Con

CHAPTER 9

bophia’s Pay

My heart pounded fact in my cheat. I clutchil my phone, where Kayla’s face was framed by the tidy often background of her new workspace.

I nodded, trying to muster a semblance of calm.

The minutes stretched on, each one feeling like an eternity. I stared at the screen, witting 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 properly. 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 Hlost 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 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 tum. 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.

shened with prshed tears. “Sophia Thad no idea it was that bad

abeach. 199 so sorry.

tered her a weak, sosie freinst a strange sense of rehet “That’s why filed for dhorce Aut because of Secale, but because of everything that came before Honesty (donteven know if they had an aton while we were still married But it doesnt matter gest count keep gate where I was constantly neglected, constant Nitre INd to take control for pselt, for my sanity”

Sophisto

Kayla’s eyes widened. Soph Just can’t believe it. Serena really took advantage of eventh falling apart between you and Elijah. No wonder he’s been working late ever since you left. But honesty, Inever saw him that with her after you left. Even Connor didn’t notice anything like that.”

Isghed, the old wound aching anew. “It doesn’t matter, Kayla. None of it matters to

me anymore.”

Kada’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”

1 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.

CHAMERS

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 strowed 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.” 1

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.”