Sophia’s POV

My chest felt like it would explode any time now. “It doesn’t matter,” I eventually said to Troy. “It’s none of my business now. I don’t care what he does with that woman or with whomever.”

Then staring hard at him and my foster mother, I said sharply, “We’re definitely not getting back together, so the two of you should just stop going to him for money! Just stop!”

“But…” Brenda began to protest.

I raised my hand to stop her. “Elijah and I are over. Besides, I’ll soon move to France and study there. And since you only contacted me again because of Elijah’s money, then now you won’t have any more need for me, right?”

They were both shocked at my words because I had never spoken like that in the past. But it was time for me to step up and put myself first for once.

“All the money that you swindled out of my ex-husband’s pocket, consider it as your payment for raising me,” I went on in a steady voice. “We don’t have to see or talk to each other ever again.”

On the way home, I began to feel a migraine coming. I closed my eyes and massaged my temples as I sat in the back seat of a cab.

All of this drama’s taking a toll on me, I guess.

But as I neared the house, I felt increasingly queasy and unwell. I realized my health hadn’t fully recovered since the loss.

“Could you please take me to the hospital?” I asked the driver, trying to keep my voice steady despite the rising nausea. He nodded and quickly changed course, navigating toward the nearest medical facility.

The ride felt endless, each bump in the road exacerbating my discomfort. By the time we arrived, I could barely contain the churning in my stomach.

I burst through the hospital doors, a wave of dizziness threatening to overwhelm me. My vision blurred, and I stumbled forward, nearly colliding with a figure in front of me. Before I could hit the ground, strong hands gripped my arms, steadying me.

Gasping for breath, I looked up and found myself staring into the concerned eyes of a very handsome and familiar-looking man.

“Are you okay? You look like you're about to faint,” he said, his brows furrowed with worry. With our eyes locked on each other, before I could even reply, a look of recognition crossed his features.

“Oh, wait! It’s you. Sophia Bennett from Green Valley High, right?”

I was surprised, looking at him closely. His features reminded me of someone I knew a long way back. “Uh, Daniel?” I eventually said, recalling his name. We had gone to the same high school, but he was a year older than me.

“Yes, yes. Wait, let me bring you to our family doctor. You look really pale.”

I felt too sick to pretend I was fine, so I just let him lead me through the corridor and into one of the clinics. He quickly introduced me to the doctor whom he seemed to know well.

As the doctor greeted me, concern etched across his face, I explained how I'd been feeling. He listened attentively, nodding as I spoke. After a brief discussion, he led me to an examination room, asking Daniel to wait outside.

The examination was thorough, and I appreciated the doctor's calming demeanor. Afterward, he suggested some basic tests to determine the cause of my symptoms.

“How are you feeling now?” Daniel asked kindly once I sat down beside him in the waiting area.

“A little better, but still kinda dizzy,” I answered honestly. “Thanks for the assistance, but it’s okay if you have somewhere to be. You’ve already done too much for me.”

“Oh, it’s okay,” he said with a smile. “Unless you don’t want me here.”

“It’s nothing like that, of course!” I quickly replied. “Thanks for accompanying me. It feels good to have someone to talk to while I’m here.”

“Well, I’m all ears. People say I’m a good listener.”

I beamed at him, his presence a comforting anchor in the sterile hospital environment.

Chuckling, I said, “I don’t really know you, Daniel…”

“You know my name. That’s a start.” His grin seemed to brighten up the surroundings, and I just felt immediately comfortable with him.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity and trust wash over me. We hadn't been close in high school, but something about his calm demeanor and genuine concern made me want to open up.

“I remember… Daniel Pierce…” I began, smiling. I could feel my headache and nausea diminishing. “High school jock, but a bit geeky and always at the top of the class.”

He laughed. “You’ve got a good memory, Sophia Bennett. I remember you too — the smart, quiet, very talented artist whom all the boys noticed but never had the nerve to approach.”

I laughed too at his astonishing description of me. “You’re joking!”

“No, it’s true… Really! I’m sure you’ve managed to get yourself a very good-looking husband. Let me guess, a CEO?”

He was kidding, but hitting close to home made me frown as I remembered Elijah. “Good-looking, yes. CEO, yes. But husband? Not anymore.”

“Oh.” His expression changed immediately. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

“You know, it's been a rough few months,” I began tentatively, twiddling my thumbs in my lap. “I'm actually going through a divorce, and my family... they keep asking for money from my ex-husband, which just complicates things even more.”

