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Mummy, Daddy wants you back
NovelShort
Completed
Sophia has spent years trying to be the perfect wife. She’s supported Ryan through every high and low, hoping one day he’ll look at her with the love she’s always craved. But her efforts shatter when her sister, the woman Ryan has loved all along, walk back into their lives. A single moment of betrayal and a final, devastating humiliation leave Sophia with no choice but to walk away. She signs the divorce papers, packs her bags, and vanishes without a trace, determined to rebuild a life where she’s no longer an afterthought. But the emptiness Ryan feels after her departure is unbearable. Desperate to make amends and win her back, Ryan is prepared to burn bridges, cross lines, and face the demons of his past to find the one woman who taught him what love truly means. Will it be too late for Ryan to fix the mess he’s made or can love find its way back after so much heartbreak?
Chapters (7)
第1章
“Positive”
Sophia’s hands trembled as she held the pregnancy test, her heart racing with hope.
The two bright lines stared back at her, confirmation of the life growing inside her. After years of longing, maybe this was it—the miracle that would mend the cracks in her marriage.
A soft smile played on her lips as she imagined Ryan’s reaction. He’d been distant lately, but this would bring them closer, wouldn’t it? Their child could be the fresh start they needed.
Ryan was at work but it was already past the time they had agreed to meet. It was her birthday but she wasn't feeling well so she texted him to come a bit earlier and take her to the hospital.
It was as she was waiting that she decided to take a pregnancy test. She had already taken over a hundred With their three years of marriage and she was disappointed and heartbroken every time. But this time, it was positive and she couldn't wait to confirm it at the hospital.
Picking up her phone, she dialed his number again but it went straight to voice mail.
Sighing, she sent him a text.
S: [ I'm going to the hospital. Please pick me up in two hours at St.Mary’s. ]
It showed read immediately and her heart skipped a beat. She waited for his response but nothing came and she assumed he was just busy.
After seeing the doctor at the hospital and confirming she was pregnant, Sophia felt a little tired and had cramps as she walked out of the hospital.
But as she turned on the corner, she saw Ryan holding Hannah like she was his lifeline.
“Where is the doctor?” He barked out the order.
“Ryan. My head hurts.” Hannah whimpered as she moved even closer to her.
“We will take care of her sir.” A nurse said as they brought in a stretcher over a headache and the scene tore Sophia to shreds.
She took out her phone and dialed his number. The phone rang in his pocket but he only glanced at it and cut it.
The scene made Sophia's heart twist painfully as she dialed again, tears welling in her eyes.
This time he pulled out his phone and switched it off.
As she was leaning on the corner, a rushing nurse bumped into her and she fell on her knees right in front of the man who was supposed to be her husband.
“Sophia?” Ryan’s brows raised. “What are you doing here?”
“I-”
“Ryan! It hurts, please tell them to make it stop!” Hannah cried inside the room which had the door open so she could see Sophia still on her fours.
“Go home. I’ll see you later.” He was about to walk away when she pulled him back by the sleeve tears in her eyes.
“Ryan? Won't you even ask how I got her” her eyes were pleading.
“Don't be ridiculous, Sophia. Stop throwing a tantrum and go home!” He responded coldly and joined Hannah inside.
Sophia’s heart shattered as she forced herself to stand. But before she could walk away, she heard Hannah ask,
“Wasn't that Sophia? Ohh I don't want to come between you two.”
Ryan’s voice was soft, warm, and reassuring in a way he hadn’t been with her in years as he responded.
“There is nothing to come In between. Focus on getting better!”
Sophia knew she was her sister's replacement but she hoped Ryan would now warm up to her and hopefully, this baby was all they needed. But it was clearly her delusion for thinking that way.
“Oh, Ryan. Don't say that. You married her, remember?”
Her heart pounded hard as she stood and waited to hear his response. But upon hearing what Ryan had to say, she wished she hadn't heard it...
Ryan was silent for a minute before his deep voice echoed in the room,
“ She’s just a wife on paper,” he replied, his tone casual, almost dismissive as if he wasn't speaking about his wife.
Sophia felt her heart dropping into her stomach.
“Why are you still keeping her around then why not divorce her?” Hannah pushed, her eyes darting to the door.
Sophia didn't even wait to hear his response. Her heart couldn't take any more blows.
