Chapter 58: TherapySOPHIEThe walls of my therapist’s office were painted a calm shade of blue, but the peace that they were supposed to give only made me feel more on edge. Dr. Collins sat across from me, her pen placed over a notepad, her eyes patient. “So, Sophie,” she began, “How have you been faring emotionally since… everything?” she asked, her tone soft, almost too soft. “You mean since Jacob nearly killed me?” I snapped, crossing my arms, feeling the heat rise to my face“Yes, Sophie. Since that incident.” She responded, blinking but remaining calm.“I’m fine,” I said, my voice sharp and clipped. “Perfectly fine. Why does everyone keep asking me that? What do you want me to say? That I wake up in a cold sweat? That I hear his voice in my head? That I feel like I’m losing my mind?” I added, my jaw clenching.I hadn’t meant to spill so much, but the words just came out, I couldn't help it. “Sophie, it’s okay to feel this way. What happened to you was traumatic, and…” She
Chapter 59: At warJOHN EVANSI arrived home from my business trip feeling relieved, ready to unwind after a stressful trip filled with negotiations. The house was quiet, maybe a little too quiet, but I didn’t think much of it. Mia had probably gone out, and the staff knew better than to disturb me when I first got back.I poured myself a glass of scotch, savoring the warmth as it slid down my throat. Finally, a moment of peace. The moment I set the glass down, a thick envelope sitting on the edge of the dining table caught my eye. My stomach rumbled as I tore it open and I made a mental note to ask the maids to get me something to eat after I was done resting. The letter was short, formal, and straight to the point—Notice of Intent to Contest the Will. I read it twice, my pulse quickening and my grip on the paper tightened as the realization sunk in. Ethan was correct, so Greg was actually going through with it. After all the arguments, the blatant disrespect, the entitlement, he
Chapter 60: in her headMIAI stared at my phone for what felt like forever before finally dialing Sophie’s number. Our disagreement has escalated for long enough, I needed to sort out our issues. The ringtone echoed in my ears, and when she finally picked up, her tone was sharp and guarded. “What do you want again, Mia?” she snapped. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to remain calm. “Sophie, can we please talk? I hate how things have been between us.” “Oh, now you hate it? Funny, considering you didn’t think about that before betraying me.” she said, her words dripping with sarcasm. Her words stung, but I pushed through. “I didn’t betray you, Sophie. I’ve tried to explain so many times now…” I tried explaining.“Don’t, Just don’t, Mia. I don’t want to hear your excuses.” She said cutting me off.“Sophie, I didn’t mean to hurt you. I swear. I thought we could move past this.” I stated, gripping the edge of the counter, tapping my fingers while at it. “Move past this?” she
Chapter 61: PillsSOPHIE“Are you Sophie?” I heard a voice ask, I turned around and saw that it was Amanda, Jacob’s sister. Her sharp eyes locked on me like a hawk hunting prey, and I immediately regretted stepping outside. I tried to sidestep her, but she moved quickly, blocking my path. “You think you’re so untouchable, don’t you? You ruined my brother’s life, and now you’re trying to act like the victim.” She hissed, her voice laced with venom. I froze, her words striking a nerve I didn’t want to acknowledge. “I don’t have time for this, Amanda. Leave me alone.” I responded, trying to get away from the situation.But she wasn’t having it. “Leave you alone? Did you leave Jacob alone? You pushed him to the edge, Sophie. He’s dead because of you. You!” Her voice cracked, and for a split second, I saw the pain behind her fury.“Your brother made his own choices. Don’t you dare put that on me.” I responded as I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms.She stepped closer, in
Chapter 62: Pre-trial conflictGREG EVANS“Hello again!” I heard a voice whispered in my ear.I looked to see who it was and there she was, the girl from a few nights ago. I had dismissed her then, uninterested and caught up in my feelings but tonight was different. Tonight, I need a distraction. Her smile was coy as she sat on the barstool next to me, her red lips wrapping around the rim of her cocktail glass. I didn’t bother with small talk. I knew what she wanted, and I wanted same. “I’m staying upstairs, do you care to join me?” I asked, cutting through whatever greeting she might’ve been planning. Her eyes widened slightly, then she smirked and nodded. No hesitation. Perfect. I was frustrated and needed something to pour it out on and she was just perfect, she didn’t seem to mind. If anything, she matched my energy, pushing back, challenging me. I ravaged her succulent body and entered her with every stroke venting each frustration.When I was done with her, I got up with
