CHAPTER 9

Sophia’s POV

My heart pounded fast in my chest. I clutched my phone, where Kayla’s face was framed by the tidy office background of her new workspace. 

“I'll be right back,” she hissed anxiously, glancing off-screen.

I nodded, trying to muster a semblance of calm.

The minutes stretched on, each one feeling like an eternity. I stared at the screen, willing my breathing to slow, my heart to quiet. Did Elijah hear us talking?!

Finally, Kayla returned. “Elijah's gone,” she said. “He didn't seem to hear me talking. He's meeting with Serena again, who's happy to kiss his ass.”

A bitter laugh escaped me. Then Kayla leaned forward and spoke, her voice low and confiding. 

“I don't know what’s so great about Serena that Elijah would choose her over you. And, Sophia, I know you drafted the divorce settlement without including the division of property. Are you really willing to give up everything—the property and all of your supposed share in Elijah’s assets, and the man you love—for Serena?”

I swallowed hard, my throat tight. 

“It’s not really about Serena,” I began, my voice trembling but growing stronger with each word. 

“After I lost my child the first time, Elijah wasn’t the same. He wasn’t as nice, or as present. I mean, we didn’t marry out of love in the first place but at the beginning, he seemed to care about me, you know? Then I had a miscarriage and he was just… gone. He buried himself in work, and I was left to fend for myself every day.”

Kayla's eyes widened, and she leaned in closer, her attention rapt. 

I went on. “Elijah's house, it wasn’t a home for me. His stepmother treated me like a maid, abusing me at every turn. There was no warmth, no love. Just coldness and neglect. I started thinking about divorce then… I eventually talked to a lawyer and started preparing the papers.”

I paused, the memories washing over me, painful and raw. “Serena’s arrival was just the last straw. She made me realize, once and for all, that Elijah didn’t give a damn about me. He could never learn to love me…”

Kayla’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “Sophia, I had no idea it was that bad already. I’m so sorry.”

I offered her a weak smile, feeling a strange sense of relief. “That’s why I filed for divorce. Not because of Serena alone, but because of everything that came before. Honestly I don’t even know if they had an affair while we were still married. But it doesn’t matter… I just couldn’t keep living a life where I was constantly neglected, constantly hurting. I had to take control, for myself, for my sanity.”

Kayla’s eyes widened. “Soph, I just can’t believe it. Serena really took advantage of everything falling apart between you and Elijah. No wonder he’s been working late ever since you left. But honestly, I never saw him flirt with her after you left. Even Connor didn’t notice anything like that.”

I sighed, the old wound aching anew. “It doesn’t matter, Kayla. None of it matters to me anymore.”

Kayla's expression softened, sympathy etched in her eyes. “I know, it’s just... it’s frustrating. And by the way, Serena has been rejecting every single program I submit. Every. Single. One. She’s clearly got it out for me.”

I frowned, leaning closer to the screen. “Why don’t you go directly to Elijah? He’s professional and doesn’t let personal feelings interfere with his work.”

Kayla nodded thoughtfully. “You’re right. Maybe that’s what I need to do. Thanks, Soph.”

I gave her a small smile. “Anytime, Kayla. You’ve always got my support.”

Suddenly, I noticed her gaze shift slightly, her eyebrows raising in curiosity.

“Sophia,” she said, her voice laced with amusement, “is that Daniel outside your door?”

I glanced over my shoulder, seeing Daniel's silhouette lingering in the hallway. 

Kayla giggled. “He really can't stay away from you, huh? You guys spend so much time together, helping each other out... really, won't you get attached?”

I rolled my eyes. “You know we're just friends, really…”

“Maybe for now,” she said with a wink, her tone playful. “But seriously, it's nice that you have someone around. Must make things a bit easier.”

“It does,” I admitted, smiling softly. 

Kayla glanced at her watch and sighed. “I hate to cut this short, but I need to head out soon. We’ll talk again soon, okay?”

We put the phone down just as Daniel knocked and made his way in through my slightly open door. “Hi, Sophia!” He greeted me cheerfully. “Have you eaten dinner yet?”

I shook my head and explained that my conversation with Kayla had unexpectedly stretched longer than I’d expected. 

“Oh, you know you can’t be missing your meals or eating too late,” Daniel said. “Let me make dinner for you.” 

He strolled over to the kitchen before I could stop him. 

“Hey, it’s fine,” I told him. “I’m pregnant, but I can handle that myself. Don’t stress yourself out too much.”

He smiled gently at me. “Yes, I know that. You’re truly an amazing woman, Sophia, and very much capable of taking care of yourself. But I like doing things for you, really. I enjoy being able to look out for you…”

I didn’t know how to react. He came forward and took my hand in his. “You know, ever since high school…”

I could sense where this was heading, and my heart raced. I quickly interrupted, needing to set boundaries before he could continue. “Daniel, I'm really focused on school right now,” I said, my voice firmer than I felt. “I just got divorced, and I'm pregnant. I can't think about anything else right now.”

He nodded, understanding but undeterred. “You're right,” he agreed, though his eyes held a hint of persistence. “Your focus should really be on your studies and on your baby.” 

He finally let go of my hand, to my relief. “Just know that I’m always here for you.”