Daniel's expression shifted to one of empathy, and he nodded, encouraging me to continue.

“And then I lost my baby...It's been tough, physically and emotionally. I just feel like I'm carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders, you know?”

He nodded in understanding. “I’m so sorry to hear all that, Sophia. But you seem like a really strong woman. I’m sure you can get back on your feet in no time. Usually, it helps to be in a change of environment. Have you considered that?”

“Yeah, starting anew in a foreign land,” I answered, thinking about my application in France.

“Hmm… sounds like a pretty bold move," Daniel remarked, his eyes reflecting admiration and amusement at the same time. “It takes courage to make such a big change.”

I smiled weakly. “Actually, I've applied for graduate studies in France. It's something I've always wanted to do.”

Daniel's eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Really? That's incredible! I recently got accepted at the Goldwell Business School in Paris…”

My jaw dropped. “What? I’m planning to go to the Goldwell Institute of Art!”

He looked at me with astonishment. “What are the odds, huh? Looks like we’ll be seeing more of each other. Those institutions share practically the same campus.”

I couldn't believe the coincidence, though I was still feeling down. “That’s really… something else.”

“Surely you’ll get in. Where do you plan to stay in Paris?”

“The Latin Quarter, of course. I’m looking at an apartment there, since it’s where most students live.”

Daniel chuckled. “And it looks like we’ll be neighbors too. I think we were meant to cross paths again right now, right here.” He gave me a lopsided grin. “Who knows? Maybe we’re destined to explore France together! When you book your plane ticket, let me know. Let’s fly together. I mean, if that’s alright with you?”

His offer warmed my heart, and for the first time in a long while, I felt a glimmer of hope. “Thank you, Daniel…”

Suddenly, I heard my name being called by the assistant, motioning for me to come back into the clinic.

“Miss Sophia Bennett?” she informed me. “Your test results are here.”

Sophia’s POV

Daniel followed me into the doctor's office, providing support. The doctor smiled warmly at us, his expression giving nothing away.

“Well, Sophia,” he began, his tone measured, “the results are in. Congratulations to you both.”

I felt a rush of confusion and disbelief.

“You’re going to be parents. Congratulations!” the doctor added.

I’m… pregnant?! How could that be? My last baby had left me only months ago. Even I just signed divorce papers with Elijah, and now I'm carrying his child?

The room spun around me as embarrassment flooded my cheeks. Probably because he was mistaken for the baby's father, Daniel looked surprised but did not contradict the doctor.

“Other than that, you’re perfectly healthy, Sophia,” the doctor assured me. He went on to discuss some things with Daniel, but I hardly heard them talking.

My heart pounded crazily, and my mind felt fuzzy. Once again, I felt like I was caught up in a weird dream. None of it was real.

Daniel was quiet as we left the hospital. I didn’t know what to say either.

“Let me drive you home, Sophia,” he offered once we were outside. His eyes were filled with concern for me.

I was just too tired and confused to say no, so I simply nodded. He did not ask any questions, and I was glad.

What the hell am I going to do? I asked myself in silence while in the car, feeling the panic rising in my throat. This is the worst timing ever. Elijah and I just got divorced, and I’m supposed to have a whole new life ahead of me.

Anxiety took over me. Everything was about to change again.

If I have this baby, it won’t have a father, I thought bitterly. And how can I take care of it on my own while living in a different country where I don’t have anyone to help me?

My hand moved toward my tummy. There was no baby bump yet, but knowing that there was a little one growing inside gave me chills. Suddenly, I remembered how painful it had been to lose my baby before.

This is a blessing, a second chance for me to become a mother. Would I want to risk losing another baby?

Slowly I began to calm down. I took deep breaths until my head began to clear. This is a miracle, I told myself. I should be grateful.

As I rubbed my belly, I spoke in my mind. I’m so sorry, baby. It’s just all too sudden. But I know that I’m going to take care of you and love you with all my heart.

Days flew by, bringing a welcomed calm without Elijah, Brenda, and Troy in the picture. However, internally, I remained in turmoil.

Then, the news I had been eagerly awaiting arrived—I had been accepted into my dream university to study art and design once more! Despite the uncertainty of juggling studies with a baby, I couldn't let this opportunity slip away.

In just a week’s time, I found myself waving goodbye to Kayla at the airport. “Call me when you get there!” she said, her eyes gleaming with tears. It was the first time we would be apart for a long time, and we were like sisters.

