Chapter 77
This kid is too perceptive, Hery thought.
Sometimes that’s true,” Henry admitted. “But sometimes thing really are complicated.”
Back at the Imperial Palace, Sophia had already lost interest in the karaoke celebration. After perfunctorily singing a couple of songs, she slipped out of the private room and headed for the lobby. Her mind was filled with worry for Billy- Henry looking after him was unprecedented, and she couldn’t help feeling anxious.
As she reached the grand lobby with its sparkling chandeliers and marble floors, she heard hurried footsteps behind her.
“Sophia, wait!” Thomas called, his expression filled with disappointment as he caught up to her. “Where are you going? The party’s just getting started.”
“I’m sorry, Thomas,” she said sincerely. “Billy called. I need to go home to him.”
Thomas’s face fell. “But this is your birthday celebration. After everything you’ve been through, you deserve one night to yourself.”
“I appreciate everything you’ve done,” Sophia assured him. “The surprise, the cake, all of it. But Billy needs me.”
“Henry is with him, isn’t he?” Thomas asked, his voice carrying a hint of frustration. “Just let the child stay with him for
one evening.”
Sophia hesitated. “It’s not that simple-”
“It is that simple,” Thomas insisted, stepping closer. “You’ve been accommodating that man for five years, Sophia. You’ve signed the divorce papers. It’s time to start living for yourself.”
His words struck a chord in her heart. He had a point–she had been living in Henry’s shadow, putting his and Billy’s needs above her own for so long that she’d almost forgotten what it felt like to prioritize herself.
Thomas must have seen the conflict in her eyes, because he suddenly spread his arms wide, physically blocking her path to
the exit.
“I won’t let you leave,” he declared, though his voice remained gentle. “At least right now, during your birthday party, you
should stay.”
Sophia stared at him, taken aback by this uncharacteristic behavior from the usually proper doctor. Yet she saw nothing but genuine concern and care in his eyes–no manipulation, no ulterior motives, just a friend trying to ensure she enjoyed the present moment’s happiness.
“Thomas,” she began, uncertain how to respond to Thomas’s attitude.
“You’ve already signed the divorce papers,” Thomas gently reminded her. “You need to start making changes, Sophia. Don’t let Henry control your life anymore.”
His words resonated deeply, making Sophia pause. She had been fighting so hard for her freedom, yet at the first call, she was ready to rush back to the world Henry had created for her. Was she really ready to break free, or was she just pretending?
1/2
Chapter 77
As she considered Thomas’s words, a small voice suddenly rang out across the lobby.
“Mommy!”
Sophia’s head snapped up to see Billy running through the hotel’s revolving doors, his face beaming with excitement. All “thoughts of independence instantly vanished, as maternal instinct changed everything.
“Billy!” she exclaimed, rushing forward to meet her son in the middle of the lobby.
Thomas watched with a resigned expression, knowing that all fus efforts had become meaningless with the small boy’s
arrival.
Billy threw himself into his mother’s arms, hugging her tightly before turning toward Thomas with an accusatory look.
“Mommy, why won’t Thomas uncle let you leave?” the boy demanded, his protective instinct triggered. “Thomas uncle, you can’t do that to my mommy!”
Thomas was shocked by the child’s directness. He hadn’t expected Billy to witness that moment, and seeing the fierce protectiveness in the boy’s eyes made him realize how his actions might have appeared.
“I…I’m sorry, Billy,” Thomas stammered, genuinely chastened by the five–year–old’s defense of his mother. “I didn’t mean to upset anyone.”
“It’s okay, Billy, Sophia soothed, stroking her son’s hair. “Thomas was just trying to make sure I enjoyed my birthday party.”
“Of course it matters!” a deep voice interjected from behind them.
Sophia froze, recognizing Henry’s commanding tone even before turning to face him.
Henry strode across the hotel lobby, his expensive shoes clicking against the marble floor, his presence immediately drawing the attention of everyone nearby.
“How can this be ‘no problem“?” he asked, his voice dangerously low as he approached them.
Chapter Comments
♡ 1
POST COMMENT NOW
<SHAPE