She was out of earshot when Ryan responded.
“You seem too interested in my marriage. Why would I divorce her? She may be my wife on paper but she's still my wife.”
Hannah’s heart boiled at that response, so she whimpered in pain to get his attention.
Meanwhile, Sophia ran blindly through the city, her tears blurring the lights around her. Her chest heaved with the weight of betrayal, each step pounding the reality deeper into her heart.
Was it all a lie?
All the affection he had shown her bubbled up hope inside her and she worked harder to make him notice her not knowing she was only making a fool of herself.
Before she realized it, she stood atop a towering rooftop, the city sprawling below her like a web of tiny lights and moving cars. The wind whipped through her hair, cold and unforgiving as if it mirrored the storm inside her.
Tears rolled down her cheeks and her heart felt like an iron fist had reached inside her chest and was squeezing her painfully.
Sophia stepped closer to the edge, the toes of her shoes hovering over nothingness. Her heart thundered in her ears, but she felt nothing. No fear, no pain—just an empty void swallowing her whole.
Tears continued to spill freely down her face as she glanced down at the world beneath her. People moved on with their lives, oblivious to her existence, her struggles, and her heartbreak.
Her sham of a marriage.
She was all alone in this world with no one who loved her.
Closing her eyes, she whispered, “I’m sorry,” as her hand cradled her stomach hoping her unborn baby would forgive her for what she was about to do.
Taking a shaky breath, she lifted one leg, her foot teetering in the air.
第2章
Sophia froze, her body trembling as the cold wind lashed against her. Just as she was about to let herself go, a faint flutter inside her stopped her.
She gasped, her hand instinctively moving to her stomach.
The baby.
Her baby.
Her knees buckled, and she collapsed onto the rooftop, sobbing uncontrollably. The life inside her—the tiny heartbeat that she was now responsible for—brought her back to reality. How could she even think of taking not just her life but this innocent one too?
"I'm so sorry," she whispered through her tears, clutching her stomach as if to shield the fragile life growing within her. "I'm so sorry."
For what felt like an eternity, Sophia sat there, the city lights blurring through her tears. The realization hit her like a tidal wave.
She had spent years living for Ryan, pouring every ounce of herself into a marriage that was built on lies. She had allowed herself to be a shadow, forgotten, unloved. But now, it wasn’t just about her anymore.
Wiping her tears, Sophia forced herself to stand. Her legs wobbled, but she steadied herself, breathing deeply as the cold air filled her lungs. She couldn’t give up—not now. If no one else cared for her, she would care for herself and her baby.
As she made her way back home, her heart still ached, but a small spark of resolve began to flicker within her. By the time she reached her house, the lights were on, and Ryan’s voice drifted from the living room, mingled with soft laughter.
Sophia hesitated at the door, her hand hovering over the handle. She could hear him talking on the phone.
"Yeah, it was great catching up with everyone. Oh, Hannah? I just dropped her home. She's much better and is hosting a party tomorrow. Sophia? I’ll bring her along—might as well make her see the outside world for once."
The words, though cutting, didn’t have the same power to break her this time. She pushed the door open and stepped inside.
Ryan glanced up, his eyes dilating slightly like he had seen a ghost at her disheveled appearance.
"Where have you been? And what’s with the mess? You couldn’t bother preparing me dinner?"
“How was work? I thought you already had dinner.” Sophia asked instead.
"You saw me busy at the hospital taking care of your sister. I didn't eat besides, you know how much I love your cooking.”
“You've never told me that so I wouldn't know,” Sofia responded.
Ryan walked over and Sofia walked backwards. When he saw her reaction he paused, concern etched on his face.
“Are you feeling sick?” He asked but it only felt like mockery to Sofia.
How could he be sweet and kind in private while he talked ill about her to her sister?
Pathetic!
Sophia’s hands clenched into fists as anger bubbled up inside her. But she remained quiet.
Seeing her lack of interest in what he was saying, Ryan went on.
"Also, Hannah fell sick make sure you check on her.” He followed her as she entered their bedroom. “Your parents are throwing her a welcome party tomorrow and they called saying we need to be there.”
Of course!
Hannah was Sophia’s talented step-sister whom her father brought in after the death of her mother. He remarried a few months later and has paid attention to only Hannah since then. It's been like she isn't even their real daughter.
