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.
Sophia walked into the nursery, her heart softening as she watched her son sleep, his small hand curled around his blanket. Kneeling beside his crib, she whispered, “It’ll be just us soon. You and me, in a better place.” Just as Sophia settled onto the couch to take a moment of peace, her phone rang. It was an unknown number, but she picked up, expecting it to be the lawyer with an update. “Mrs. Sophia Grant Sebastian?” The voice was tense, she could sense almost panicking. “This is St. John’s Hospital. Your husband has been admitted.” “W-What? What happened?” She's surprised, as she see her reflection in the mirror still wearing some worried face after what she heard. “There was… an incident involving his company,” the nurse explained, sounding unsure. “We don’t know the full details, but you should come right away.” Sophia’s mind spun. “I—I’m on my way.” She hung up, still in shock. As she grabbed her things, her phone buzzed again with another message, this t
Julian... asking for another chance? After everything? After he left me begging for his love... for you...” It's late at night. Sophia is sitting on the edge of her bed, gazing at her baby peacefully sleeping in a crib beside her. “Little one, you don’t even know how much your life has changed mine. You’ve given me strength... but why does it feel like I’m about to make the weakest decision of my life?” She reaches out, brushing her baby’s tiny hand. Her eyes glisten with an unshed tears Her mind flashes back to Julian’s voice earlier that evening, firm but desperate, while lying on the hospital bed. --- “Sophia, please. I’ve made mistakes... terrible mistakes. I was a fool. But I’m trying to fix them. I just need... I need you to help me. For our child, if not for me.” “And what about the nights I cried alone? The days I walked around like a shadow of myself because you made me feel worthless?” “I was blind. But I see it now. Sophia, you and our baby are my family. I’ll do
Sophia cradled her baby in the nursery, the soft hum of the lullaby machine is filling the room. The child’s tiny fingers curled gently around hers, and for a brief moment, peace settled over her. But the serenity was short-lived. Her father’s voice echoed in her mind, it's stern and unrelenting. "Sophia, you’re making a mistake. He’s using you. Again." Then came Jamella’s voice, sharper and more urgent. "You’re blind if you think he’s changed. People like Julian don’t change—they just get better at fooling you." She shut her eyes, willing the words away. Julian had been trying. He’d been home more, spending time with their baby, even cooking breakfast. And yet, doubt lingered like a shadow she couldn’t shake. The door creaked open, breaking her thoughts. Julian stepped inside, his smile is wide and disarming. “Hey,” he whispered, leaning against the frame. “How’s our little angel?” “She just fell asleep,” Sophia replied softly, her gaze is fixed on the baby’s peaceful
“Are you ready?” Alexander’s deep, steady voice filled the hallway as he stepped inside Sophia’s grand yet understated home. He adjusted his cufflinks, his sharp navy suit tailored perfectly to his form, exuding an effortless sophistication. “Just a moment!” Sophia’s voice called out from upstairs. Alexander leaned against the polished bannister, his brow furrowing as he heard the faint click of her heels descending the staircase. When Sophia came into view, his breath hitched. She was a vision in a floor-length, crimson gown that clung to her curves in all the right ways. Her hair, styled in soft waves, cascaded down her back, and her makeup highlighted the sharp cheekbones and full lips he hadn’t noticed before more often. She was radiant—commanding, even. There's really something different from her now, it's a sense of strength. “Wow…” The word escaped him unbidden, and Sophia paused at the bottom of the stairs, her lips curving into a subtle, knowing smile. “Is it too mu
Alexander’s lips curved into a small smile as he stared at the photo on his phone screen. It was a candid shot taken at Grant's mansion. Sophia, her son, and himself sitting together at the carpet, laughter frozen in time. The image looked deceptively like a family portrait, and Alexander couldn’t stop himself from repeatedly glancing at it. “They could be mine,” he murmured under his breath, his thumb brushing over Sophia’s face on the screen. He chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Not even close.” Still, he couldn’t deny the warmth spreading in his chest as he stared at her. Sophia’s laughter in the picture was genuine, unguarded—something he rarely saw these days. His gaze lingered on her solo shot, taken later that same day. Her soft smile,—it did something to him. His pulse quickened, betraying emotions he hadn’t fully acknowledged until now. And then anger simmered beneath the surface. Her ex-husband, Julian, had destroyed so much of her trust, wasted so much of what she h
"Come on, buddy, give me something here," Alexander teased, his rich baritone carrying through the quiet living room. He was on the floor, lying on his side, gently wiggling a plush giraffe in front of Sophia's baby boy. The baby cooed, waving his tiny fists toward Alexander’s tie, which had become his new favorite toy. "He's obsessed with that tie," Sophia said from the couch, her arms crossed as she watched the two interact. "You’re going to spoil him." "Good taste should be encouraged early," Alexander quipped, carefully lowering the tie within the baby’s reach. The baby grabbed it, letting out a squeal of delight. Sophia shook her head, a soft smile is tugging at her lips. She didn’t know what to make of Alexander Cater. At first, she thought he was just doing a favor for her father, fulfilling some unwritten rule of loyalty between business partners. But the way he treated her son—with tenderness, patience, and genuine care—was starting to chip away at her skepticism.
