Chapter 19 Whispers of change
Behind the Billionaire's Mask!
Chapter 18
Sophie's POV
"So, you are telling me your so-called husband knows you're coming here?" Isabella asked, her eyebrows raised in disbelief. She leaned back in her chair, her coffee cup hovering just above the table, as if she were afraid to set it down.
"Yeah, he gave me his card and even assigned a car and a driver to me," I replied, a laugh escaping my lips. The absurdity of the situation still tickled me. Julian had been surprisingly accommodating since Evelyn had left a week ago, almost as if he didn’t want me to feel lonely in the mansion filled with memories and echoes of a life I hadn’t yet fully embraced.
He told me I could go anywhere I wanted, but I must be back before nightfall. He has been going to work more frequently these days and only stay at home on weekends.
"Wow, my friend is really a billionaire's wife now," Isabella teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief. There was something about the way she said it that made me feel both proud and uneasy. It was still surreal to think of myself in that role.
As I looked around the quaint café where we sat, opposite her house, the scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, mingling with the sweet aroma of pastries. It was a stark contrast to the opulence of Julian’s world, yet it felt like a safe haven—a place where I could be just Sophie, not the wife of a billionaire.
"Can you believe it?" I said, shaking my head. "Just last year, I was struggling to make ends meet, and now I have a driver at my beck and call."
Isabella chuckled, setting her coffee down. "You know, it’s not just the money. It’s the lifestyle. Are you sure you’re ready for all of this? The parties, the expectations? Do you even know how to navigate that world?"
I took a moment to consider her words. Julian had changed since Evelyn left. He was more attentive, more present, and in some ways, that scared me. He frequently encouraged me to explore the city, to find joy in things I had never considered before. Yet, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was living in a bubble, one that might burst at any moment.
"Honestly, it's overwhelming," I admitted, taking a sip of my own coffee. "But I think Julian just wants to make sure I don't feel lonely."
Isabella leaned forward, her expression turning serious. "Sophie, don't tell me you are already falling for him."
"No, why would I?" I said, looking away.
"I know you more than anyone else. Tell me the truth."
"Erm...the truth is, I have a whirlwind of emotions inside me—excitement, confusion. I'm not sure izzy."
Isabella sighed. "Well, it's normal to feel that way, but don't get carried away, especially when he doesn't feel the same way. But you can keep doing things he likes, maybe he will see you for who you are, and not just a mere plaything."
"Thank you, izzy." I said and hugged her.
"Take this," I said, pulling out a stack of cash from my purse and sliding five million dollars across the table toward her. The look on her face was priceless, a mix of shock and disbelief. "The one million you gave me when my mom was sick—you can use the remaining to buy things you need."
Isabella’s mouth dropped open, and she shook her head vigorously. "Soph, this is way too much! You can’t just give me that much money. What are you thinking?"
I shrugged, feeling a mix of guilt and pride. "I want to help you. You've always been there for me. Besides, I have more than I need right now. I want to share it with my friends."
"But this isn’t just sharing; it’s life-changing!" she exclaimed, her voice rising slightly. "I can’t accept this."
I leaned in closer, lowering my voice. "Izzy, please. You deserve it. You’ve helped me through so much. Let me do this for you. You can call me if you need anything."
Reluctantly, she reached for the money, still looking as if she might pull her hand back at any moment. "Okay, thank you, sweetheart." she said, finally tucking the cash into her bag.
A comfortable silence settled between us as we both sipped our drinks, the café buzzing with chatter around us. I couldn’t help but smile, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. It felt good to give back to help someone who had always been there for me.
Later, as I made my way back to the car that Julian had provided, I glanced at my reflection in the window. I looked the part of a billionaire’s wife—dressed in designer clothes, my hair perfectly styled—inside, I didn't want this to end.
As the driver navigated the busy streets, I watched the city pass by—a blur of lights and life. It was beautiful and chaotic, much like the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me.
“Take me to the hospital,” I said, my voice steady but my heart racing.
“Okay, ma,” he replied, glancing at me through the rearview mirror before making a swift U-turn.
I had visited my mom just yesterday, but the ache of missing her felt as fresh as ever. There were so many things I wanted to say, thoughts swirling like the passing cars outside.
When we arrived at the hospital, the driver opened the door for me, and I stepped out, my heels tapping softly against the polished floor. As I walked in, the nurses greeted me with respectful nods, their expressions warm, as they had grown accustomed to my presence since becoming Julian's wife.
I hurried down the familiar corridor, my heart pounding with each step. As I approached her ward, a deep sense of dread washed over me. I opened the door and saw my mom lying there, still and fragile, the gentle hum of the oxygen machine filling the silence. Tears began to spill down my cheeks, a familiar sorrow that seemed to have no end.
I sank into the chair beside her bed, feeling the coolness of the metal against my skin. “Mom, why aren’t you waking up? Please don’t leave me the way Dad did. I miss you so much,” I whispered, my voice cracking. I rested my head on the bed, wishing for just a moment that she would reach out and pat my head, telling me everything would be alright, that she was still here.
I lifted my head, wiping my tears with the back of my hand. “Mom, you know I broke up with Alex, right? I know you warned me not to date him, but I was blinded by love. I thought he was the one. I thought…” My voice trailed off, the weight of regret heavy in the air.
“Mom, I’m happy now, really. I’m living in luxury, and guess what, Mom…I think i love someone, now.” My heart raced as I spoke the words, a mix of excitement and fear coursing through me.
“You love someone?” The sudden voice startled me, and I turned to see Julian standing in the doorway, his expression a mix of confusion and what I can't seem to figure out.