Chapter 63: OD’dLIAMBowling was my escape, a place where I could be free. I decided to go bowling to celebrate finally being free of those blackmailers. Every strike I threw felt like a small victory, a way to claw back some control over my life. I was mid-game, aiming for another shot, when my phone rang in my pocket. I almost ignored it, but something told me to check. It was my father. I sighed and answered. “Yes, Dad?” “Come to the family house immediately.” He said, his voice stern and clipped. No pleasantries, no explanations as usual.I knew better than to argue. His tone left no room for debate. When I arrived, I was greeted by the usual grandeur of my family’s home. Expensive furnitures, polished floors, and an air of self-importance that matched my father’s personality. He was waiting in the sitting room, a girl by his side. She was dressed flawlessly, her posture perfect, and she had the kind of poised smile you’d expect from someone groomed for public appearanc
Chapter 64: Court hearingAUTHOR'S POVThe courtroom was charged with tension as the trial for the contested WILL progressed, and Ethan could feel the weight of every eye on him. John sat beside him, stiff with anxiety but trying to maintain composure. Across from them, Greg’s lawyer, Marcus, was a picture of unshakable confidence, his smug expression making Ethan’s blood boil. This wasn’t just about inheritance, it was about control. And as much as Ethan hated to admit it, the case had taken a turn for the worse.The Judge called the room to order, his voice carrying authority as he glanced at the opposing sides. “Mr. Marcus, you may begin.”Marcus stood smoothly, adjusting his cuffs before addressing the court. “Your Honor, today we are faced with a situation that raises serious doubts about the validity of this so-called will,” he began, his voice cold and calculated. “We believe that the will submitted by John Evans is a forgery. This document was not written by the late Mr. Ev
Chapter 65: Focus, MiaMIAI had gotten dressed and had been waiting for Liam to pick me up for over an hour, looking at my phone constantly to see if I'll get any messages from Liam, but nothing. I had called him so many times, and each time it went straight to voicemail. What the hell was going on?I picked up my phone again, dialing his number yet again, but as expected, it rang out. The anger was bubbling up in me now, gnawing at my insides. Why was he doing this? Now I was regretting agreeing to his arrangement, I didn't want to go but he insisted. I wasn’t asking for much—just for him to show up, just for him to care enough to be there when he said he would.As I finished my last sip of wine, I decided to call it a night. I started to head back upstairs to change when my phone rang. Liam’s name appeared on the screen, and despite the frustration coursing through me, I answered.“Mia, I’m so sorry,” his voice came through, tired and strained. “I didn’t mean to stand you up. Som
Chapter 118: FuryJOHN EVANSI dropped Mia off at the house and gave strict instructions to the security not to let her out. My blood was boiling and my fists clenched so tight my knuckles ached. The image of Ethan and Mia together, still fresh in my memory. My own best friend. My daughter. How could they? I needed to forget everything. I zoomed off, gripping the steering wheel, my breaths coming in short. I didn’t trust myself around Mia—not when I was this furious. I needed a drink. I drove aimlessly until I spotted a bar on the corner of an empty street. Without thinking, I pulled in, parked, and headed inside. The smell of alcohol and smoke hit me instantly. It was quiet, only a few people scattered around. Perfect. I walked straight to the counter. “Whiskey. Neat.” The bartender nodded, pourin
Chapter 117: Mr politicianLIAMI stood outside my apartment door, gripping my keys so tightly my knuckles turned white. I recalled what my boss told me as I got to the office.“We're sorry, we have to lay you off. We appreciate your time here.” That's how I was fired. Just like that, without any reason.I hadn’t even seen it coming. One moment, I was in a meeting, and the next, I was being pulled aside by my boss who told me that my services were no longer needed. No explanation. No warning.I forced a breath through my nose, trying to push the frustration down. I wasn’t going to tell Sophie. Not yet. She had been dealing with so much at work, and I didn’t want to add to her stress. I unlocked the door and stepped inside. The apartment was quiet. “Sophie?” I called, scanning the living room. No answer. I che
Chapter 116: Danger to societyETHANPain was the first thing I felt when I woke up. A deep, throbbing ache that spread through my ribs and face like wildfire. I groaned, my head pounding as I forced my eyes open. My vision was blurry, but I could make out a figure sitting beside me. It was Emily. She was dabbing a cloth against my forehead, her face unreadable. “You’re awake,” she murmured, relief laced in her voice. I tried to sit up, but my body protested. “What the hell are you doing here?” I rasped. “You were beaten unconscious, Ethan,” she said matter-of-factly. “Someone had to take care of you.” I scoffed, wincing at the pain it caused. “I don’t need your help. You're the one who caused all these in the first place.” She frowned, clearly irritated. “You could at least say thank you, I mean, I did all of that for your own good. She doesn't deserve you, she too young for…”I glared. “I didn’t ask for your help. Get out.” She hesitated, her lips pressing into a thin