After having felt neglected, she went to stay with her grandmother but she fell sick and now Sophia had to return to her father's house, and let's just say no one has been thrilled with her return.
Getting married to Ryan felt like an escape for her. Until she realized she had just been warming Hannah’s bed.
Sophia didn’t respond, her hand resting protectively over her stomach as she walked past him.
"Did you hear me, Sophia?" Ryan called out, his tone sharp.
She paused at the foot of the bathroom door and turned to look at him. For the first time in years, her gaze was steady.
"I’m tired, Ryan."
He frowned, clearly not expecting the calm indifference in her voice.
"You’re always tired. Tomorrow, make sure you’re ready for the party. Hannah invited you, and it’s important to her. It will be a great chance for you to show everyone you two get along.”
Sophia nodded once before walking into the shower. She didn’t argue, didn’t defend herself. Ryan knew she hated meeting her family because they always treated her like an outcast but he insisted anyway.
It was obvious he would do anything to please Hannah.
Including sacrificing Sophia’s peace.
Once she was done bathing, she entered the blankets but was shortly joined by Ryan.
A habit that used to melt her heart now felt like chains dragging her to sink.
“I missed you.” He reached down to kiss her but she turned her face away making his lips touch her cheeks.
“I am tired,” Sophia said.
Ryan hesitated for a moment but only sighed. “Alright, go to sleep,"
Sophia turned around, feeling a weight settle beside her as Ryan pulled her in his arms with her back touching his chest.
“You need to learn a lot Sophia, but don't worry Hannah is willing to teach you.” He said proudly.
Sophia closed her mouth tightly to not let the sobs echo in the entire room.
She knew the party would be hell for her.
第3章
“I don’t think I should be here.” Sofia hesitated as they reached the front door.
“What are you talking about? This is your sister's party, Sophia.” Ryan responded with his arm wrapped possessively around her waist as they entered the hotel for Hannah’s homecoming party.
The hotel was beautifully decorated with glittering lights and expensive artistic portraits on the wall.
Sophia grabbed her dress in a fist like it was her lifeline as Ryan walked forward with her. The lively chatter felt suffocating.
Sophia’s stomach twisted as she spotted familiar faces among Ryan’s friends, their mocking smirks and quiet laughter only amplifying her discomfort.
Ryan leaned down, his lips brushing against her forehead as he murmured,
“You’ll be polite tonight, Sophia. Don’t disappoint me.”
The warning in his tone was clear, but before she could respond, a familiar voice rang out.
“My beloved Sophia! Oh how much I missed you!”
Hannah’s voice was bright and airy, a direct contrast to the sharpness in her eyes as she approached.
She looked breathtaking in her off-shoulder green dress that clung to her like a second skin, her radiant beauty making Sophia feel plain in comparison.
She clasped Sophia's hands with feigned warmth, though her gaze slid past her lingering on Ryan with an intensity that made Sophia's skin crawl.
“Do you hate me, Sophia?” she asked, her voice trembling with fake emotion.
“You never called me once after you left. Not even a text. Have I done something so unforgivable?”
Sophia stood frozen, unsure of how to respond, but Hannah didn’t wait for an answer.
“I suppose I can’t blame you for being upset,” she continued, her voice dropping into an exaggerated whisper as her eyes shone with what Sophia knew were crocodile tears. “I did take all of Mom and Dad’s attention growing up. You must’ve felt so… unloved. But surely you understand, don’t you? Love isn’t something you can force.”
Her words stung, each one carefully designed to cut deep. And yet she wasn’t finished.
“Mom fell ill with cancer disease, you know,” she added, her gaze sharp and accusing. “You didn’t even visit her. Do you know how much that broke her heart? How can I fix our family when you make no effort to mend it, Sophia?”
Sophia's mouth opened to defend herself, to call Hannah out on her hypocrisy, to say something—anything—but nothing came out.
“Sophia still has a lot to learn about relationships,” Ryan interjected smoothly, his hand tightening on her waist. His voice was light, but the edge was unmistakable.
“When I have time, I’ll bring her back to apologize properly.”
His words felt like a slap. He knew what she had endured at the hands of her family—the neglect, the insults—and yet he spoke as though she was the one at fault. Sophia’s heart ached as she realized how little he truly cared.
