“I have a business trip to attend,” he said. “And I’ll be with Vanessa.” He didn't even hesitate to state the words. “You’re choosing her over me?” she asked, disbelief is washing over her. “After everything we’ve been through?” “It’s not about choice; it’s about what I want,” “And I want to be free of this.” The room felt like it was closing in on her, and she struggled to catch her breath. “But what about our marriage? What about the baby?” Julian’s expression didn’t waver. “I’ll take care of the baby, like what I'd said before. But don’t expect me to stick around.” Sophia felt the tears stream down her face, her heart breaking further with every word he spoke. “So you’re just going to walk away?” “I’m not walking away; I’m moving forward,” he said, the words cold and final. “Moving forward?” “Is that what you call this?” “It’s what I call taking control of my life,” he replied, turning to grab his suitcase from the corner. Sophia immediately tried to grab Julian'
The next day, Sophia who's trying to make her day a little bit far from stress froze as the front door creaked open. She recognized the low murmur of Julian’s voice, and for a brief moment, her heart fluttered with hope, only for it to plummet as another voice followed—a soft, flirtatious laugh that belonged unmistakably to Vanessa. There they were, standing in her home, laughing together as if they didn’t have a care in the world. Julian held Vanessa’s hand, his eyes alight with the same warmth that Sophia hadn’t seen in months. Her stomach twisted in knots, but she forced herself to stand taller, refusing to let the anger and hurt show. They barely noticed her, too engrossed in each other, until she cleared her throat. Julian’s eyes finally landed on her, but instead of the shame or guilt she’d expected, there was only annoyance. “Sophia, why are you standing there?” he snapped, his tone is sharp. “I could ask the same of you,” she replied, voice barely concealing the contempt s
Sophia sat in the waiting area, feeling out of place in the elegant surroundings. The polished marble floors, leather couches, and modern art on the walls made everything feel foreign, too luxurious, almost surreal. Her fingers toyed with the strap of her purse as she fought back a mix of anxiety and curiosity. The door to the inner office finally opened, and a sharply dressed man stepped out. “Ms. Grant?” he said, extending a hand. “I’m Daniel Shaw. Thank you for coming in.” Sophia stood, her hand trembling slightly as she shook his. “Thank you for... contacting me. I’m still not entirely sure why I’m here.” Daniel offered a reassuring smile. “Please, come inside. We’ll go over everything.” As she entered the office. Everything felt like a world away from her life, her struggles. She took a seat across from the lawyer, eyeing the stack of files on his desk. Daniel settled into his chair, folding his hands neatly on the desk. “I can imagine you have a lot of questi
Sophia’s entire body felt both numb and heavy as she lay in her hospital bed. The exhaustion was overwhelming, yet the feeling of fulfillment glowed within her as she gazed down at the little face cradled in her arms. Her newborn was beautiful, with soft, chubby cheeks and dark eyes that blinked up at her, unaware of all the bullshits that her father did to his Mom. The room was quiet, save for the gentle breathing of her baby and the soft whispers of her friend, Jamella, and the man standing nearby—the man she now knew as her real father. Jamella leaned in. “Sophia… he looks just like you.” She gently brushed her fingers over the baby’s tiny hand, which instinctively curled around her finger. "He’s perfect." Sophia managed a tired smile, her gaze fixed on her son. “He’s the only thing that makes sense right now.” Jamella nodded, as she noticed Sophia glancing toward the doorway, as if expecting someone to appear. But the minutes ticked by, and still, the door remained clos
Are you seriously going to wear that to the meeting?” Julian scoffed as he entered their home, his scanned Sophia's outfit. She stood in the kitchen, stirring a pot on the stove. Then she turned, feigning surprise as she heard what Julian said. “What’s wrong with it? It’s comfortable,” she replied, the corners of her mouth lifting slightly. “Comfortable isn’t exactly what I’d call it. You could at least try to look presentable,” he said, tossing his briefcase onto the counter with a thud. “Presentable?” She raised an eyebrow, masking her amusement. “Isn’t that what Vanessa does best?” Julian’s face hardened at the mention of Vanessa. “Don’t bring her into this, Sophia.” “Oh, but she’s already part of it, isn’t she?” Sophia replied, stirring the pot with a casualness that belied her heart which beating in her hidden annoyance towards her so called husband only in paper. “You seem to care a lot about her opinion.” “Enough,” he snapped, running a hand through his hair.