As I settled into my seat on the airplane, bound for Paris, excitement and nervousness mingled within me. The prospect of starting a new life in a different country threatened to overwhelm my senses.

The plane began its ascent, lifting off the ground. I felt a wave of panic wash over me.

Beside me, Daniel sensed my unease and reached over, gently squeezing my hand. “Everything will be okay,” he reassured me. “I'm here. We'll do this together.”

His words were a comforting balm to my anxious soul, and I found great comfort in his presence. As we chatted throughout the plane ride, ate together, fell asleep, and then chatted some more, I began to relax and come to terms with the situation.

I can do this, I thought with more confidence. Then touching my tummy, I silently whispered, You’re my lucky charm, my baby.

By the time we landed safely, Daniel and I were like old buddies. I was truly grateful that he was with me.

As the cab wound through Paris, iconic landmarks flashed past—the Eiffel Tower dominating the skyline, the majestic Louvre in the distance, and quaint streets bustling with cafes and shops.

Despite my worries, the beauty of the city had me momentarily elated, filling me with a sense of excitement and wonder. Beside me, Daniel seemed entranced, his eyes wide with wonder.

Soon, we were unloading my bags at my new apartment. It was semi-furnished, and I was immediately drawn to the light blue walls and the inviting white sofa. But my favorite part of all was the large window that gave me a fantastic view of the busy city street below.

This was it—the start of my new life in Paris. I turned to Daniel, who was looking around the apartment with a satisfied smile.

“Looks like you've got yourself a nice little place here,” he remarked, glancing back at me.

"Yeah, I think I'm going to like it here," I replied.

Daniel chuckled. “Just remember to take it easy, okay? You've had a long journey.”

I rolled my eyes. “I'm fine, Daniel. I'm not going to keel over from exhaustion.”

He raised an eyebrow, and then grinned. “I'm just saying, you’ll be too heavy for me to carry if you collapse!”

I threw the throw pillow at him jokingly. “Oh, shut up.”

We both laughed. He added, “You need to get some beauty sleep, Sophia. I'm sure you'll want to look your best when you meet your new classmates.”

“Oh, so now you're concerned about my appearance?”

Daniel grinned. “Hey, a little rest never hurt anyone. And who knows, maybe you'll meet a cute French guy who'll sweep you off your feet.”

I playfully nudged him. “I think I'll pass on that, thank you very much. I'm here to focus on my studies, not my love life.”

He appeared pleased with that statement. “Fair enough,” he answered with a teasing smile. “But you never know what could happen. Paris is the city of love, after all.”

I felt a little flutter in my heart, wondering if I could learn to look at him as more than a friend. Perhaps it's more accurate to say he's akin to a brother rather than just a friend. The assistance he's provided far exceeds anything I've received from Elijah in years.

Sighing, I went over to my bags. “Come on, just help me unpack already so we can check out your apartment next.”

As we were unpacking, my phone rang. I figured it was Kayla so I asked Daniel to answer it, showing him that my hands were full at the moment.

“Hello?” I heard Daniel say. He put the call on speaker mode.

“Who the hell is this? Where's Sophia?” a very familiar male voice demanded, his tone aggressive and impatient.

My heart felt like it had just plummeted to the ground. I felt my whole body trembling when Daniel handed the phone to me.

I didn't have to hold the phone to my ear to hear Elijah's furious growling, “Sophia, YOU CAN'T just walk away like this! Where the hell are you now?! Without my permission, you are not allowed to go anywh....”

I pressed the button to end the call without hearing his entire words, calming my quivering heart with a big and deep breath.

It's true that Elijah has never been very considerate or tender with me, but he hasn't really stepped on me rudely either. It's just that lately, he's been indifferent to me.

Anyway, he'd never been as emotionally cranky as he was now. Did my leaving make him care?

No, don't be silly, Sophia, he can be with Serena again now. He's free. How do you expect that he would care about you, a woman he had never loved?

Daniel noticed my paradoxical anxiety.

“Who is he?” Daniel inquired. But I could see in his eyes that he clearly knew the answer to that question.

I sighed,

“My husband. No, ex-husband.”

Elijah’s POV

Who the hell was that man who’d answered her phone? I thought angrily, smoke coming out of my ears as I paced back and forth in my office. She can’t possibly be dating someone new already!

I couldn’t believe it. It just wasn’t like Sophia to forget me and move on that fast. It angered me so much, and at the same time, it squeezed my heart painfully, knowing that it might really be over between us now, that this wasn’t just some temper tantrum or momentary insanity on her part.