“I need a drink.” Sophia excused herself from the suffocating crowd, needing air, needing space.
The hallway leading to the bathroom stretched before her and luckily, it was empty. For a moment, she felt like she could finally breathe.
But the breath of fresh air was short-lived.
“Well, if it isn’t the prodigal sister,” Hannah’s voice rang out behind her dripping with mockery.
Sophia groaned internally as she turned to see the last person she wanted to see approaching, a glass of red wine in hand and a cruel smirk on her lips.
Her heels clicked against the polished floor as she stopped in front of Sophia, her eyes scanning her dress with open disdain.
“Is that… vintage?” she sneered, tilting her head. “Or did you raid Grandma’s closet for something appropriately depressing?”
第4章
Sophia's fists clenched at the mention of her grandmother, the only person who had ever truly loved her. She was a kind woman who gave her love her father couldn’t. It broke her heart when she was young but forced her to reunite with her father a month before she became bedridden due to heart disease.
Hearing Hannah talk so ill about her made her heart boil but she remained calm.
“Still playing the role of the poor little outcast, I see,” Hannah continued, her voice dripping with malice. “How does it feel, Sophia? To be nothing more than a pathetic school teacher while our parents live in luxury? To grovel for scraps while I stand where you’ll never belong?”
“Shut up, you know nothing about me.” Sophia hissed, her voice trembling with barely restrained anger.
But Hannah only laughed a cold, sharp sound that echoed in the empty hallway.
“Why should I? You handed me all the ammunition I need.” She leaned in, her voice dropping to a venomous whisper.
“Ryan told me everything. Your pathetic early morning shifts, the crumbs you save for your sickly little grandmother. He doesn’t even respect you enough to keep your secrets, Sophia. You’re an open book for me to rip apart.”
Sophia’s breath caught, her words cutting deeper than she thought possible.
“You shouldn’t have come back,” she continued, her eyes narrowing. “You’re nothing but a reminder of a mistake. Unwanted then, and unwanted now.”
Sophia swallowed hard, refusing to let Hannah see her break.
“You already have everything, Hannah. Just leave me alone.”
“Everything?” She laughed again, this time louder, crueler. “Don’t kid yourself. Do you think you can have Ryan? No, Sophia. He’s mine. He always has been, and he always will be. You’re just the placeholder, the little puppet he keeps around to pass the time. Now, I've come to take my place as his wife.”
“You must be desperate then, throwing yourself at a married man. Why? No other man wants you?” Sophia shot back.
Hannah’s eye twitched in anger, but her lips stretched into a smile.
It was so sick, Sophia knew whatever she was about to say next would shatter her.
“Oh, you didn’t know. Did you?” she asked, her voice dripping with mock innocence.
“Every trip he’s taken, every business meeting? He’s been with me. In Paris. In your bed.”
Sophia felt her stomach churn, Hannah’s words twisting like a knife in her gut.
“That red dress he gave you?” she added with a smirk. “I wore it first. For him. Then he fucked me raw in it.” she laughed, “I didn't even wash it when he wrapped it. When did he finally give it to you? He told me how ridiculous you looked in it. How bland, how boring.”
Her smirk deepened as she leaned closer, her breath hot against her ear. “You’ll never be enough for him. You never were. And soon, Sophia, I’ll have everything you’ve been too weak to give him. A real family. A child. While you’re left with nothing.”
Tears burned her eyes, her vision blurring as Hannah’s words crushed what little resolve Sophia had left.
“You’re barren, aren’t you?” she whispered, her tone laced with mockery,
“No wonder he spends his nights with me. Maybe I should give him the child he's been wanting so desperately. ”
Sophia’s body trembled with rage, grief, and despair, every word slicing deeper until she couldn’t take it anymore.
“You can go to hell.” Sophia spat as she turned to leave. But before she could walk out, a scream reached her ears followed by a loud crash.
第5章
Sophia’s world spiraled out of control the moment Hannah let out a dramatic cry, collapsing onto the marble floor.
Her breath hitched as the shattering of glass echoed in the hallway, quickly followed by the sound of hurried footsteps. Ryan appeared, his expression thunderous, as his gaze darted between the sisters.