Always work stuff,” Sophia replied, she's trying to keep her tone playful. “You should really take a break, Julian.” “Don’t worry about me,” he shot back, his eyes glued to the television screen. Sophia smiled at herself. “I’m not worried. Just intrigued. You seem a bit too invested in your work lately.” He glanced at her, his expression hardened. “What are you getting at?” “Nothing at all?” she replied, leaning against the counter with an air of casual confidence. “I’m just curious if your new project is going to keep you busy enough to forget about me—No, to forget about your responsibility to our son.” “Stop it,” he warned, as he narrowed his eyes at her. “Why, honey? Why can't you just admit that you're maybe busy tickling someone's not contented womanhood? Are you afraid if ever karma's just waiting up on you somewhere?" she teased, she's even disgusted by her own words. “I’m not afraid of anything,” he said, but the slight tremor in his voice told her otherwise. Sop
Vanessa’s eyes narrowed, and for a moment, Sophia saw a big curiosity written all over her face. “You really think you can compete with me?” Vanessa’s voice was laced with venom. “You’re nothing without him.” Sophia smirked, as she crossed her arms on her chest. “I’m everything without him. You may think you have the power, but you’re wrong. I’m not going to sit back and let you walk all over me. I have my own plans.” Vanessa arched an eyebrow. “Plans? What could you possibly do?” Sophia stepped closer, her voice dropping to a near whisper. “Let’s just say I have ideas for making my presence known in Julian’s life. Stay if you want, but don’t expect it to be easy.” Vanessa let out a cold laugh, though there was a slight waver in it. “You think you can intimidate me? Julian chose me. Not you.” Sophia eyeing her now, as she tilted her head. “Did he choose you, or did he choose the easiest path? He may be with you now, but he’ll never forget who I am and everything I’ve sacri
Sophia gripped her phone, staring out of the window as the early morning go into the room. Every inch of her felt numb. For the first time in years, the answer felt clear. She needed to leave Julian, and she shouldn't feel guilty about it. The phone call came in, a low ring that broke the silence. Sophia answered on the reflex. “Sophia speaking," she whispered, so she won't wake up her baby who's now peacefully sleeping. “Mrs. Sebastian?” She hears her father's attorney on the other line. Before she speak up, she can't even prevent her self from smiling bitterly, hearing Julian's surname. “You requested a consultation.” “Yes, that’s right. I need to discuss my inheritance and...the divorce paper,” she said, her words coming out more confidently than she expected. “Of course. I’ll set up a time today at your father’s office. We’ll cover everything.” A pause, then: “It’s wise to know all your options.” Sophia’s chest tightened. This is it, there's no turning back.
The daroma of the baked bread dance with the savory scent of roasted chicken, wrapping around Sophia and Aaron like a warm hug as they stepped into Alexander’s charming home. The soft glow of lights bathed the beautifully decorated living room in a golden hue, making it feel like a cozy nest of happiness. Laughter bubbled from the kitchen, where Alexander’s father and Sophia’s dad were engaged in a lively conversation.Aaron, clutching Sophia’s hand with his tiny fingers, felt a rush of excitement mixed with a sprinkle of nervousness. It wasn’t every day they got to join in on gatherings like this, and a world of wonder awaited him.Before he could voice his thoughts, Alexander crouched down to meet Aaron’s curious gaze, his eyes twinkling with warmth. “Hey there, Aaron!” he said, extending his hand for a high five. “I’m really glad you’re here.”Aaron hesitated for a heartbeat, then, with a grin that lit up his face, he smacked his palm against Alexander’s. “Me too!”Alexander chuckl
The atmosphere in the interrogation room was thick with a palpable tension, like a tightly wound spring just waiting to snap. Above, the harsh fluorescent lights flickered sporadically, casting dramatic shadows that danced across the cold, gray walls—an eerie backdrop to the standoff unfolding within. Veronica sat in a stiff metal chair, her wrists cuffed to the table, her expression a delightful cocktail of frustration and defiance.Her nails tapped an impatient rhythm against the unforgiving steel surface, while her foot bounced nervously beneath the table. She had been here for what felt like an eternity, an hour filled with the agony of waiting—waiting for the detectives to come at her with their accusations, waiting for their attempts to crack her composure.With a creak that seemed to echo off the walls, the door swung open.In stropped two detectives, their demeanor as cold and calculating as a winter's night. The older man, distinguished with his neatly combed gray hair and sh
The ride home unfolded in a blanket of silence, heavy and thick, as if the air itself had decided to hold its breath. In the distance, the flickering lights of police cars danced like fireflies, a haunting reminder of the chaos they had just escaped. The wreckage was now behind them, but the memories clung on like stubborn shadows, refusing to let go. The tires hummed rhythmically against the asphalt, the only sound piercing through the tension that enveloped the car.Sophia sat in the passenger seat, her arms wrapped around herself, peering out the window as if the passing scenery could somehow wash away the night’s harrowing events. Her mind replayed the drama like a broken record—the heart-pounding chase, the crack of gunfire, the horrific wreck that had nearly claimed them. Each moment echoed in her thoughts, leaving her feeling cold and unsettled.In the backseat, Alexander was a study in stillness. His expression was like an unreadable book, his fingers tapping absently against
