A christmas of second chance

CHAPTER 8

The comforting aroma of roasted chicken filled the house as Sophie stirred a pot of soup on the stove. It was a quiet evening, just the way she liked it. Her mother had gone to church, a weekly routine, and Lily was outside playing with the neighborhood kids. The occasional burst of laughter drifted through the open window, a reminder that at least for now, her daughter was happy.

Daniel had just come back, shaking the cold from his jacket as he walked into the kitchen. He glanced at the simmering pot before turning to Sophie with a look that made her pause.

“Guess who I saw today?” he asked, resting a hand on the counter.

Sophie arched a brow. “Who?”

“Your ex-husband,” he said, watching her reaction. “Adam.”

Sophie’s stirring hand froze. A sudden chill ran down her spine.

“I mean it, Sophie. I found him. He’s in town. I think he came looking for you guys. He checked into the hotel near the main square.”

For a moment, Sophie couldn’t move. She blinked, gripping the spoon tighter.

“Adam?” she echoed, as if saying his name would change the reality of it.

Daniel nodded.

Her heart pounded. What was he doing here? Their divorce was final. There was no hope of them getting back together—she had made sure of that. So why now?

And then it hit her. Lily.

Oh no.

Panic surged through her, and she wiped her hands on a dish towel before hurrying toward the door. “Lily,” she called out, her voice sharper than intended.

Daniel held up a hand. “Relax. She’s still playing with the kids.”

Sophie exhaled, but the anxiety didn’t ease. Adam wasn’t the type to give up easily. He had always been persistent—especially when things didn’t go his way. What if he was here to convince Lily to return with him?

She turned back to Daniel, her mind racing. “I hope he’s not here to cause trouble.”

Daniel shrugged. “Well, let’s find out.”

But Sophie already knew she had to act fast. She needed to make sure Adam didn’t get the chance to see Lily alone. Not that she wanted to keep her daughter from her father—but she knew how manipulative Adam could be. One conversation could be enough to plant dangerous ideas in Lily’s mind.

She clenched her jaw. Not this time.

Sophie had to be smart about this. Adam wasn’t going to take her daughter away—not if she had anything to say about it.

Sophie set Daniel’s plate in front of him, but before he could take a bite, she spoke.

“Did he see you?”

Daniel looked up, chewing. “Who?”

Sophie swallowed, correcting herself. “Lily’s father. Did Adam see you?”

Daniel let out a short laugh. “Oh, ladies,” he muttered, shaking his head. “No, he didn’t. I saw him first. At first, I thought I was mistaken, but when I got a closer look, it was definitely him. I was smart enough not to let him notice me.”

Sophie exhaled in relief, but the weight in her chest didn’t ease. “Good. I just wanted to make sure he didn’t follow you here.”

Daniel scoffed. “Sophie, he already knows the house. And besides, he knows I’m still furious about how he treated you. He wouldn’t dare approach me.”

“You think so?” Sophie asked, her voice laced with doubt.

Daniel just shrugged and took another bite. “Well, then,” he said, pointing at her with his fork. “ tastes so delicious ”

“Really?”

“Yes. Now, allow me to enjoy this delicious chicken stew in peace,” he said with a smirk, shoveling another spoonful into his mouth.

Sophie rolled her eyes, but her mind was already moving ahead. “We have to make sure Lily’s school is protected,” she said, her tone serious again. “No strangers should be allowed to take or talk to her.”

“I’ll speak to the teacher tomorrow,” Daniel offered.

Sophie shook her head. “No. I have to do it myself.”

Her voice was firm—not a request, not a discussion, just a statement.

Daniel nodded. “All right then.”

Sophie turned toward the window, watching the children play. The carefree laughter outside felt like a stark contrast to the storm building inside her.

“Lily!” she called. “Come have your food.”

As she set the table for her daughter, her mind spun with thoughts. She needed to plan her next steps carefully. She wasn’t going to let Adam manipulate his way back into their lives.