Chapter 224: I Never Should Have Come Back

Chapter 224: I Never Should Have Come Back

The line went dead after a cacophony of noise erupted on Paula's end. When Sophia tried calling back, it wouldn't connect.

Zachary's expression darkened as well. He stared at his phone, silent for a long moment.

Sensing the children's eyes on him, he hesitated, glancing at Sophia and the kids.

He grabbed his suit jacket and stood. "I need to check on the situation. It sounds like something happened."

Sophia said nothing, watching quietly as Zachary walked away.

Simon and Julia, still held in Sophia's arms, instinctively took a step forward.

Simon, the more composed of the two, moved half a step before stopping abruptly. He bit his lip, holding back whatever words wanted to escape.

Julia, however, called out to Zachary. "Are you going to see that woman?"

Zachary turned back, his brow furrowed. Facing Julia, his harsh expression softened slightly.

He spoke gently, with patience. "I need to make sure Paula is safe. I'll be back soon."

Julia had heard variations of this promise many times before.

The result was always the same—Zachary never came back on time.

She no longer believed him.

Disappointment flickered across her small face. She shook her head and retreated back into Sophia's embrace.

Without looking at Zachary again, she turned to Sophia with unmistakable dependence. "I only want to be with Mommy. Wherever Mommy goes, I go. Simon too. We're a family."

Pain shot through Zachary's chest, a raw ache visible on his usually impassive features.

He stepped forward instinctively, trying to get closer to Julia, forcing an awkward smile. "Why would you think that? I promise—I'll be back very soon."

He crouched down, attempting to bridge the distance. "We'll play together when I get back. We're a family, and we'll always be together. Okay?"

Julia buried her face deeper into Sophia's neck, hiding.

She heard Zachary's words but refused to respond.

Instead, she mumbled into Sophia's shoulder, "Mommy, Julia's sleepy. Will you tell me and Simon a story?"

Zachary's outstretched hand fell uselessly to his side.

He pressed his lips together, his jaw tightening into a hard line. Slowly, he closed his eyes.

When he stood again, his cold, decisive aura had returned. He addressed Sophia directly. "This is a misunderstanding. I don't know why Paula would say those things to you, but I'll make her explain herself. In person."

He paused. "We'll talk properly when I get back."

With that, he strode out, his gaze avoiding Sophia, Simon, and Julia entirely—as if afraid to see the disappointment he knew would be waiting in their eyes.

Sophia watched his retreating figure with icy detachment, a mocking smile curving her lips.

She quickly pulled herself back into the present, refusing to let this mess disturb her or her children any further. Taking Simon and Julia by the hands, she led them back to their room.

Her voice was gentle and soothing. "I'll sleep with you both tonight. And tomorrow, we can finally go home. Doesn't that sound wonderful?"

Simon and Julia's footsteps grew heavier.

After a long pause, they both nodded. "We already said goodbye to Great-Grandpa. We can leave with Mommy now."

Looking at her sweet children, Sophia's heart softened.

The lingering uncertainty she'd felt about the unknown future evaporated completely.

Even if it was just for them, she would pull herself together. Starting over was nothing—she'd done it before.

 

That night, after putting Simon and Julia to sleep, Sophia decided not to hesitate any longer. She began packing their belongings in earnest.

And just as the children had suspected, Zachary never came home.

Thankfully, Sophia had tucked them in early. They didn't stay up waiting for him this time.

 

The next morning dawned bright and clear.

Sophia stood with her luggage, smiling warmly at Simon and Julia, who each wore their own little backpacks.

Her smile was more genuine now, her tone light and cheerful. "We're leaving soon! Aren't you excited? We're going back to the same house we lived in before."

"Really?!" Simon and Julia's faces lit up.

Simon asked eagerly, "Do you think the flower we planted in the yard is still there?"

Sophia's smile widened mysteriously. "You'll have to see for yourselves."

She paused, drawing out the suspense.

Once she had their full attention, she added slowly, "But… if that little seedling survived, it should be blooming right about now."

Simon and Julia's eyes went wide. They bounced with excitement. "Then it has to still be there! We'll get to see the flowers when we go back!"

With something to look forward to, their earlier sadness about leaving began to fade.

All that remained was anticipation. They chattered endlessly about their plans.

Sophia watched them with gentle affection.

Only when she was certain their spirits had lifted did she turn her gaze toward the window.

In that unobserved corner of her expression, a faint sigh escaped—barely noticeable.

In the end, I failed.

She smiled bitterly, her gaze drifting until it settled on an airport billboard in the distance.

It was an advertisement for the design competition she had once planned to enter.

Now, looking at the contest she'd once been so confident about winning, Sophia felt only bitter relief.

Fortunately, she had insisted on keeping her name under wraps initially—building mystery and intrigue for her eventual reveal. She'd thought it would make for better publicity.

Who would have thought that decision would now allow her to leave so cleanly? No messy obligations. No public fallout from backing out.

As for the production team…

Sophia lowered her eyes, her thoughts cool and detached.

The show was sponsored by Zachary's company. If they needed to replace her, finding another talented designer wouldn't be difficult.

They'd fill her spot without missing a beat.

It was probably the best solution for everyone involved.

She let out a slow breath, laughing quietly at herself for still thinking about the company's needs even now, on her way out the door.

Then she forced herself to stop. She'd already left all of that behind.

 

There was still time before boarding. Sophia sat with Simon and Julia in the waiting area, letting them rest.

Overhead, the airport speakers cycled through endless flight announcements.

The noise was a bit grating at first, but after a while, it became oddly comforting—a background hum that spoke of journeys and homecomings.

Everyone waiting here was either leaving or returning home.

She wasn't sure which was more appealing—a fresh start, or the warmth of a place you belonged.

But Sophia knew one thing for certain: she couldn't stay here any longer.

If this place wasn't home, then maybe—just maybe—the destination at the other end of this ticket was.

I never should have come back in the first place.