Sophia finished her breakfast and wiped her lips with a napkin before making her way upstairs. Once in her room, she closed the door behind her and leaned against it for a moment, a small sigh escaping her lips. Her reflection in the mirror caught her attention, and she stared at herself—a woman who had sacrificed everything for a man who never truly valued her.
It wasn't her life anymore, though. It was hers to rebuild now.
After freshening up, she changed into a simple yet elegant outfit—a pair of dark skinny jeans paired with a white blouse that accentuated her figure and a beige trench coat. She styled her hair loosely and kept her makeup minimal, emphasizing her naturally soft features.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, she picked up her phone. Scrolling through the contacts, she came across a name that made her pause: Liam Walker.
The memory hit her immediately. In the novel, Liam was Sophia's childhood friend, her first love, and the boy she dreamed of marrying when she grew up. They had been inseparable once, sharing secrets and dreams under the stars. But everything had changed when Sophia met Alexander at the mall. Alexander had stolen her heart in an instant—a love at first sight that led her to cut ties with everyone, including Liam.
"What a fool," Sophia muttered under her breath, her jaw tightening. The original Sophia had thrown away a man who genuinely cared for her for a scum like Alexander. Anger bubbled within her, not just at Alexander but at the naïve girl who had sacrificed so much for a man who never deserved it.
But now, Sophia had control, and she wasn't about to let someone like Liam slip away so easily.
Taking a deep breath, she pressed the call button. The phone rang several times, each ring amplifying her nervousness. Finally, a deep, familiar voice answered.
"Sophia?" Liam's tone was cautious, even cold.
Sophia swallowed hard, putting on her best trembling voice. "Liam, it's me… I-I know it's been a long time, but… I need to see you. Please."
There was a pause on the other end, followed by a sigh. "Why are you calling me now, Sophia? After all these years, what do you want?"
His words were laced with bitterness, and Sophia couldn't blame him. She had hurt him deeply.
"I just…" Her voice cracked slightly, as if on the verge of tears. "I just really need to talk to you. Please, Liam. It's important."
Another pause, longer this time. Liam was conflicted; she could sense it.
"Fine," he finally said, his tone softening slightly. "There's a coffee shop near Oakwood Park. Be there in twenty minutes."
"Thank you," Sophia whispered before the line went dead.
---
The coffee shop was cozy and bustling, with the scent of roasted coffee beans filling the air. Sophia sat by the window, nursing a steaming cup of coffee as she waited. Her nerves were on edge, but she masked them well.
When Liam walked in, her breath hitched. He looked different, yet still very much the boy she remembered. His dark brown hair was slightly tousled, giving him a rugged, effortlessly handsome appearance. His warm hazel eyes scanned the room, filled with the same quiet intensity that had once drawn her in. He wore a leather jacket over a plain black shirt, paired with dark jeans and boots—casual yet striking.
Sophia's heart ached as she realized just how much the original body had given up for Alexander. How could anyone in their right mind trade someone like Liam for that scum?
She stood up as he approached, unable to contain the sudden rush of emotion. Without thinking, she threw herself at him, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist.
Liam stiffened in surprise. "Sophia?" His voice was filled with disbelief.
She buried her face against his chest, inhaling the faint scent of his cologne mixed with leather. "I missed you, Liam," she said softly, her voice trembling.
He hesitated before gently placing his hands on her shoulders and pulling her away. His hazel eyes searched hers, filled with a mix of confusion and guarded emotions. "This is… unexpected. The last time we spoke, you told me to stay away from you."
Sophia looked down, feigning guilt. "I was wrong, Liam. I was so blinded by everything back then. I didn't know what I was doing."
Liam let out a bitter laugh, running a hand through his hair. "And now? Why are you here? What's changed?"
Sophia bit her lip, looking up at him with teary eyes. "I've made so many mistakes, Liam. I've lost so much… And now I'm just trying to find myself again. I need someone who understands me, someone who can remind me of who I used to be."
Her words seemed to strike a chord. Liam's expression softened, though there was still a hint of skepticism. "Sophia, I don't know if I can trust you again. You hurt me—badly."
"I know," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "And I'll spend as long as it takes to make it up to you, Liam. Please, just give me a chance."
He sighed, looking away for a moment before meeting her gaze again. "Fine. We can talk. But don't expect me to just forget everything."
Sophia smiled faintly, relief washing over her. "That's all I'm asking for."
They sat down together, the awkwardness between them slowly easing as they began to talk. Sophia listened intently as Liam shared snippets of his life over the years, his accomplishments, and even his struggles. He was still the same kind-hearted person she remembered, and she found herself genuinely enjoying his company.
As they spoke, Sophia felt a renewed determination. She wasn't the original Sophia who had thrown away everything for Alexander. She was different now, and she wasn't about to let Liam slip away again.
She didn't know what the future held, but one thing was certain—she would make Alexander regret everything he had done to her. And she would make sure that Liam saw her as someone worth fighting for.