Chapter 17: A Child's Innocence
264 Words
Chapter 17: A Child's Innocence
Sophia, James's daughter, was a bright and curious 8-year-old. She loved her father dearly, but she was also fiercely protective of Emily.
One day, Sophia approached Emily with a worried look on her face. "Emily, I don't like Victoria," she said, her voice trembling. "She's mean to my daddy."
Emily's heart melted at Sophia's words. She knelt down to the little girl's level. "What do you mean, sweetie?"
Sophia's eyes welled up with tears. "Victoria says bad things about you, Emily. She says you're not good for my daddy."
Emily's anger flared up, but she pushed it down, not wanting to scare Sophia. "Don't worry, Sophia," she said gently. "I'm not going anywhere. I love your daddy, and I love you too."
Sophia's face lit up with a smile. "I love you too, Emily!"
But as Emily hugged Sophia, she couldn't shake the feeling that Victoria was using the little girl to get to her.
Later that day, James found Emily and Sophia playing together. He watched, a mix of emotions on his face.
"James, we need to talk," Emily said, her voice low.
James nodded, but before they could speak, Sophia ran to him, throwing her arms around his waist.
"Daddy, I'm glad you're home!" she exclaimed.
James smiled, hugging his daughter tightly. "I'm glad too, sweetie. I'm glad to be home with you and Emily."
But as they hugged, Emily saw something in James's eyes that gave her pause. A flicker of doubt, a hint of uncertainty.
What was James hiding? And how did it involve Sophia?
- Writer