“You’re letting them win, Sophia.” Her father’s voice was calm, but there was an edge to it—a fury he barely masked. Sophia sat slumped on the couch, her face is pale and devoid of the spark it used to have. She didn’t even glance up at him. “What do you want me to do, Dad? Fight them in court? Waste more money just to hear people say that Julian and Vanessa are saints and I’m the bitter ex-wife?” she muttered, running her fingers through her unkempt hair. Her Dad crossed his arms and stared at her for a long moment. “No. I want you to stop giving up.” Sophia scoffed, leaning back into the cushions. “Easier said than done. You don’t have the entire country laughing at you. I do. Every time I step out, people whisper about how pathetic I am. And Julian…he just gets to live his life with her, like his son never existed.” His Dad's’s jaw tightened. “You still have people who care about you, Sophia. Jamella and I aren’t going anywhere. And your son—” “My son doesn’t even
“Vanessa, don’t you think it was a bit theatrical?” Julian asked, there's a hint of amusement in his voice as the door to his lavish office clicked shut. Vanessa smirked, tossing her designer handbag onto the plush leather couch. “Theatrics are necessary sometimes. Sophia’s humiliation needed to be public. It cements the narrative in everyone’s mind.” She adjusted her crimson nails, inspecting them like nothing else mattered. Julian poured himself a glass of whiskey from the crystal decanter on the side table, the clinking of ice is the only sound in the room for a moment. “Still, I don’t like leaving loose ends.” Vanessa scoffed, sauntering over to him. “She’s all bark and no bite. Besides, the evidence we planted is foolproof. Even if she screams conspiracy, no one will believe her.” ~ Flashbacks... Julian raised an eyebrow, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. “Foolproof? That’s a strong word, Julian. You better hope you're right because I don’t enjoy surprises—e
Sophia’s heels clicked sharply against the polished floor as she strode into the high-class bar, the doors slide open effortlessly in front of her. She was done with the day, done with the lies, the drama, and most of all, done with them. "Vanessa? Really?" she muttered to herself, feeling the burn of humiliation deep in her chest. Her ex-husband's affair had taken center stage in her life, and Vanessa, the girlfriend, had been flaunting it for all to see. Sophia could barely breathe without someone whispering behind her back, throwing the blame on her like she had somehow been the one to ruin everything. The bar was quiet, an escape from the chaos outside, the dim lighting making it feel like she was stepping into another world entirely. She moved toward the counter, trying to steady her shaking hands. She settled onto a barstool, signaling the bartender. "Whiskey, neat," she said, her voice surprisingly calm, though inside, it was anything but. The bartender didn’t questi
“Is this some kind of joke?!” Sophia's voice echoed sharply across the cold marble floor of Julian's company lobby. Her heart raced as she took in the chaos in front of her. Her belongings—her meticulously curated files, her awards, even the small cactus she kept on her desk—were being unceremoniously dumped into cardboard boxes by two security guards. Julian leaned casually against the reception desk, arms crossed, a slight smirk tugged at his lips. Vanessa stood beside him, dressed impeccably in a tailored black dress, her crimson nails were tapping rhythmically on her phone as if Sophia's outrage were nothing more than background noise. Sophia stormed toward them, her heels clicked like gunshots against the floor. “Julian, Vanessa, what the hell is going on? You can't just throw my things out like I’m some disgraced intern. I own the majority shares in this company!” Vanessa didn’t even bother to look up. “Not for long,” she murmured with a dismissive chuckle. Sophia’
Sophia had stayed late, long after the board meeting had ended, trying to focus on the numbers in front of her. But the weight of Julian and Vanessa’s presence—especially their closeness—had been impossible to ignore. She had to push past the bitterness, keeping herself focused on the work at hand, she must keep in her mind the goal that she has. Then, just as she was about to leave, the door creaked open. Vanessa stepped inside, her heels are clicking sharply on the floor as she moved toward Sophia’s desk. Her posture was straight, too confident, and the smile she wore was anything but friendly. Sophia didn’t even look up. She didn’t want to. But Vanessa didn’t seem to care. “You know, I thought you’d be gone by now,” Vanessa said, her voice dripping with condescension. She stood just a little too close, the scent of her perfume is now filling the space between them. “I mean, after everything Julian’s done, I thought you’d want to get away from all of this. From the company,
“So, what's next?” she asked, her voice is low, yet filled with anticipation. “She already owns most of the company. Now, we need to make sure she feels it. That she knows she’s not welcome here.” Julian's lips twitched into a bitter smile. “She’s not going to be able to walk in here without feeling the weight of what she’s lost. I’m going to make sure of that. We’ll make her regret every decision that led her to this point.” He leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled in front of him. Vanessa’s eyes glinted with excitement. “I’m in. But we need to make her feel it, Julian. Not just the business side. We need her to see us—together. In front of her face. That’ll hurt her the most.” Julian thought for a moment, then nodded. “Exactly. Let’s make sure she sees how happy we are. How perfect we are. Let’s remind her of everything she can’t have anymore.” Vanessa walked over to him, sitting on the edge of his desk, her proximity deliberate. She lowered her voice, her tone is