“What the fuck, Sophia! What’s wrong with you?” he barked, his voice reverberating through the hallway.
Sophia flinched at his tone, her mind spinning as she tried to make sense of what had just happened.
“I-I didn’t even do any—”
Before she could finish, Joanne, her stepmother, appeared, her face twisted in fury.
“What the hell is going on here?” Joanne’s sharp gaze landed on Sophia, and her lips curled in disgust.
“What did you do to Hannah?!”
“I didn’t push her! I swear, I didn’t!” Sophia’s voice trembled, but the truth seemed to dissolve under the weight of their accusing stares.
“You’re a liar!” Joanne spat, her hand raised to strike.
Before the slap could land, Ryan’s hand shot out, gripping Joanne’s wrist with enough force to make her gasp.
His dark eyes blazed with anger as he growled,
“Sophia made a mistake, and she’ll make up for it. But she’s still my wife. No one is allowed to lay a finger on her.”
“What?” Joanne’s eyes widened into saucers. She couldn't believe Ryan was defending his wife.
The hallway fell silent, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Joanne’s mouth opened and closed, words failing her as she stepped back, clearly stunned by Ryan’s defense.
It was the first time he had defended her publicly and it made her heart flutter with a little hope. But that bubble was busted by a loud cry.
Sophia’s own shock mirrored Hannah’s. Her gaze flickered to Ryan, searching for a shred of understanding, but his face remained cold and unreadable.
“Ryan,” Hannah whimpered from the floor, her tear-streaked face tilted up at him as she clutched her ankle. “Please, help me. It hurts so much.”
Ryan’s hardened expression softened as he turned to Hannah, crouching down to scoop her up in his arms. His touch was gentle, his voice tender in a way he had never been with Sophia.
Sophia’s heart twisted painfully at the sight. She opened her mouth to say something, anything, but Ryan’s flat tone in his voice cut her off.
“Go home, Sophia,” he ordered without sparing her a glance. “You’ve caused enough trouble for one night.”
Her throat tightened as the humiliation washed over her. The eyes of the guests, filled with disdain and judgment, followed her every move as she stood glued to the floor her feet feeling like fucking lead and too heavy to move.
Everyone turned and left leaving only her and Joane on the scene. She folded his arms across her chest as she stepped closer,
“Just because he defended you doesn't mean shit. He probably did it because I'm Hannah’s mother. Now run along.”
“You and your daughter surely try really hard. But you know one thing, you'll always have leftovers. Just like my late mum left dad for you that's how your daughter will get Ryan. Used and finished. Now if you'll excuse me!” She brushed past her.
“You little!-” Sophia was already walking out the door.
…….
Back at the cold, empty house, Sophia sat on the edge of the bed, her hands trembling as she stared at the clock on the nightstand.
Each tick seemed louder than the last, the sound filling the oppressive silence of the room. She clung to a fragile thread of hope, telling herself that Ryan would come home, that he’d explain, that there was some rational explanation for his actions.
But as the hours dragged on, that hope crumbled.
Her phone buzzed, breaking the stillness. Sophia grabbed it quickly, her heart leaping, but her breath caught in her throat as she opened the message.
The screen displayed a photo of Hannah and Ryan in bed together.
Hannah was curled against his bare chest, her face glowing with satisfaction. Ryan’s shirt was unbuttoned, revealing his toned torso and his arm rested possessively around Hannah’s waist with his eyes closed.
Sophia’s stomach churned, bile rising to her throat.
A second message followed:
“Told you he’s mine!”
Sophia’s hands shook so violently that she nearly dropped the phone. Her vision blurred with tears as the weight of Hannah’s words—and the damning evidence—crushed what little remained of her hope.
She curled into herself, sobs wracking her body as her world shattered into pieces around her. Every whispered insult, every dismissive glance, every betrayal slammed into her with brutal clarity. She had been a fool to think she could ever be more than a placeholder in Ryan’s life.
After what seemed like hours, Sophia wiped her tears, her jaw tightening as she stared at the photo one last time before dialing a number,
“Miss Frost, is something wrong?” Anderson, her lawyer asked in concern.
“Yes, I need you to draft divorce papers for me tonight.”
第6章
“Where are you?” Ryan's voice came on the call.
Sophia’s vision blurred in tears but she kept her voice leveled.
