All Chapters of It's Pay Back Time, My Ex-Husband!: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

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

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.

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 is hiding just outside Julian’s office, the low light from the ajar door illuminates her tear-streaked face. Her chest tightens as she strains to hear the conversation inside. “Do you really think she bought your little redemption act? That 'I’m-suddenly-a-good-husband' nonsense?” Vanessa asked Julian, mocking Sophia. “Of course, she did. Sophia’s always been naive, clinging to her precious ‘happy ending.’ All I had to do was throw her a few breadcrumbs—a couple of sweet words and a few staged moments with our son," Julian sighed, saying this annoyed. Vanessa then laughed coldly. "You’re such a smooth liar, darling. But what’s the plan now? She’s been getting too confident lately, thinking she’s got her life back together.” Julian is back in his chair. “The plan stays the same. I’ll keep her distracted with the baby. Make her feel like I’m trying to fix our marriage. Meanwhile, you and I focus on finalizing the paperwork to transfer the rest of her assets. Once that’s

"So, this is it?" Sophia’s voice cracked slightly as she stared into the untouched cup of tea on the table in front of her. Her fingers trembled, but not from weakness. It was the surge of anger bubbling beneath her. "After all the warnings, I’m the idiot who believed in him. In us." Jamella leaned back on the couch, her gaze is soft but her tone is unyielding. "Sophia, it’s not about being an idiot. It’s about wanting to believe in love. But now? You have to choose yourself. No more excuses." Sophia snapped her head up, her eyes blazing. "Oh, don’t you think I know that now? I just—" She paused, breathing heavily. "I’m so mad, Jamella! I’m furious at Julian. At Vanessa. At myself. How could I be so blind? How could I let this happen, again?!" Jamella scooted closer, her hand hovering near Sophia’s shoulder but not quite touching. She knew Sophia wasn’t ready for comfort yet. "You let it happen because you loved him, because you love your son and you want the best for him.