BROKEN VOWS

CHAPTER 2

The bustling bar was alive with energy, filled with people laughing and chatting, as Byron and Nicholas found a cozy corner to catch up over drinks.

"Hey bro! How’s it going?" Byron asked with excitement.

"Never been better. Get us a booth. Drinks are on you, though," Nicholas responded.

Byron laughed and responded, "Fair enough. So, what brings us here?"

Nicholas leaned back in his seat, recounting to Byron how his meeting with the woman he earlier referred him to had gone. He explained how she had presented him with a photo of the prospective bride, along with details on where to find her

Byron leaned forward, anticipation evident in his body language, as Nicholas described the meeting with the woman.

When Nicholas showed him the picture of the prospective bride, a look of shock crossed Byron's face. He recognized the woman in the photo—it was someone he had seen before.

"What's up with the surprised face? Do you know her?" Nicholas asked.

Byron replied, "Yes, I do. She was one of the waitresses that attended me at the birthday celebration of Andrew, the CEO of the Price Industry."

As Byron spoke further, he mentioned, "I must have heard a rumor about her family, which had quite a history, including some financial ups and downs..."

His voice trailed off abruptly as his phone rang, interrupting the conversation. Byron excused himself to take the call, leaving Nicholas to ponder the implications of what he had just heard.

After he came back, Byron apologized, explaining that it was a matter of urgency, and he couldn't stay any longer. He quickly gathered his things and left, leaving Nicholas with a sense of unease about the information he had just received.

While Nicholas was left alone pondering on the information Byron was about to spill out, he decided he finally needed to find this woman.

Arriving at the address, Nicholas spotted Sophie outside her building, easily recognizing her from the picture he had been given.

Nicholas also noticed she was standing by another man, the two of them looking as though they were about to set off for an occasion. He felt a pang of unease until he abruptly turned to his driver and asked, "Who could that man be?"

The driver responded, "I'm not sure, sir. Shall I inquire?"

Nicholas shook his head, his gaze fixed on Sophie and the man beside her. He watched as they seemed excited as they communicated and were likely heading to a destination together.

Tristan had come to pick up Sophie from her apartment to the hospital as she had earlier informed him. Her mother’s medical condition had been a major concern to Sophie, for every little time she had, she needed to visit her mom.

Arriving at the hospital, Tristan pulled over and turned to Sophie and said, “We’re at the hospital now” as he reached out to hold her hand.

“Thank you for the ride, Tristan, I will be spending so much time here, so it’s best you don’t have to wait for me. I will find my way home.” Sophie responded with a smile.

Tristan responded, “Okay, just be safe alright?” as he leaned, they shared an embrace which was filled with a sense of joy and happiness, the kind that only comes from someone you truly care about.

As they parted ways, Sophie's mind buzzed with anticipation about the family dinner Tristan had invited her to. She conceptualizes approximately what to wear, trying to have an excellent influence on Tristan's family. She wanted them to see her as Tristan saw her; someone special.

Sophie walked into the hospital with a heavy heart and trembling steps, each footfall echoing fear and uncertainty. Every hall appeared longer, each door heavier, as she navigated the hallways towards her mother's room, praying for a glimmer of hope amidst the overpowering fear.

“Who… who is there?” Mrs. Thompson stuttered, supposing it to be a nurse who had come for a clinical ward round session to have her regular medical check done.

''Mom, it's me, Sophie." she responded as she gently clasped her mother's hand, offering reassurance and comfort to her.

Sophie asked, “How are you feeling, Mom?” Her lips curved subtly, spreading as her eyes crinkled at the corners.

"I am better. I know it's hard to see me like this, but the doctors say there's hope”, her mother whispered in a shaky voice.

"I will fight with all I have to get you out of this condition. Please, stay strong for me." Sophie said.

With a somber demeanor and tear-stained cheeks, Sophie walked back home alone, the weight of worry and sadness pressing down on her shoulders after seeing her sick mother in the hospital.

Sophie arrived home, her mind fed on through the current occasions in her life. Feeling overwhelmed, she decided to take a stroll inside the park close to her house, hoping the sparkling air and surroundings could assist in cleaning her mind.

As she wandered through the park, lost in her thoughts, she unexpectedly heard her name being called. Looking up, she noticed Cora, her best friend, strolling towards her with a brilliant smile on her face.

"Cora, what are you doing here?" Sophie asked, surprised but grateful for the unexpected company.

"I knew you could use a friend," Cora replied, linking arms with Sophie as they continued their walk through the park. Sophie felt a sense of relief knowing that, no matter what, she could always count on Cora to be there for her.

Sophie and Cora had an incredible time together. Sophie found solace in sharing her experiences and burdens with Cora, lightening her heart. They laughed and talked as they enjoyed each other's company.

After they parted ways and said goodbyes, as Sophie walked along the winding paths, she observed she was being followed. Instinctively, she quickened her footsteps, but it still didn't make any difference. Heart pounding, Sophie tried to shake off the feeling of unease, but it only grew stronger.

Unable to bypass her fear any longer, Sophie turned around to confront her pursuer. To her surprise, she found herself face to face with a man she had never seen before. He was tall and with a mild look in his eyes.

"Who are you?" Sophie asked, trying to sound brave despite her fear.

The man wore a smile, taking a step closer to her. "I mean no harm, but I'll need you to follow me” he said.

Reluctantly, she followed the stranger to the car, where the tinted glass window wound down, revealing a stern face. "Get in, we need to talk" the voice commanded.