“Home.” She responded simply.
Ryan frowned, hearing her one-word answer, “Are you feeling sick? Or is it because I didn't come home? I must have-”
“Why are you calling Ryan? I'm in the middle of something.” Sophia cut him off, not interested in his explanation For fear of hearing what he would say.
“I've sent Alex over. He'll drive you to the restaurant where I'm waiting for you.” Ryan said and hung up.
Sophia stared at the phone. Debating her next move but ended up giving in. She could use this opportunity to give him the divorce papers anyway.
“I guess it's inevitable.” She whispered to herself.
Sophia stared at her reflection in the mirror, her mind racing. The image Hannah had sent haunted her, a painful reminder of the humiliation and betrayal she endured.
Every fiber of her being screamed for her to stay home, but this was her chance. She would hand Ryan the divorce papers and finally break free from this nightmare.
When she arrived at the restaurant, the staff guided her to a secluded poolside table. The shimmering water sparkled under the afternoon sun, but the beautiful setting did nothing to soothe her nerves.
Ryan was already seated, scrolling through his phone, his appearance impeccable as always.
Sophia hesitated for a moment, taking in his crisp white shirt and dark trousers that fit him perfectly.
His calm demeanor, his confidence—it tore at her.
How could he sit there so unaffected while she was drowning in misery?
“Finally,” he said, standing as she approached. His gaze flickered over her, but there was no warmth in his eyes, only faint irritation. “You kept me waiting.”
Sophia opened her mouth to respond, but before she could say a word, his phone buzzed.
“Give me a moment,” he said, stepping away to take the call.
She sank into her chair, clutching her bag tightly. The papers were inside, ready to be handed over. But as she tried to steady her breathing, a familiar, hateful voice broke her thoughts.
“Well, well. Look who decided to show up.”
Sophia turned to see Hannah sauntering toward her, her crimson dress clinging to her like a second skin. It was as if she didn't have normal-fitting clothes.
“What do you want, Hannah?” Sophia asked, her voice low.
Hannah smirked, circling the table like a predator. “Oh, nothing much. I just wanted to see how you’re holding up after my little gift last night. Was it a good wake-up call?”
Sophia’s jaw clenched, but she refused to engage. “I’m not doing this with you.”
“Oh, but we are,” Hannah said, her voice dripping with malice. “You really thought you could keep him? Ryan doesn’t love you. He’s just keeping you around because it’s convenient. You’re nothing but a placeholder, Sophia.”
Sophia stood, her heart pounding, and began walking toward the pool’s edge, hoping to avoid a scene.
“Walking away already?” Hannah called after her. “Pathetic, just like always.”
Sophia ignored her as she tried to move past. But Hannah stepped in front of her, blocking her path.
“You’re such a coward,” Hannah sneered, her voice a low hiss. “You don’t even fight back. No wonder Ryan doesn’t respect you.”
“Move, Hannah,” Sophia said firmly, trying to sidestep her.
But Hannah’s smirk widened, and before Sophia could react, she shoved her hard.
Sophia’s arms flailed as she stumbled backward, the edge of the pool slipping away beneath her feet. She hit the water with a loud splash, the cold shock ripping the air from her lungs.
Above her, Hannah laughed, peering down at her with malice. “Oops. Careful, Sophia. It’s slippery out here.”
Sophia struggled to resurface, her dress dragging her down as she flailed in the water. Panic set in as she gasped for air, her limbs growing weaker.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Ryan walking back toward the pool, his phone still in hand.
Hannah’s eyes widened in panic. “Ryan!” she screamed, backing up and pretending to slip. With a dramatic cry, she fell into the pool, splashing wildly as she went under.
“Help me!” she shrieked, her arms flailing.
Ryan dropped his phone and dove in without hesitation, swimming toward Hannah as she continued to cry for help. He reached her quickly, pulling her to the surface and guiding her toward the edge.
“Calm down,” he said sharply, his grip firm. “You’re fine.”
Hannah clung to him, shivering. “I slipped, Ryan. It was so scary.” Her voice trembled with fake fear.
Ryan helped her out of the pool, his brow furrowed. “Where’s Sophia?” he asked, glancing around.
Hannah froze, her expression carefully blank. “I-I don’t know,” she stammered. “I didn’t see her. I'm so cold, Ryan. Please help me walk to the change room."
