Sophia’s POV
Daniel followed me into the doctor's office, providing support. The doctor smiled warmly at us, his expression giving nothing away.
“Well, Sophia,” he began, his tone measured, “the results are in. Congratulations to you both.”
I felt a rush of confusion and disbelief.
“You’re going to be parents. Congratulations!” the doctor added.
I’m… pregnant?! How could that be? My last baby had left me only months ago, and I just signed the divorce papers with Elijah. Now I'm carrying his child?
The room spun around me as embarrassment flooded my cheeks. Probably because he was mistaken for the baby's father, Daniel looked surprised but did not contradict the doctor.
“Other than that, you’re perfectly healthy, Sophia,” the doctor assured me. He went on to discuss some things with Daniel, but I hardly heard them talking.
My heart pounded crazily, and my mind felt fuzzy. Once again, I felt like I was caught up in a weird dream. None of it was real.
Daniel was quiet as we left the hospital. I didn’t know what to say either.
“Let me drive you home, Sophia,” he offered once we were outside. His eyes were filled with concern for me.
I was just too tired and confused to say no, so I simply nodded. He did not ask any questions, and I was glad.
What the hell am I going to do? I asked myself in silence while in the car, feeling the panic rising in my throat. This is the worst timing ever. Elijah and I just got divorced, and I’m supposed to have a whole new life ahead of me.
Anxiety took over me. Everything was about to change again.
If I have this baby, it won’t have a father, I thought bitterly. And how can I take care of it on my own while living in a different country where I don’t have anyone to help me?
My hand moved toward my tummy. There was no baby bump yet, but knowing that there was a little one growing inside gave me chills. Suddenly, I remembered how painful it had been to lose my baby before.
This is a blessing, a second chance for me to become a mother. Would I want to risk losing another baby?
Slowly I began to calm down. I took deep breaths until my head began to clear. This is a miracle, I told myself. I should be grateful.
As I rubbed my belly, I spoke in my mind. I’m so sorry, baby. It’s just all too sudden. But I know that I’m going to take care of you and love you with all my heart.
Days flew by, bringing a welcomed calm without Elijah, Brenda, and Troy in the picture. However, internally, I remained in turmoil.
Then, the news I had been eagerly awaiting arrived—I had been accepted into my dream university to study art and design once more! Despite the uncertainty of juggling studies with a baby, I couldn't let this opportunity slip away.
In just a week’s time, I found myself waving goodbye to Kayla at the airport. “Call me when you get there!” she said, her eyes gleaming with tears. It was the first time we would be apart for a long time, and we were like sisters.
As I settled into my seat on the airplane, bound for Paris, excitement and nervousness mingled within me. The prospect of starting a new life in a different country threatened to overwhelm my senses.
The plane began its ascent, lifting off the ground. I felt a wave of panic wash over me.
Beside me, Daniel sensed my unease and reached over, gently squeezing my hand. “Everything will be okay,” he reassured me. “I'm here. We'll do this together.”
His words were a comforting balm to my anxious soul, and I found great comfort in his presence. As we chatted throughout the plane ride, ate together, fell asleep, and then chatted some more, I began to relax and come to terms with the situation.
I can do this, I thought with more confidence. Then touching my tummy, I silently whispered, You’re my lucky charm, my baby.
By the time we landed safely, Daniel and I were like old buddies. I was truly grateful that he was with me.
As the cab wound through Paris, iconic landmarks flashed past—the Eiffel Tower dominating the skyline, the majestic Louvre in the distance, and quaint streets bustling with cafes and shops.
Despite my worries, the beauty of the city had me momentarily elated, filling me with a sense of excitement and wonder. Beside me, Daniel seemed entranced, his eyes wide with wonder.
Soon, we were unloading my bags at my new apartment. It was semi-furnished, and I was immediately drawn to the light blue walls and the inviting white sofa. But my favorite part of all was the large window that gave me a fantastic view of the busy city street below.
This was it—the start of my new life in Paris. I turned to Daniel, who was looking around the apartment with a satisfied smile.
“Looks like you've got yourself a nice little place here,” he remarked, glancing back at me.
"Yeah, I think I'm going to like it here," I replied.
Daniel chuckled. “Just remember to take it easy, okay? You've had a long journey.”
I rolled my eyes. “I'm fine, Daniel. I'm not going to keel over from exhaustion.”
He raised an eyebrow, and then grinned. “I'm just saying, you’ll be too heavy for me to carry if you collapse!”
I threw the throw pillow at him jokingly. “Oh, shut up.”
