was determined to make it work.

When I got home, I picked up Miguel from his crib and held him close. He was a bundle of energy at four months old, always squirming and cooing. I sat down on the couch and and played with him, trying to push away the doubts and fears that were creeping into my mind.

As I played with Miguel, I couldn't help but think about the sacrifices I was making for my son. I knew it wouldn't be easy but I was determined to give him a better life. With that thought in mind, I put Miguel down for a nap and picked up my phone. I took a deep breath and dialed Valentina's number.

"Hello, Sophie," Valentina answered.

"Valentina, it's Sophie," I said. "I know this is sudden but I was wondering if I could ask a huge favor of you. I've decided to leave my job and relocate to Holland to give my son and myself a better life."

Valentina paused for a moment before responding. "Sophie, of course you can stay with me. I'd be happy to help you out in any way I can. When are you planning on coming?"

I let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you so much, Valentina. I was thinking of coming in a few weeks. I needed to turn in my resignation letter and find a place to live before I leave."

"Don't worry about anything," Valentina reassured me. "I'll help you find a place to live and get settled. We'll make it work, I promise."

I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. I had a plan and someone to help me through it. I said goodbye to Valentina and hung up the phone, feeling a sense of hope and determination.

The next few weeks were a blur of activity as I worked to tie up loose ends before leaving. I gave my notice at work, made arrangements for Miguel's care, and packed up my belongings. I was sad to leave my hometown but excited for the new opportunities and experiences that awaited me in Holland.

As the day of my departure approached, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. I was scared and nervous about the unknown, but also determined too and that determination was what I held onto until the day I boarded the plane with Miguel in my arms.