The lost smile

Chapter-3 Accident

Ryza POV

I was making lunch for the guests and Sophia in the afternoon. Our company's business advisor was among the visitors. Sophia came to see us frequently, so I prepared her favourite food. After John's death, my life altered dramatically, and I was no longer able to handle his company on my own. As a result, I married my friend Alexander, who was equally sympathetic and committed to preserve the company from its opponents. Then, after marriage, we fell in love on the spur of the moment. I am now the mother of a four-year-old kid named Sam. Alexander also sought to become Sophia's father, but she kept us out of her life. She drowned herself with alcohol or drugs.

Alexander was not harsh with her and lavished her with gifts, but she did not appreciate them. My life partner died as well, but instead of accepting the fact and assisting us, she created additional problems for us, and her school and college complaints have escalated. Her arrest, which made the front page of the newspaper, was causing a stir. I let her live her life and learn from her mistakes. However, her treatment of us is deteriorating. I place the dish on the dining table and invite the guests to join us for the lunch. The sound of heels tapping echoed around the room.

Mrs. Jade dashed across the room in my direction. “Why are you in such a hurry?” I inquired, raising my eyebrows.

“Miss Sofia was admitted to the hospital, she had an accident while arriving here,” she remarked, her eyes disturbed. Madam, please hurry.”

Her comment stunned me and caused me to lose consciousness. Alexander grabbed me hard and offered his support.

“Let's go there to see her and take care of her,” he murmured, wrinkling his nose. "Ryza, she's our daughter too.”

I was traumatised, so I softly nodded and followed him outside the home. I was down from this suffering during the drive, and I didn't want to lose my kid as well.

We arrived at the hospital and were greeted by the doctors. “Mr. and Mrs. Reed,” the doctor said.

"Sorry to report, but your daughter's right kidney had failed as a result of the accident, as she was already an alcoholic and a druggist. Her kidney was pressed on the steering wheel after the accident.”

I clenched my teeth and burst out crying. I couldn't bear seeing my kid in this state; she is suffering as a result of my actions. Not only that, but I was also to blame for her mishap.

She would not have driven while inebriated if I had not insisted on her coming.

Alexander wrapped his arms around me and massaged my back. “She is not suffering because of you,” he expressed his displeasure. "Please, Ryza, remain calm.” I was sobbing in agony as I drew my gaze downward. I take his hand in mine. “I'd like to have her back in my life. Alex, please save her.”

He avoided making direct eye contact with me. “The doctors are doing their hardest to save her,” he murmured quietly.

A young girl, around 13 years old, approached with a toy in her hand. She appeared to have sobbed a lot. Her eyes were puffy, and her nose was bright red. The cops approached her from behind, looking in our direction.

We got up to speak with the cops about the accident. “Mr. and Mrs. Reed, your daughter Miss Sofia was drunk and still driving,” the cops said. "We also acquired several tequila and vodka bottles. She could have lost her balance and been involved in an accident.”

We agreed and asked them to carry out the rest of the procedures.

“She has lost her father due of your daughter's irresponsibility,” one female cop shouted aggressively to us. "As a result of our investigation, she now has no family members left, and she will be an orphan from now on.”

I felt bad about the girl's father's death. With tearful eyes, I knelt and took the girl on my lap. “Do you want to live with us?”

While wiping her nose with a tissue and presenting me the doll, the girl gave me a sorrowful grin. “Could my Sara also live with you?” she asked, a puppy-like expression on her face. “What is your name, my dear?” I asked with a smile.

“I am Emily princess,” she said, blinking frequently. “Dad would also live with us?” she asked after a pause. I held her and apologised for separating her from her father. She went numb and didn't say anything after that.

We sent her to her house with our assistance to collect all of her belongings and move in with us. That's what she desired. I'm delighted she didn't hold grudges against us and forgiven us after her father died as a result of Sophia. When I saw Emily, she reminded me of the days when we had lost John and Sophia was just like her. Her heart is pure, yet she is an alcoholic, a smoker, and a druggist. She would never knowingly harm somebody. Not only that, but she still acts like a ten-year-old kid who refuses to accept her father's death.

Later, Alexander completed all of the accident paperwork as well as Emily's custody paperwork. He was trying everything he could to keep the news of the disaster from reaching the public.

If Alexander hadn't intervened, Sophia would have ended up in prison. I hope she recognises his fatherly affection and welcomes him as a father one day. The doctor then arrived, having completed Sophia's kidney surgery. I was eagerly anticipating the outcome of the operation. “Though the operation was successful, please prevent any additional drinking and smoking,” he remarked as he stared at me and raised his thumb. "That, too, would be extremely dangerous.”

After listening to his advice, I decided to take Sophia to her grandmother's place for a fresh start, but the question was whether she would agree.

Next day, I was sitting in the ICU room to be with Sophia . She was stable following the surgery, although she had not yet awakened. I took a seat in the chair next to her bed. She appeared frail and pallid. Minor scratches and bruises were visible on her face. They wrapped her head in bandages and covered her mouth with a mask. They hooked her up to an IV and gave her needles. I recall her having a dread of syringes as a child.

I gently stroked her cheek. She whimpers and opens her eyes slowly, staring at me.

However, she shifted her gaze to the other side, indicating that she was still enraged by me.