Chapter 9
Sophia’s P.O.V
ส
0
I checked the time again as I grabbed my bag and hurried toward the door. The ca
the last ones waiting.
would be closing soon, and I didn’t want my kids to be
Just as I stepped outside, I saw Nathaniel leaning against his car, his hands casually resting on the hood. He turned when he heard the door shut behind me, offering a small, easy smile.
“Are you heading to the daycare?” he asked, already knowing the answer.
“Yeah.” I adjusted the strap of my bag on my shoulder. “Need to pick up the kids.”
“I’m going that way,” he said, opening the passenger door. “Hop in.”
I hesitated for only a second before nodding. As I slipped into the passenger seat of Nathaniel’s car, I could feel the familiar warmth of his
presence.
I told myself it was no big deal, that he was just being kind. After all, we were both heading in the same direction to pick up our kids from daycare, so when he offered to drive me there, I couldn’t resist. But why did my stupid heart keep on pounding like it was trying to escape my
chest?
glanced at him as he started the engine and shifted into drive. He looked so calm, his hands steady on the wheel, his gaze focused on the road ahead. I couldn’t help but wonder, who the lucky woman was that married him. He was charming, smart, and undeniably good–looking. But with a man like him, I knew there must be someone of equal caliber.
Maybe someone just as influential, charming and stunning. Or was she a housewife, caught up in raising kids and neglecting her role as a wife, like I had?
As if sensing the direction my thoughts were taking, Nathaniel suddenly spoke, his voice breaking the silence between us.
*Emanuel isn’t my son, you know,” he said, his tone light but tinged with sadness that caught my attention. “In case you were wondering who he takes after.”
I blinked, surprised. “What do you mean?”
Nathaniel’s eyes flicked toward me for a moment before he returned his attention to the road.
“He’s my nephew,” he explained. “His parents–my sister and her husband–they… they died in a car accident not too long ago. They were on a trip, dropped Emanuel off at his grandparents‘ house, and on the way back, their car collided with a truck.”
My heart ached for the little boy, imagining how devastating it must’ve been to lose both parents in one night. “God, Nathaniel… I’m so sorry. That must’ve been awful for Emanuel…and you…I–I’m so sorry to hear this.”
He nodded, his face unreadable. “It was. I had to step in and help take care of him. He’s been living with me for almost a year now, but I can tell he misses his parents dearly.” His eyes softened, but the weight of his words hung in the air, making the moment feel heavier than it had before.
I didn’t know what to say, but I felt a rush of sympathy for him, knowing how much responsibility he must carry. Taking care of a child who had just lost his parents in a horrific way…it wasn’t an easy task.
“It’s really admirable what you’re doing for him,” I said quietly, my voice softer now. “I can’t imagine how tough it must be for you, stepping into that role.”
Nathaniel just shrugged, but I could see a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “It’s not easy, but it’s the least I can do for my sister and her husband. I don’t want him to feel like he’s lost everything. I want him to feel safe and secure, knowing I’ll always be there for him.”
We drove in silence for a while, but the air between us felt lighter now. I couldn’t help but admire Nathaniel more than I already had. His strength, his heart… it was all so much more than what I had ever expected.
And as we approached the daycare, I wondered if he was really the kind of man who could ever be tied down to one person–or if he’d always be looking out for someone who would uphold his standards.
I listened to Nathaniel speak of Emanuel as if he were his own son. I didn’t know why, but I felt a strange sense of relief settle in my chest. Maybe it was because of the way Nathaniel said it, like he truly meant it.
1/2
9:13 AM
Chapter 9
Maybe it was the care and comfort he offered that drew me to him in the first place? Before I could think any further, Nathaniel’s voice broke through the quiet again, this time with a question that froze me in place.
“Why do you think Gabriella’s been targeting you?” he asked, his tone suddenly serious, probing.
I blinked, caught off guard by the question. For a moment, I didn’t know how to respond. How did Nathaniel figure out that Gabriella may have a personal grudge against me? And why was Nathaniel even asking me about her so suddenly?
Was I reading too much into this situation? Or was he simply just worried about me?
I swallowed hard, finally managing to ask, “Why do you think Gabriella has been targeting me?” The words felt strange in my mouth, like I was saying something I wasn’t supposed to. I could feel my heartbeat quicken, waiting for his answer, not knowing what he was going to say.
Nathaniel leaned forward slightly, his expression intense. “The woman in that picture,” he began, his eyes locking onto mine, “that was Gabriella, wasn’t it?” I froze, my stomach sinking as his words hit me like a cold wave. He had seen the picture. Of course, he had. But the way he said it- like he knew something more–made me uneasy..
*And if I’m not wrong,” he continued, his voice low but steady, “I think the man in that picture… he was your husband, wasn’t he?”
The world around me seemed to shift. My breath caught in my throat, and I felt my pulse race. My heart pounded against my chest, my thoughts scattering.
“What… what are you talking about?” I stammered, my mind struggling to process what he was implying. The man in that picture? My husband? No Rest e was the one who pointed out that Gabriella’s picture was lewd and immoral, but how could he just deduce that it was Tristan? Did he know Tristan from somewhere? Was it possible that he was somehow connected to Tristan?
Nathaniel’s gaze softened, but the question still hung in the air, unanswered.
For a moment, neither of us spoke. The tension between us was thick, the weight of unspoken truths stretching the silence taut. But I knew I couldn’t avoid this forever.
Chapter Comments
48
Write Comme