Chapter 115: A wreckMIAThe car ride home was unbearable. The silence between dad and I was suffocating and heavy. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, glancing at my father, but his hands remained tight on the steering wheel, his knuckles white. His jaw was clenched, his entire body was stiff with fury. I swallowed hard and finally gathered the courage to speak. “Dad…” My voice was quiet, hesitant. Nothing. “Can we at least talk about this?” I tried again, my fingers twisting in my lap. Still nothing. He didn’t even glance in my direction. I bit my lip, my chest tightening. “I know you’re mad, but…” He let out a sharp breath through his nose, gripping the wheel even tighter. “Mad?” he finally spoke, his voice dangerously low. “Mad doesn’t even begin to cover it. I'm livid, Mia Alexandria Evans.” I flinched, he never calls me by my full name. “Dad, I…” “Don’t! I do not want to do this with you, young woman.” His voice was cold, final. Tears stung my eyes. I hated th
Chapter 114: Did you groom her?JOHN EVANS“You really need to organize this mess,” Ava teased, holding up a stack of papers with a playful smirk. “How about I organize you?” I responded, wiggling my brows.She laughed, the soft melody filling my office as she ran her fingers along the edge of my desk. I chuckled, leaning back in my chair. “As for organizing the office files, isn't that what assistants are for?” She rolled her eyes. “I’m your secretary, dummy. You’re so impossible.” Something about the way she said it—her tone, the light amusement in her voice sent a sharp pang through my chest. It was the exact same way my dear Martha used to say it. For a moment, I saw my late wife standing there instead of Ava. Martha. I swallowed hard, the guilt creeping in on me. How could I be here with another wom
Chapter 113: Don't get killedETHAN I leaned against the counter, staring at my phone for a moment before finally pressing the call button. The dial tone barely rang twice before Mia picked up. “Hey,” she answered, her voice soft. I exhaled, feeling lighter just hearing her. “Hey, baby. I wanted to tell you something.” “What is it?” She responded.I smiled, “I sent Emily away.” There was silence then she asked cautiously, “For real?” “For real. She packed up and left this morning. I told her she had no choice but to sign the divorce papers. She fought it, of course, but I don’t care. I should’ve done it sooner.” I responded, “hopefully, she doesn't cause any more problems.”There was another pause before she said, “I don’t even know what to say.” “Say you’ll come over.” I smiled, trying to ease the tens
Chapter 112: Watch your attitudeSOPHIEThe past few weeks had been excruciating, working under Alexis had been nothing short of hell. She found every reason to criticize me, overload me with unnecessary tasks, and question every decision I made.If I as much as breathed wrong, she’d be there, arms crossed, lips curled with that stupid smirk. I endured it, knowing that engaging in a battle of egos with her wouldn’t end well. But today, she was on a whole new level of insufferable. “Sophie, I need you to redo the entire client report,” Alexis barked, dropping a thick file onto my desk. “The formatting is completely off, and frankly, I expected better. Didn't you graduate from one of the most prestigious universities in the country?” I looked up, barely masking my irritation. “But I followed the company template, Alexis.” “Well, it’s wrong. Redo it.” She turned on her heel, but not before adding, “Oh, and I need it in an hour.” I clenched my jaw but nodded. There was no point
Chapter 111: You’ll regret thisETHANMia was lying down close to me, I rubbed my eyes to make sure I wasn't dreaming, I looked down and she was still there, in my arms.I reached out, trailing my fingers lightly over her arm. She stirred, a small hum escaping her lips, but she didn’t wake. Smiling to myself, I slowly slid out of bed, careful not to disturb her. Slipping on a pair of sweatpants, I walked into the kitchen. Mia had fallen asleep early last night, exhausted from all the rounds we went on yesterday, and I wanted to do something for her. Breakfast in bed seemed like a good idea. As I moved around the kitchen, cracking eggs and brewing coffee, I thought about how different things felt when I was with her. Unlike Emily, Mia didn’t try to manipulate me or force me into anything. With her, I could breathe. When the food was ready, I balanced the tray in my hands like a chef and walked back into the bedroom. Mia was just beginning to wake, stretching lazily before her eye
Chapter 110: Families stick out for each otherJOHN EVANSI woke up to the warmth of Ava’s body beside me, her soft breath tickling my bare shoulder and for a moment, I just lay there, watching her, wishing we could stay like that forever. She looked so peaceful, so content like she belonged here, in my arms, every morning. A lazy smile appeared on my lips as I brushed a strand of hair away from her face. Just as I was about to pull her closer, she stirred, her eyelids fluttering open. “Morning,” she murmured, her voice husky from sleep. “Morning, beautiful,” I said, pressing a kiss to her forehead. She stretched, a satisfied sigh escaping her lips. “You’re staring,” she teased. “Can’t help it,” I admitted. “I like waking up to you.” She grinned, but then her gaze flickered to the clock on the nightstand. “You have work, Mr. Evans.” I groaned, burying my face into the pillow. “I’d rather stay here.” “Well, you can’t,” she laughed, playfully shoving my shoulder. “Go be