I remembered then how I’d overheard my assistant Connor apparently talking to a lawyer, his tone hushed but urgent.

I strained to listen, my heart pounding in my chest. That time, Sophia and I had just signed the divorce papers.

“...file this divorce as soon as possible,” Connor's voice was clear and determined.

I found it hard to believe. Sophia was truly in a hurry to get out of this marriage. I knew she was unhappy, but the finality of this step hit me like a ton of bricks. I thought that maybe it had just been some cruel joke, or she was just not thinking clearly.

At the time, I agreed to sign the divorce papers only because Sophia was acting very erratically. In a moment of shock, I went along with it.

What the hell is going on with her? I thought she would regret it. I didn't expect her to be so determined.

Since we lost our child, Sophia has been demoralized, and I can't comprehend why she sees Serena as an enemy.

There's nothing going on between me and Serena. Maybe if I explain things to her, she’ll understand and forgive me. She’ll come back to me.

I ran a hand through my hair, feeling greatly confused and stunned. It was also incredulous that she’d asked Connor to do it for her. I knew they had become friends over the years, but I never expected this.

Yet this could be a twist of luck for me that she’d asked Connor, I thought, hope surging within my heart. After I had stormed out of the house, I had begun having second thoughts. I wasn’t ready to let go yet.

Immediately, I talked to Connor then. “Connor, what date is it now?”

“July 10th,” he replied.

I looked up from the mess on my desk. “And when was the last time you saw Sophia?”

He paused for a while, thinking. “Uh, I believe about a month ago.”

“You have our divorce papers, right?” I started.

Connor’s eyes widened. He didn’t have a choice but to say yes.

“This is our marriage, Connor. You must understand that couples go through challenges in their relationship from time to time. I know we signed those papers, but perhaps we just got carried away…”

He was listening to me, nodding in agreement.

I took a deep breath and went on. “Can you give me the papers? I need to talk to Sophia again first.”

That memory was very fresh in my mind. Until now, Sophia had no idea that the divorce had not been filed. Connor didn’t tell her.

Now it’s time to speak to her. I’ve given her enough time to calm down, and now I need to see her.

Even if I’m pissed off that she may be seeing other men.

Maybe this time, I could try to persuade her. I wasn't sure where I had gone wrong, but I knew Sophia had a soft heart. All I had to do was apologize first, and then maybe she would come back to me.

I found myself rushing through the city to get to Brenda Bennett’s house. Maybe they could tell me where she was.

A few days ago, I’d already gone to where Sophia had moved after she left the house, but it was empty. I had no idea where she could have gone. Her best friend Kayla kept avoiding me too.

I needed to see her, to talk to her, to make things right.

“Elijah!” Brenda greeted me in a cheerful tone when she saw me. “What brings you here?”

I was straight to the point. “Hi. Do you know where Sophia is?”

Her face fell. “Not really. That woman is just so confused, so you have to understand her. But I know that she really loves you and —”

“Where is she?” I demanded, cutting her off. “I must talk to her.”

“Uhm… We haven’t seen her for a long time,” she finally admitted.

“What?!”

Suddenly, Sophia’s younger brother Troy came out. When he saw me, his lips turned up into a grin. “Hey, bro. How’ve you been? We miss you, man.” He was always like that, acting as if we were the best of buddies. But really, he was just after my money all the time.

“He’s looking for Sophia,” Brenda informed him with a meaningful look that wasn’t lost on me.

“Ohhh, you won’t find Sophia anywhere here,” Troy said, chuckling. “She probably left already to study abroad.”

“What?! When? Where?”

He shrugged, looking as if he was trying to rack his brain. Then his eyes lit up. “How much can I get for telling you which country she was planning to go to?”

Asshole, I silently thought, anger and frustration welling up inside me. “Forget it. I can hire private investigators, anyway.”

As soon as I turned around to leave, Troy called out, “It’s France!”

I stopped in my tracks as a shiver went through my limbs. She’s in France, I thought in alarm.

I was engulfed in shock and disbelief all at once. I hastily went inside my car and dialed her number again, feeling the steam coming out of my ears as my blood boiled.

“Why did you leave the country, Sophia?” I muttered furiously as I waited for the ring.

But to my bewilderment, no ring came. I heard an error tone, so I dialed again.

This time, an automated voice said, “Sorry, the number you dialed is not in service.”