We both laughed. He added, “You need to get some beauty sleep, Sophia. I'm sure you'll want to look your best when you meet your new classmates.”
“Oh, so now you're concerned about my appearance?”
Daniel grinned. “Hey, a little rest never hurt anyone. And who knows, maybe you'll meet a cute French guy who'll sweep you off your feet.”
I playfully nudged him. “I think I'll pass on that, thank you very much. I'm here to focus on my studies, not my love life.”
He appeared pleased with that statement. “Fair enough,” he answered with a teasing smile. “But you never know what could happen. Paris is the city of love, after all.”
I felt a little flutter in my heart, wondering if I could learn to look at him as more than a friend. Perhaps it's more accurate to say he's akin to a brother rather than just a friend. The assistance he's provided far exceeds anything I've received from Elijah in years.
Sighing, I went over to my bags. “Come on, just help me unpack already so we can check out your apartment next.”
As we were unpacking, my phone rang. I figured it was Kayla so I asked Daniel to answer it, showing him that my hands were full at the moment.
“Hello?” I heard Daniel say. He put the call on speaker mode.
“Who the hell is this? Where's Sophia?” a very familiar male voice demanded, his tone aggressive and impatient.
My heart felt like it had just plummeted to the ground. I felt my whole body trembling when Daniel handed the phone to me.
I didn't have to hold the phone to my ear to hear Elijah's furious growling, "Sophia, YOU CAN'T just walk away like this! Where the hell are you now?! Without my permission, you are not allowed to go anywh...."
I pressed the button to end the call without hearing his entire words, calming my quivering heart with a big and deep breath.
It's true that Elijah has never been very considerate or tender with me, but he hasn't really stepped on me rudely either. It's just that lately, he's been indifferent to me.
Anyway, he'd never been as emotionally cranky as he was now. Did my leaving make him care?
No, don't be silly, Sophia, he can be with Serena again now. He's free. How do you expect that he would care about you, a woman he had never loved?
Daniel noticed my paradoxical anxiety.
"Who is he?" Daniel inquired. But I could see in his eyes that he clearly knew the answer to that question.
I sighed,
"My husband. No, ex-husband."
Elijah’s POV Who the hell was that man who’d answered her phone? I thought angrily, smoke coming out of my ears as I paced back and forth in my office. She can’t possibly be dating someone new already! I couldn’t believe it. It just wasn’t like Sophia to forget me and move on that fast. It angered me so much, and at the same time, it squeezed my heart painfully, knowing that it might really be over between us now, that this wasn’t just some temper tantrum or momentary insanity on her part. I remembered then how I’d overheard my assistant Connor apparently talking to a lawyer, his tone hushed but urgent. I strained to listen, my heart pounding in my chest. That time, Sophia and I had just signed the divorce papers. “...file this divorce as soon as possible,” Connor's voice was clear and determined. I found it hard to believe. First, Sophia was truly in a hurry to get out of this marriage. I knew she was unhappy, but the finality of this step hit me like a ton of bricks. I thou
Sophia’s POV I couldn't help but smile as I spoke with my best friend Kayla over the phone. She was the only one back home who was aware of my new phone number. "Congratulations Sophia!” Kayla exclaimed happily. “I’m sure you did a splendid job. I wish I could be there to see your works being exhibited.” "Thank you, Kayla. You know I couldn’t have done this without your support.” I had just entered the hall where visual displays by selected graduate students of Interior Design were being exhibited. I was immediately greeted by a sea of familiar faces – friends, classmates, and professors – all smiling and congratulating me. As I moved through the exhibit, the compliments kept coming. “Sophia, your designs are so innovative!” one classmate remarked. “I love how you play with light and space.” “Thank you! I've been experimenting with new techniques,” I explained, eager to share my process. Approaching my professor, I was met with a smile of approval. “Sophia, your work is excep
Sophia’s POV Since my divorce, I've been cautious about relationships. I've learned not to assume anything unless the other person explicitly expresses their feelings. “Kayla, Daniel and I have a platonic friendship, okay?” I insisted. “You just find it hard to believe because you always end up dating your male friends!” We both laughed at that. “Yeah, I guess,” she agreed, giggling. “Remember, let's not speak recklessly,” I reminded her gently. “Okay, my lips are sealed. I won’t ask Daniel, but I hope he eventually opens up to you.” I could practically see her grinning at the other end of the line, even though we were continents apart. “Kayla!” “Don’t worry,” she said with a laugh. “But really, I miss you. I’ll visit you there once my project at Sinclair Realty is done.” “Wow, really?” I paused from my work, feeling a rush of gratitude and warmth. “Yes! I promise! It’s going to be so much fun!” We began to talk about all the things we’d love to see and do together once s
