Chapter 2

SOPHIE 

I stepped out of the taxi and paid the driver, tightening my wrap over my shoulders and smiling at my son, Miguel, as I began walking, using my G****e Maps app to navigate my way to the right place. Rotterdam was a unique and appealing city, situated on the banks of the Nieuwe Maas river. The port was well-equipped and connected, with a long history of maritime activity. The city had the most modern skyline in the Netherlands, with its architectural designs and lively cultural life.

As I walked, I noticed my phone battery was almost dead and decided to ask for directions before I got stranded. "Excuse me, sir. Can you tell me where Valentina Foster's family home is?" I asked softly. The way the old man looked at me sent shivers down my spine, but he simply pointed to the left side of the road without speaking. "Thank you," I said, and watched him walk away before following his directions.

A few meters ahead, I saw someone waving at me. It was Valentina. She ran up to me and took my backpack and suitcases from me. "Valentina, it's really you! I almost didn't recognize you," I exclaimed. She smiled widely. "Of course, that's possible. We've never met face to face. Apart from the photos of me that I normally upload on I*******m, I knew you might not recognize me immediately," she said softly.

I nodded in agreement.

"My friend, I'm so happy to see you," she said, brushing Miguel's hair. "Please, let me show you the way," she said, leading me towards the entrance of her house.

The exterior of the house was quite old. The paint was faded and some of the windows were broken. The place really needed a complete renovation. I couldn't help but think that if I hadn't already mapped out what I planned to do with the funds I had brought with me, I would have offered to help. But it didn't matter. My days of luxury were over and I needed to adjust to my surroundings in order to fulfill the purpose of my visit.

Inside, the house was completely different than I had expected. The sitting room was huge, with three chairs in the center and a chandelier hanging from the ceiling. A large television was mounted on the wall, and the walls and ceiling were covered in mirrors and doors. The floor was tiled with a red shag carpet. A man approached from one of the rooms and greeted Valentina with a kiss on the lips before turning to me.

"Sophie, meet my husband, Cassino Foster," Valentina introduced us. He was a dark-skinned man, about six feet tall, and extended his hand for a handshake.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Foster. Thank you for your hospitality," I said.

"It's nothing. My wife's friend is my friend as well," he replied, studying me with his eyes. "You're quite young to have a child," he said, in an offhanded manner.

I smiled, not sure if it was a compliment or a subtle criticism of my having a child out of wedlock. "I'm not that young anymore. I'm turning 25 this year, so please take back your word. Miguel is the best thing that has ever happened to me," I replied.

If he was surprised by my response, he didn't show it, simply nodding. "I didn't mean it that way, Sophie. No offense," he said.

"None taken," I replied.

I whispered something to Valentina before climbing the stairs to what I assumed was their master bedroom. As I entered the room, I couldn't help but appreciate its simplicity yet comfortable feel. The walls were painted a soothing shade of blue, and in the center of the room stood a king-sized bed, complete with a large standing fan to keep the room cool. The floor was beautifully marbled with dark blue and white carpet.

I carefully unpacked my things and placed them around the room before making my way over to the bed. I gently lifted my son out of his baby carrier and placed him on the bed. "Stay here, okay? I'll boil some warm water for you," I murmured to him, even though I knew he wouldn't understand.

He gurgled happily, his dark eyes sparkling with joy.

I made my way over to the small kitchen area, where I retrieved a bottle of water from the fridge. I took a sip before filling Miguel's bottle flask with warm water. I wanted to make sure that the water wasn't too hot for him, so I mixed it with some cold water from the bottle. Cradling him in my arms, I began to change his damp diaper, trying my best to keep him comfortable and entertained. He kicked his legs and giggled, a sound that filled my heart with love.

Once he was changed, I retrieved his already prepared bottle of milk from my backpack and playfully trickled some of the milk onto his lips. He opened his mouth wide and began to suckle hungrily.

Just as I was finishing up, there was a knock on the door. Valentina, my host, stepped in uninvitedly. "Sophie, you can rest up today. Tomorrow, I'll fill you in on how we live around here," she said before leaving, closing the door behind her.

I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to rest and adjust to my new surroundings before diving into the unknown. I finished feeding Miguel and put him to bed before getting some rest myself, looking forward to the next day and all the new experiences it would bring.