Con

CHAPTER 55

Sophia’s POV

“Uncle Daniel!” Reese exclaimed.

I turned, relief flooding through me as I saw Daniel’s kind smile instead of Elijah’s piercing gaze. Reese ran up to him, her tiny arms wrapping around his legs. I took a deep breath, beginning to relax.

“Daniel,” I said, my voice steadying. “Thank goodness it’s you.”

He bent down to Reese’s level, ruffling her hair before straightening up to face me. “Sophia, what happened?”

I glanced around, ensuring no one was eavesdropping, then told him everything. The words tumbled out in a rush.

“Reese and I were shopping with Kayla when I heard Elijah and Julia talking… I’m not sure if Elijah saw me and my daughter, but he could have, you know? He turned around and I tried to hide! Then we immediately left the store!”

I could hear the tension and anxiety in my voice. My ex–husband could find out the truth about Reese, and it wasn’t something I was prepared for yet. “I’m just so scared that he might try to check the security cameras just to make sure!”

Daniel listened attentively. “You really think he’d do that?”

I shrugged, becoming more worried. “Maybe. I don’t know. But he can’t see us together! You know how he’s always been suspicious even when we were in Paris” I hissed. “God, I feel like a ticking bomb whenever Reese and I are together in public!”

I didn’t care if I sounded paranoid. Daniel needed to understand the gravity of the situation.

Daniel placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “Sophia, don’t worry. The mall is on my family’s property. I just happen to be inspecting something here today. I’ll handle it.

I was about to respond when I heard footsteps approaching. My heart began to thump faster as turned around. Thank God, it’s Kayla!

“Hey, Daniel,” Kayla greeted upon joining us. “It’s been a long time! How are you?”

But then, she noticed the expression on my face. “Soph, what happened? You’re so pale!”

I immediately recounted what had happened.

“Oh, I didn’t see them inside,” she said, wide–eyed. “But don’t worry, we’ll get out of here now, okay?”

“Uh, perhaps I’ll stay and check things with Daniel first,” I told her. “Can you take Reese home?”

“Of course.”

When Kayla and Reese had left, I stood there with my heart pounding in my chest. I watched Daniel speak into his walkie–talkie, instructing the surveillance staff on what to do. I tried to appear nonchalant, but inside, I was a mess.

1/3

+15 BONUS

After what felt like an eternity, Daniel finished his call and turned to me. “It’s done,” he said, his voice low. “They’re removing the footage now.”

I nodded, grateful. He squeezed my hand and smiled. “I just have to finish something. Are you going to be alright on your own?”

“Yes, I’ll head home now. Thanks so much.”

I needed to see for myself, though. I needed to know if Elijah had recognized me, if he had indeed. seen Reese, and if he’d gone through the trouble of checking the security cameras. So, I made my way to the men’s clothing store closest to the surveillance room.

After just a minute or two, I saw Elijah and Julla coming out of the surveillance room, their heads closed in conversation. Wide–eyed, I watched them closely. That was a close call, I thought. It’s a good thing Daniel had already called the staff.

Suddenly, they turned toward the store where I was watching them. When they entered, I hid behind a pillar. I could hear them talking, though.

“What exactly was missing?” Julia asked Elijah, sounding puzzled. “What were you looking for in those footage?”

I didn’t hear Elijah’s answer, though.

My eyes began to survey the shop, which wasn’t too big. Sooner or later, they would chance upon me. I must leave now.

I saw Julia beginning to pick out clothes for Elijah: “This will surely look nice on you!” she exclaimed.

I ducked behind a rack of shirts, tiptoeing toward the exit. I could slip out unnoticed now while they were both preoccupied.

But just as I was about to leave through the door, I felt someone suddenly grab my arm and quickly drag me to the nearest dressing room. I gasped, trying to pull away, but the grip was firm.

I stumbled into the dressing room, and the door closed behind me with a soft click. I turned around to see who had caught me, my heart still racing.

“Elijah!” I stood in the cramped dressing room, staring at Elijah, my heart pounded wildly in my chest.

His gaze was fixed on mine, staring intensely. I could sense the immense tension in the air.

“Sophia…” he whispered, making my heart skip a beat. His face was inches away from mine. I couldn’t read the expression on his face.

Was he angry, suspicious, doubtful? Or was he suddenly confused by the strong emotions that had engulfed us both as we were thrown into this situation?

Just then, Julia’s voice echoed from outside, breaking the fragile bubble we had created.

“Elijah, are you there? Did something happen?” Her voice was filled with concern, with a hint of

suspicion.