Elijah’s POV I sat at the dining table, absentmindedly picking at the food on my plate. Thoughts of Sophia consumed me. Is Sophia with that man at the moment, enjoying a delicious lunch together in a romantic cafe? Or is she lovingly preparing a meal for him in their very own kitchen? It killed me to picture it in my mind. I remembered all the times she had cooked for me here at home, her dishes always made with such care and attention to detail. Yet, I had never truly appreciated her efforts. The guilt weighed heavily on me as I realized how much I had taken her for granted. The silence in the house only amplified my turbulent emotions, leaving me lost in a whirlwind of jealousy, regret, and longing. It’s been weeks now since I last heard from her. Each passing day only added to my anxiety. She must have changed her contact number, I thought in alarm. Was it because of me? It was hard to swallow and accept. How could she just cut off all ties with me like that? The next day
Sophia’s POVDuring the three months in Paris, I have gradually settled into the rhythm of life here and discovered some joys in my daily routine, such as going to the mall with my friend Daniel.“Don’t you need a new kettle?” Daniel asked, pointing at the display of kitchen equipment. We were strolling in the mall together after our classes at the university, picking out additional stuff for my apartment. “Okay, let’s check it out.” After a successful purchase, I was surprised when Daniel suddenly suggested that we visit the mother and baby section. But I knew I had to face it sooner or later, so I agreed. Would Elijah want this baby? I wondered as I strolled among the cribs, strollers, and tiny outfits. He probably wouldn’t care if he knew. I’m glad I went to Paris where I can be far away from him. “So what do you think? Will it be a boy or a girl?” Daniel asked, smiling and showing me a pair of really tiny shoes. “That’s cute!” I said, taking the shoes and examining them. “I ca
Elijah’s POV Is Sophia seeing someone? Could she be hanging out or laughing with another man right this moment? I kept wondering how she was, and what she was doing. The thought of her being with someone else made me tense. Even though I was busy discussing important matters all day long with our real estate partners in Paris, my mind had kept drifting back to her. Earlier, I’d driven around some of the famous universities in the city, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. It was a long shot, of course, but I just couldn’t help myself. It wasn’t a coincidence that I’d booked a hotel within the vicinity of Latin Quarter, which was a popular neighborhood for foreign students. I didn’t know yet where she was studying, but I could easily have Connor hire an investigator and look up that info for me. But I wasn’t sure yet if I was really going to push through with seeing her or not. As I approached my hotel room, I saw Serena waiting there outside with a mischievous glint in her twinkli
Sophia’s POV I was in a cafe just outside the school campus, enthusiastically discussing a big project with my classmates, when I noticed a luxury car parked on the other side of the street. My heart lurched when I saw a man step out and cross the street toward me. Elijah?! I thought incredulously, squinting through the glass window of the cafe. I had tuned out the voices of the group as I slowly stood up and focused on the man striding in my direction. Is it really him? My mind whirled with confusion. I gasped as he came into focus. Oh, my god. It’s him. What’s he doing here? Without thinking, my hand went to the bulge on my stomach. “Excuse me, I’ll be back,” I muttered to my classmates and felt an urgent need to escape. I had to get as far away from him as possible! Just then, I saw Serena come out of the car behind Elijah. Her beach waves blew gently in the wind as she joined him and linked her fingers with his. I can’t believe they came to Paris together, I thought bitter
Sophia’s POV Daniel barged into my apartment. “Let her go!” he shouted at Elijah. Elijah reluctantly stepped away. More tears filled my eyes. “What’s happening, Sophia?” Daniel asked as he came over to my side, looking like he wanted to punch Elijah. “It’s nothing,” I whispered, brushing away my tears with the back of my hand and trying to control my overwhelming emotions. As Daniel arrived, a wave of calm washed over me, settling my restless mind. In that moment, I realized that without him, I might have crumbled and confided everything to Elijah. Daniel turned toward Elijah. I could see his mouth twitching, as if he was trying to hold back his angry, sharp-edged words. His stance showed that he was doing his best not to cause any more trouble. And yet, at the same time, he wanted to protect me. Elijah began to calm down, to my relief. I could see him struggling to control himself. “You and I have got to talk,” he said sternly to Daniel. “Outside.” “Fine,” Daniel answered