Ryan’s eyes narrowed, “I’m a married man, Hannah. I can't escort you to change.”
“You'll just reach me by the door then. Please!” She cried as she continued to shiver.
Ryan sighed as he stood and pulled her up, “let's go.”
Unknown to Ryan, Sophia was still underwater, her vision blurring as the world around her faded.
The weight of her dress pulled her deeper, her strength fading away. She reached out, her fingers clawing toward the surface, but the light grew dimmer with each passing second.
Her lungs burned, and her mind screamed for air, but it was too late. The last thing she saw was the distorted shimmer of sunlight on the water’s surface before everything went dark.
第7章
Sophia woke to the sterile smell of antiseptic and the beeping of machines. Her body ached all over, and her chest felt tight, as though she were still underwater. Panic surged through her for a moment before she realized she was alive—barely.
She turned her head slowly, wincing at the pain that radiated through her neck. A nurse stood by her side, adjusting the IV.
“You’re awake,” the nurse said softly, her voice calm and soothing. “You gave us quite a scare. How are you feeling?”
Sophia tried to speak, but her throat was dry, and her voice came out as a rasp. “Water…”
The nurse poured a glass and held it to her lips. Sophia sipped slowly, the cool liquid soothing her parched throat.
“You’ve been here for two days,” the nurse explained gently. “You had water in your lungs, and your body went into shock. But you’re stable now.”
Sophia nodded weakly, her mind spinning. She remembered the pool, Hannah’s cruel laugh, and the icy grip of the water pulling her under. But everything after that was a blur.
“What about my baby?” Her eyes panicked while she Attempted to rise but the nurse pushed her back.
“Your baby is barely two months old but is fine. You're really lucky.” The nurse said.
Sophia sighed in relief at that as she laid back in the bed.
“Has anyone come to see me?” she managed to whisper.
The nurse hesitated, a flicker of pity crossing her face. “No, dear. No one has checked in.”
Sophia closed her eyes, the truth cutting deeper than the pain in her body.
Later that evening, she went back home but didn't find Ryan home. When she asked the workers, they told her he hadn't been home for two days too.
Sophia nodded as she went upstairs barely able to walk with how weak her body still was.
Another day passed and Ryan still hadn't come home. Sophia had her lawyer print out the divorce papers and she had signed them and placed them in a brown envelope by the bedside.
She was about to sleep when Ryan finally walked in. She didn't even give him a chance when she spoke up.
“We need to talk,”
Ryan looked at her with a plain expression, “I’m tired, Sophia. Let’s talk later.” He bypassed her and was headed for the bathroom.
“I want a divorce.” She said.
Ryan halted his steps, turning to face her like she had gone crazy, “Let’s do this later, I need to rest.” He said, thinking she was just throwing a childish tantrum.
“I’m serious, Ryan. I’m done.” She took the signed Divorce papers and handed them over to him.
Ryan stared at the papers, not moving an inch. His expression was unreadable when he looked at her, “If it’s about Hannah-”
“I don’t want to hear it. Save it for someone interested in knowing about your precious Hannah” Sophia spat coldly, “I’m done loving you.”
“Sophia-”
“What’s my favorite color? No wait, here is a simpler question, when is my birthday Ryan?” Sophia asked, her eyes shining with tears that were on the verge of dropping.
Ryan ran a hand in his hair before responding, “Why can't you just trust me? Do I have to prove myself by knowing your birthday?”
“Trust you?” Sophia laughed like she had just heard the joke of the century. “Where has that ever gotten me?” Tears were now rolling down her face.
Ryan was taken aback and was speechless. He didn't know what to say or explain himself, after all, he did return home after four days, and the last she saw him, he excused himself to answer a call. Now that he thought of it, he hadn't seen her and didn't know how she got home.
Sophia shook her head in disappointment, “You know nothing about me yet we’ve been married for three years. It was my birthday five days ago. You couldn’t even text because you were too busy rekindling your love. You know what, I don’t even blame you. It was me who insisted on this marriage anyway.”
“I know you’re upset but if you do this, there is no going back.” Ryan pointed out, taking the papers from her.
Sophia laughed, a bitter laugh erupted from her throat as she held his gaze,
“Going back? What’s there to go back to?”