Chapter 20 You Owe Me a Kiss, Remember to Repay
"Tell her to stay away from Sophia, or I can't promise I won't do something drastic," Benjamin's voice was icy, sending chills down Preston's spine.
Preston let out a deep sigh. What a mess. A perfectly good family, now in complete disarray.
Thinking about Amelia, Preston's previously upbeat mood took a nosedive. He didn't even feel like chatting anymore.
He waved to Tobias and Ronin. "I'm hanging up."
"Amelia and Benjamin at it again?" Tobias chimed in before the call ended.
Tobias was Amelia's father. The White Family and the Martinez Family were bound by marriage.
Amelia and Magnus were childhood sweethearts, deeply in love since they were kids.
Years ago, Magnus had promised to always treat Amelia well, and only then did Tobias agree to their marriage.
Initially, Amelia and Magnus were the envy of everyone in Silverlight City.
But when Amelia was pregnant with Benjamin, a woman who fancied Magnus set her sights on becoming his wife.
This woman cozied up to Amelia, sowing discord between the couple.
Under her manipulation, Amelia became convinced that Magnus was cheating on her, believing her pregnancy was the reason he sought satisfaction elsewhere.
Later, the woman secretly poisoned Amelia, nearly costing her life, but miraculously, Benjamin survived.
Amelia then became convinced that Benjamin was a cursed star, born to bring her misfortune.
After Benjamin was born, Amelia resented him, handing him off to the servants and never looking at him again.
Even after the misunderstanding was cleared up, Amelia remained relentless, convinced that Magnus had other women.
Constant arguments and irrational behavior wore them down. Gradually, Magnus grew weary.
From then on, he started seeing various women and staying out all night. Amelia, however, became obsessed, blaming everything on Benjamin.
She firmly believed that if she hadn't been poisoned while pregnant with Benjamin, she wouldn't have been weak.
If she hadn't been weak, Magnus wouldn't have sought comfort elsewhere, leaving her alone and subject to ridicule.
Preston sighed deeply, "Let the young ones handle their own problems. We're too old to manage it."
Tobias fell silent too.
Over the years, he had tried to reason with Amelia.
But Amelia continued to do as she pleased, venting all her anger on Benjamin.
They were more like enemies than mother and son.
When Benjamin returned from the study, Sophia noticed his low spirits and the gloomy aura surrounding him.
She put down her phone and quickly walked over, tugging on his arm. "Hey, babe, what's wrong?"
Sophia was always sensitive to emotions. She could clearly feel the cold and lonely vibe emanating from Benjamin.
Sophia pursed her lips, then wrapped her arms around Benjamin from behind, gently patting his head with her small palm.
"If you're upset, don't bottle it up. You can talk to me. Babe, I'll always be here for you," she said softly, though a bit clumsily.
Benjamin froze. The gloom in his heart vanished instantly. He stood there, feeling the soft warmth of her embrace, momentarily at a loss.
He had never been treated so gently and carefully, like he was a priceless treasure. The gentle touch felt like feathers, softly brushing against his heart.
Benjamin felt a tremor in his chest, as if something was growing.
Almost instinctively, he held Sophia's hand. Her hand was small, smooth, like fine silk. He had held this hand many times before, but this time, he clearly felt something hit his heart.
He lowered his lashes, pursing his lips, seemingly processing the strange emotion rising within him.
So this is what it feels like to be cared for? He had never experienced it before.
He didn't speak, and neither did Sophia. She just leaned against his back, holding him tightly, giving him warmth.
After a long while, until Sophia's arms grew stiff, Benjamin finally released her wrist.
He turned to look at Sophia, the gloom gone from his eyes. "Thank you."
Sophia smiled sweetly. "No problem."
Benjamin's eyes softened, but before he could speak, Sophia continued, "You owe me a kiss. Remember that."
Benjamin was speechless.
He was wrong. This little rascal had ulterior motives. She was eyeing him.
Benjamin gave her a look, snorting, "In your dreams."
Was he someone who kissed just anyone?
Benjamin scoffed, turning away, forgetting the matter entirely. Unbeknownst to him, Sophia made a mental note to hold a grudge.
Without Benjamin's kiss, Sophia felt dejected. She even lost her appetite for dinner.
Preston thought Sophia was sick, asking worriedly, "Sophia, what's wrong? Why are you eating so little tonight? Is the food not to your taste?"
Sophia pouted slightly, casting a forlorn glance at Benjamin. "Grandpa, I can't eat."
Without Benjamin's kiss, she couldn't eat.
Benjamin's hand paused, suddenly realizing something, his ears hidden under his hair turning red.
He cleared his throat, picked up a piece of beef, and placed it on Sophia's plate. "Eat."
Sophia reluctantly ate the beef, her expression saying, "Even if you give me food, I won't forget you owe me a kiss."
The beef was tender and juicy. Sophia licked her lips, her eyes narrowing in happiness.
Benjamin turned his head, seeing Sophia's contented expression, which was adorable.
His hand holding the fork tightened slightly, a tingly warmth spreading through his chest.
So, Benjamin gave Sophia another piece of fish.
The fish was fresh and flavorful, preserving its original taste. But after a few bites, Sophia frowned, "There are bones."