Chapter 4
1001 Words
Sophia’s POV
He stared at me, his dark eyes flickering with an emotion I couldn’t quite place. "I’m sorry for..." He couldn’t finish the words, his voice trembling. His hand was flipping off me. I wanted to fall for his trap, but I held myself back.
"For the divorce?" I asked him swiftly, my eyes darting to his blue eyes. I knew that was what he wanted to say.
Then I think he came back to his senses. "Grandma wants to see you. You are coming with me to Blackthorn Estate tonight," he said, his voice commanding.
I froze for a moment, caught off guard by his sudden demand. Then I raised an eyebrow, incredulous. "What is wrong with you?"
His phone rang at that moment, and he went to pick it up. "Hey son, I have not heard from your wife, Sophia. You should bring her along to the family dinner party tonight."
I raised an eyebrow again, incredulous. What is wrong with him? He told me Grandma knows about the divorce. I abruptly moved away from him. My heart felt like it was bleeding as I stood there, overwhelmed by the reality that the man I married three years ago suddenly changed when he got to know my cousin. I struggled to think but snapped the thought out of my head. I acted like I didn’t hear the conversation.
"I told you Grandma wants to see you. Do you think I would willingly spend time with you otherwise?" he said, acting cold and disdainful. He was different from the Aiden I saw a minute ago.
I snorted, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, how kind of you, Aiden. You used to make every excuse to stop me from seeing your grandmother, and now suddenly, you are dragging me along. What changed?"
His sneer deepened. "Sophia, Grandma has always cared for you. Have you forgotten her just because we are divorced?"
"Caring? Since when did you let me see her last? And don’t forget that you mentioned she knew about the divorce the other day. Why does she suddenly want me?"
"She… Maybe," he stammered. "I don’t know. I can’t answer the question," he lied.
I hesitated. The truth was, Grandma had always treated me with kindness. Even when the rest of the Blackthorn family dismissed me, she had a warm, welcoming smile and caring nature, and all were genuine. I shouted as I opened the door, then I felt his touch on me.
"Please Sophia," he said. I felt shocked because this was the first time Aiden would apologize. He thought the magic words would make him a fool.
I wasn’t heartless, and Grandma didn’t deserve to be ignored because of our failed marriage. With a sigh of resignation, I followed Aiden to the car.
As the car pulled into the Blackthorn Estate, I felt a familiar pang of sadness. The sprawling estate had once felt like a home I could belong to, but now it seemed cold and unwelcoming.
We entered the grand living room, where an excited voice immediately greeted us.
"My lovely granddaughter-in-law is here! Sophia, come sit beside me." Janet's face lit up with joy as she gestured for me to join her on the couch.
I hesitated, my lashes trembling slightly. Emotions swirled within me as I forced a smile.
"Grandma, I'm so sorry for not visiting sooner."
Janet reached out and patted my hand gently, cutting me off. "There is no need to apologize, my dear. I understand the difficulties you have been facing."
My eyes widened in surprise. "You know everything?"
If Janet was aware of the divorce, she didn’t seem angry or disappointed. In fact, her tone remained kind and reassuring. Even Aiden seemed taken aback, his brow furrowing as he watched his grandmother.
Janet glanced at Aiden, her expression hardening. "Of course, I know everything. This brat here has always been a scoundrel, acting like a bastard at times."
She turned back to me, her gaze softening. "I chose a good wife for him, but he has taken you for granted, and for that, I am deeply sorry."
My heart ached at Janet's words. No one in the Blackthorn family had ever acknowledged my pain before. Janet's compassion stirred something inside me, something I thought I had buried long ago.
"Grandma," my voice trembled as I tried to speak, but the words wouldn’t come.
Janet squeezed my hand gently, her tone resolute. "You've always been kind, Sophia, but you deserve happiness too. Don't let anyone take that away from you."
As I sat beside her, Aiden found himself questioning everything he thought he knew about me and perhaps even about himself.
I looked up abruptly but found myself at a loss for words.
Aiden strode toward her, his expression sullen, and opened the car door without a word. Janet, standing nearby, noticed. I froze in place and gave her a gentle nod. Silly child.
"He wants a divorce, but I don't want you out of my family, Sophia. Just remember that I married you for him because of how kind and lovely you are. Don't allow him to poison your mind. And if possible, return to his house. I know he lied to you that I supported the divorce. You should know I will never support that. He is acting like his father, so stubborn. You know men," her words held me from been, but not entirely. My internal heart had healed from what he did—my sacrifice, my words, my life with him. I made sure I did everything. to satisfy him, yet he refused to acknowledge me as his wife.
And now the confusion rubbed all over my face. I froze for a moment, words wanting to force out from my mouth, but I held them back.
What did I want to say? I had already agreed with Hunter, and that is my way of taking revenge. On the other hand, I don't want to disappoint Janet.
- Writer
