Liam's sleek car pulled up into the sprawling driveway of the Sterling Mansion, its polished black exterior gleaming under the dim glow of the mansion's outdoor lights. Sophia sat quietly in the passenger seat, staring at the grand structure that once symbolized everything she thought she wanted. Now, it felt more like a gilded cage.
"Thanks for today, Liam," she said, glancing at him with a small smile. "You made me see things in a brighter light."
Liam chuckled, his warm hazel eyes meeting hers. "Anytime, Soph. You know I've got your back."
As she stepped out of the car, she turned back and playfully blew him a kiss. "Drive safe," she added, closing the door gently.
Liam watched her walk toward the entrance, his smile fading slightly. There was something different about her now—stronger, more self-assured—but he couldn't shake the worry that her journey would be far from easy. With a sigh, he drove off into the night.
---
Inside the mansion, Alexander sat on the plush leather couch, his body tense and his jaw clenched. Isabella was seated beside him, her posture elegant yet calculated, as though she belonged there. She placed a delicate hand on Alexander's arm, her doe-like eyes filled with false concern.
When Sophia entered, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor, Alexander's head snapped up. Relief flashed across his face, quickly replaced by frustration.
"Sophia," he barked, his voice sharp, "who just dropped you off at this hour? And why didn't you answer my calls?"
Sophia sighed audibly, her steps faltering for a moment before she continued toward the stairs. She didn't have the energy for his theatrics, not tonight.
"Don't walk away from me!" he shouted, his tone harsher now. "I'm talking to you!"
Her patience snapped. She turned on her heel, her eyes blazing with anger. "What do you want, Alexander? What is so important that you can't let me go upstairs and rest?"
"Who was that man?" he demanded, rising to his feet. His towering figure loomed over her, but she didn't flinch. "And don't tell me you didn't see my calls. I called you multiple times!"
Sophia folded her arms across her chest, her expression cold. "Why does it matter to you? It's not like you care. You've spent months ignoring me, disrespecting me, and now you suddenly want to play the concerned husband?"
"Answer the question, Sophia," he growled, his frustration boiling over.
Sophia rolled her eyes, letting out an exasperated laugh. "Fine. His name is Liam. He's a friend. You remember what friends are, don't you, Alexander? Or have you been too busy with your mistress to notice that I might actually need people in my life who treat me like a human being?"
Alexander's face darkened. "Don't bring Isabella into this," he warned, his voice low.
Sophia's gaze darted to Isabella, who sat silently, her expression carefully neutral. But Sophia could see the smugness lurking behind her eyes, the satisfaction of a woman who believed she had won.
"Oh, I will bring her into this," Sophia snapped. "What is she even doing here, Alexander? This is our house, not her personal retreat."
Isabella finally spoke, her voice soft and feigning innocence. "I wasn't feeling well, Sophia. Alexander insisted I stay here for the night. I didn't mean to upset you."
Sophia's laugh was bitter, slicing through the tension in the room. "Upset me? You must think I'm stupid, Isabella. You being here isn't about your so-called 'sickness.' You're here because you want to rub it in my face that you have him wrapped around your finger."
"That's enough," Alexander said, his voice sharp.
"No, Alexander, it's not enough," Sophia shot back, her voice rising. "I've had enough of this—of you, of her, of this entire charade. You want to play house with your mistress? Fine. But don't you dare try to control me anymore."
"You're still my wife," he retorted, his fists clenched.
"Not for long," she spat, her tone dripping with venom. "And until the divorce is finalized, stay out of my life. You've done enough damage."
Isabella placed a hand on her chest, her expression pained. "Sophia, I never meant to cause trouble. Maybe I should leave if it makes you uncomfortable…"
"Spare me the act," Sophia said coldly, her glare cutting through Isabella's pretense. "You can stay. Clearly, Alexander prefers your company to mine. Just don't expect me to pretend like it doesn't disgust me."
With that, she turned on her heel and stormed up the stairs, her head held high despite the ache in her chest.
---
Once inside her room, Sophia leaned against the door, her breathing shallow. The confrontation had taken more out of her than she cared to admit. She walked over to the window and gazed out at the night sky, the stars twinkling faintly against the inky blackness.
Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, and she glanced at it. Another call from Alexander. She ignored it, silencing the phone and tossing it aside.
She was starting to reclaim her power. She wasn't the weak, desperate woman she used to be. And she wasn't going to let Alexander or Isabella make her feel small ever again.
She closed her eyes, her mind replaying the events of the day. She thought about Liam—his warm smile, his unwavering support. She didn't deserve his kindness, not after everything the original Sophia had done to him. But she was grateful for it nonetheless.
Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, she allowed herself to rest. Sophia had fought her first battle tonight, and though it had left her drained, it also left her stronger.
And she wasn't done fighting yet.