chapter 4: Meeting someone from the past

Sonia didn't expect that her hand would be intercepted before it got to her victim. None of her punches had been intercepted before, which she blamed on her current strength.

She admires the driver's strength. With one hand on the wheel, the other hand was used to wade off her attacks. She concluded that she would be no match for him if he decided to face her head on.

The taxi came to a halt and Sonia was half dragged from the vehicle.

“Why have you brought me here?” she asked the driver, glaring at him. She could see he had no killing intense but didn't let down her guard regardless.

Benjamin stood intimidating across Sonia as his eyes scanned her. “Who are you?” he questioned back.

Sonia stood rooted to the ground as she heard the familiar voice. She had grown addicted to the voice, for her not to recognize it amidst the disguise.

“Ben?” she called out before she could stop herself.

Benjamin pulled off the face mask he wore when he heard her call his name. She was able to recognize him amidst his disguise, further confirming his suspicions. He was certain that he hadn't met the lady before him except when he watched her take down the gangs.

“Anna,” Benjamin called in a cracked voice as he engulfed her in a tight hug.

Sonia quickly realized her mistake as she wriggled from his embrace. She had to quickly correct her mistake to avoid complications.

“You're harassing me mister!” she said with a straight face as she tried to suppress her raging heart.

“Anna, I know it's you, please don't push me away. I already have enough guilt to last me a lifetime, don't add to it.” he pleaded desperately as a tear slid down his cheek contradicting his cold demeanor.

Sonia was taken aback when she saw his tears. The first and only time she saw him cry was when he lost his sister in an accident, and he was shedding tears because of her!

Her heart raced as she watched him. She was moved to wipe his tears off, but controlled herself.

“You have the wrong person. I would be leaving if there's nothing else.” she said as she turned quickly to avoid doing the unimaginable.

“I won't lose anyone that matters to me again. You're my responsibility, and you will always be.” Sonia heard him say as she increased her footsteps, her cheeks glistening with tears.

******

Sonia arrived at the Williams family house where she was heading to before her encounter with Benjamin. She rang the doorbell as she waited with her arms crossed.

Soon enough, the door opened and her nanny's smile was what greeted her. She often wondered if the women had no worries for her to be cheerful always.

“How have you been, Sonia?” she asked her as she ushered her in.

“Am better. I am sorry for my behavior at the hospital.” she apologized as she remembered how she shouted at her.

“It's nothing.” she responded, waving it off.

“Is grandfather in?” she asked her.

“Yes, he's in the study.” she replied and Sonia nodded at her before she made her way to the study.

She made to knock before her grandfather's voice stopped her, ushering her in.

“Grandpa!” she called as she went straight to his embrace.

“I heard you went to the company today. You shouldn't stress yourself, you know you're just recovering.” he said as he patted her hair.

Sonia knew he had men stationed at the company and wasn't surprised when she heard him.

“Grandpa, didn't you notice anything suspicious in the company?” she asked him as she sat on the chair opposite him.

Grandfather Williams was surprised when he heard her. “Is something wrong?” he asked back.

He had indeed noticed the abnormalities in the company but had decided to keep mute. He was respecting his daughter's decision and that was why he didn't interfere. If only she had listened to him and not gotten married to her husband.

Hearing her grandfather's question, she concluded that he didn't have all the necessary information and changed the subject.

“I am here for a reason today.” she said, dragging his attention back to her.

“You're always here for a reason, and it hurts my old heart.” Grandfather Williams said with a feign annoyance.

Sonia feels cheated being accused. She and the previous occupant were two different beings, and she was taking the blame for her previous actions.

“I will keep your company often in the future, Grandpa, if you agree to my request.”

“What's your request this time?” he asked, a grin plastered on his old face.

“I want the marriage alliance canceled.” she said, and grandfather Williams looked at her as if she had grown horns.

From the report he gathered, his granddaughter was head over heels for her betrothed and had done some despicable things in her attempt to get closer to him. Hearing her make this request sounds absurd to him.

“Are you sure about this?” he couldn't help but ask as her request was beyond his comprehension.

“Yes grandpa. It saddens me that I have to tie Mathew down against his wish.” she said as she made a dramatic sorry expression.

“If you say so. I will contact the Jordan family and discuss with them.” he said and Sonia hugged him when she heard his response. She knew she could always count on him.

“I will prepare Grandpa's favorite meal as appreciation.” she said, disengaging from the hug.

“You can't cook, Sonia,” he reminded her.

“People change, grandpa.” she said with an eye roll as she exited the study.

Grandfather Williams continued staring at the door after her exit. This granddaughter of his hated cooking as much as she despised feces. Just how much did she change?