Chapter 5: No Joke
1204 Words
If Rex Carlson hadn’t already experienced Olivia Harper’s sharp attitude, he might’ve believed her so-called “admiration.”
“Yeah, sure,” he muttered, brushing off the idea like lint on his jacket.
Leonard Hayes was utterly baffled. He had no clue what had transpired between his granddaughter and Rex, especially since the room’s soundproofing blocked out Olivia’s earlier harsh words.
If Leonard had heard, there was no doubt Olivia would’ve been grounded indefinitely.
But Rex wasn’t concerned about Olivia. His mind was consumed by a different revelation—Sophia Bennett hadn’t gone through with the abortion.
If Olivia and Sophia were as close as they seemed, perhaps Leonard knew more about her.
“Leonard,” Rex asked, his tone casual, “you know Sophia Bennett?”
Leonard nodded. “Of course. She’s the Bennett family’s prized jewel.
An extraordinary young woman, far more competent than her siblings. Unfortunately, the Bennetts are stuck in their old-fashioned ways.
Because she’s a woman, they’ve sidelined her. The family had hoped to secure a partnership with the Hansens through marriage, but with your recent interference in the bidding process, that’s likely delayed.”
Rex frowned. “I mean her personal life. What’s she like?”
Leonard hesitated, surprised by the question, but he answered anyway. “
“The Bennetts enforce strict discipline, especially with their daughters. Sophia has always been poised and responsible.
As far as I know, she’s never even had a boyfriend.”
Rex’s mind flashed back to that morning—the pristine white sheets, the crimson stain. Could it really be true? Was the child… his?
He ran a hand through his hair, frustration etched on his face. He lit a cigarette and took a deep drag.
Leonard, unaware of Rex’s internal conflict, attempted to change the topic.
“You know, my granddaughter Olivia graduated top of her class at the Royal Academy in London. She’s—”
“Stop right there,” Rex interrupted, holding up a hand. “This isn’t a matchmaking service, Leonard. I’ve got places to be.”
Without waiting for a response, Rex grabbed his taxi keys and strode out, leaving Leonard bewildered.
A Late-Night Drive
Rex parked his taxi in its usual spot near the station. Despite the late hour, he decided to take another fare or two. The repetitive motion of driving helped clear his head.
By 10 p.m., he was done for the night. Back in the driver’s seat, he checked his phone. Sophia’s earlier messages still sat there, unresponded to, each word heavy with anxiety and desperation.
As he debated whether to reply, his phone buzzed again.
“Do you have time?”
The message was short, but it carried an unspoken urgency.
“I do,” Rex replied immediately.
“Meet me?”
She sent him a location—Forest Park, near the lake by Greenwood Estates.
Lakeside Conversations
The park was quiet, the stillness broken only by the soft rustling of leaves. Sophia sat on a weathered bench by the lake, her arms wrapped around herself as if trying to shield against more than just the cold.
Rex pulled up in his taxi, the low rumble of the engine fading as he parked. He stepped out, straightening his jacket, and walked toward her.
“You’re punctual,” Sophia remarked, her voice soft but tinged with faint surprise.
“Always,” Rex said, taking a seat beside her. He sat close enough that their shoulders brushed.
Sophia shifted slightly, putting some distance between them.
After a long silence, Rex finally leaned back, breaking the quiet.
“You don’t need to worry. Have the kid. I’ll take care of you both. If you want to get married, we can go to City Hall tomorrow.”
Sophia let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. “You’ll take care of us? With what? Your cab driver tips?”
“Why not?” Rex said with a shrug. “It’s not that hard.”
Sophia raised her wrist, her slender fingers brushing the face of her luxury watch. “Do you even know what this is?”
Rex leaned in, lightly grabbing her wrist to examine it. “Cartier Ballon Bleu. Rose gold, automatic. Forty-two millimeters, if I’m not mistaken.”
Sophia blinked, caught off guard by his precise knowledge.
“How much do you think it costs?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.
“Thirty-five grand, give or take,” Rex replied, as if discussing the weather.
Sophia frowned. “So, how many years would it take for you to afford this, assuming you didn’t eat or sleep?”
Rex leaned back, smirking. “Oh, so you’re worried about money? Don’t be. I’ve got enough for you, the baby, and a third kid if you want. Go ahead—live your life.”
Sophia sighed deeply, her irritation boiling over. “Do you ever stop talking nonsense?”
Rex chuckled, his tone softening. “I’m serious, Sophia. You can count on me.”
Her phone buzzed, cutting the moment short.
She glanced at the screen. It was her mother.
“Where are you? Get back home. Ethan’s here to discuss the wedding!”
“I’m on my way,” Sophia replied curtly before ending the call.
She turned back to Rex, her shoulders tense. “Can you take me home?”
Rex nodded. “Of course.”
He held the taxi door open for her with a dramatic flourish. “Your chariot awaits.”
Sophia couldn’t help but smile as she climbed in, the faint scent of tobacco and leather oddly comforting.
Trouble at the Bennett Mansion
When they arrived at the estate, Rex expected Sophia to send him on his way. Instead, she reached out and grabbed his wrist.
“Come inside,” she said, her voice trembling ever so slightly.
Rex raised an eyebrow but nodded. “Lead the way.”
Inside, the atmosphere was suffocating. Helen Bennett sat poised on the couch, her expression a blend of anxiety and forced cheer. Across from her sat Ethan Hansen—a toadlike man with an oily smile that made Rex want to turn around and leave.
The moment Ethan saw Sophia, his eyes lit up with a predatory gleam. “Sophia, darling,” he crooned, standing to greet her.
Sophia froze, her face a mask of thinly veiled disgust.
Helen rose, her smile tight. “Sophia, Ethan and his family have been so generous. We’ve set the wedding date for next weekend. Isn’t that wonderful?”
Sophia’s jaw clenched. “It’s not happening.”
Ethan’s smile faltered. “Excuse me?”
“I said,” Sophia repeated, her voice steady and cold, “I’m not marrying you.”
Helen gasped, her hand flying to her chest. “Sophia, don’t be ridiculous—”
“I’m not,” Sophia cut her off, stepping closer to Rex. She looped her arm through his, her grip firm as if daring anyone to challenge her. “Mom, I’m pregnant. And it’s his.”
The room fell into stunned silence.
Helen’s face turned pale, her lips trembling. “You’re joking,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Sophia turned to face her mother, her expression unyielding. “I’m not.”
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