The crash site was a chaotic swirl of flashing red and blue lights, casting vibrant hues against the dark canvas of the night. Police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks surrounded the mangled wreckage. Officers dashed about with purpose, securing the perimeter while paramedics leapt into action, their faces set with determination as they raced to assess the damage. Above them, smoke curled lazily from the remains of Julian and Vanessa’s SUV, its once-proud metal frame now twisted and contorted against the cliffside. The road above bore the scars of the violent chase, a chaotic tapestry of skid marks, shattered glass, and debris that told a story of reckless speed. Alexander and Sophia found themselves seated on the dirt, hearts racing and bodies trembling, but somehow, miraculously, unscathed. The adrenaline still surged through them, a wild river of energy that made their breaths come in uneven bursts.Sophia ran a shaky hand through her hair, her gaze fixed on the burning wreckage,
The smoke curled and twirled in the night air, wrapping around Alexander and Sophia like an unwelcome shawl as they burst onto the rooftop, their breaths coming in ragged gasps, hearts pounding like a drum in their chests. Below them, the distant wail of sirens harmonized with the crackling embers that danced like fireflies, but up here? Ah, up here, the city sprawled out in all its glittering glory, an endless sea of lights.Sophia pressed her back against the rusty water tank, its metallic surface cold and unforgiving. She gripped Alexander’s wrist just as he was about to dart off into the unknown. “Wait!” she hissed, her voice barely rising above the whispering wind that tousled their hair. “Do you hear that?”In an instant, Alexander froze, straining to catch the faint murmur of voices drifting over the low concrete barrier. He edged closer, moving with the stealth of a cat, peering into the shadowy depths at the rooftop’s far edge.There stood Julian, leaning casually against the
Sophia’s heart raced like a wild drum as she took stock of her surroundings. The room felt sparse and bare, its corners adorned only by a few forlorn items: an old wooden crate that had seen better days, a rusty pipe that looked like it had stories to tell, and a discarded piece of metal, glinting like a forgotten treasure in the dim light. She focused intently on the rhythms of her captors, Julian and Vanessa. She noted the times they flitted in and out, the cadence of their conversations, their little habits, each detail adding to her growing resolve.“Think, Sophia,” she murmured to herself, determination knitting her brow. “You can’t give up. You’ve got to find a way out of here...” Her gaze swept the room, landing on the rusty pipe, glistening with potential just within her reach. If she could just maneuver her chair a little closer, she might have a chance! She began to shift her weight, inching her chair toward the tantalizing prize, her heart pounding a steady rhythm of hope
“Alexander,” Vanessa’s voice glided through the phone, smooth and calculated like a finely tuned melody. “I’ve been mulling over your predicament, and I believe we can strike a deal that benefits us both.”“What kind of deal?” he shot back, his heart thumping wildly against his chest. “I’m not interested in your little games.”“Oh, this is far from a game,” she replied, a playful lilt dancing in her tone. “This is a golden opportunity for you to reunite with Sophia. All it takes is for you to meet my terms.”“What do you want?” he pressed, a tight knot forming in his stomach like a coiled spring ready to snap.“A simple transaction,” she said, confidence oozing from her voice like syrup. “Hand over a hefty sum—let’s say five million—and agree to my conditions. Then, you’ll have the chance to see Sophia again. No tricks, no traps. Just a straightforward exchange.”“Five million?!” Alexander echoed, disbelief crashing over him like a wave. “You think I just have that kind of cash sittin
“Thank you all for coming on such short notice,” Alexander began, his voice a careful balance of steadiness and urgency as he surveyed the team of detectives gathered around the table. His heart raced like a drum, pounding with the weight of their shared mission. “We need to find Sophia before it’s too late.”Detective Harris, a veteran officer with an unyielding air of authority, nodded gravely. “We understand the urgency, Alexander. But we have to be realistic about our approach. Julian is unpredictable, and he has a knack for covering his tracks.”“Unpredictable? That’s putting it mildly!” Alexander replied, frustration bubbling just beneath the surface like a pot about to boil over. “He’s a monster who thrives on chaos! We can’t just sit here, twiddling our thumbs while he plots his next move!”“Hold on there,” Detective Ramirez interjected, her voice firm yet soothing. “We need a plan that considers Julian’s cunning tactics. He’s not going to make this easy for us, and we have to
Sophia’s heart raced as she heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps drawing near. With a theatrical creak, the door swung open, and in sauntered Julian, exuding confidence with a predatory smile that could curdle milk. “Ah, our little captive is awake,” he declared, his voice oozing with playful mockery. “What a delight to see you again, Sophia. What? Do you think that we are too weak that you can able to totally escape?"“Get away from me!” she shot back, her words sharp as arrows, trembling with a defiant fire that flickered in her eyes.“Such spirit!” he chuckled, striding closer with the swagger of a cat toying with a mouse. “But you know, that fire can be snuffed out quicker than you think. It all depends on how you choose to play the game.”“What game?” she challenged, forcing herself to meet his gaze with a bravery she didn’t quite feel. “You really think you can intimidate me? You’re barking up the wrong tree.”Julian’s grin widened, but the sparkle in his eyes hinted at sha