Chapter 44 Unexpected betrayal

Chapter 44 Unexpected betrayal
Chapter 44

Sophie's POV

"Is there anywhere you want to go, Izzy?" I asked Isabella on the phone.

"Hmm... maybe on a picnic?" she replied, her voice filled with excitement.

"Cool! You are a chef, so the food and snacks are on you," I teased.

"No problem, boo," she beamed, and I could almost picture her smiling on the other end of the line.

"Should I come and pick you up?" I inquired, glancing at the clock.

"Yes, please do," she said, and I could hear the anticipation in her voice.

"I will be there in an hour," I promised, hanging up and feeling a rush of excitement. It's been a while I had gone out with Isabella.

I made my way to the jacuzzi, the warm water soothing my muscles. After a refreshing bath, I wandered into my room, ready to choose an outfit.

I decided on a light, flowy picnic dress in a soft floral pattern that danced around my knees with every step. It was comfortable yet stylish, perfect for lounging on the grass. I paired it with a cute woven bag and slipped on my favorite sandals. I applied just a touch of light makeup, and styled my hair into a loose bun, letting a few strands fall gracefully around my face.

I headed downstairs where the driver was already waiting for me. I climbed into the backseat as he opened the door for me, and we set off down the bustling streets of the city.

Before long, we arrived at Isabella's house, I stepped out of the car and took a deep breath, as I walked up to the door and knocked.

Isabella opened the door, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. She wore a casual sundress that twirled around her knees and a wide-brimmed hat that gave her an air of effortless style. "You made it!" she exclaimed, her smile infectious.

"Of course! Ready for our picnic?" I grinned back, my own excitement bubbling over.

"Absolutely! I’ve packed a bunch of goodies," she said, gesturing to a large wicker basket beside her.

"Let’s make it a feast!" I replied, following her as we headed to the car. We drove to a park where a perfect picnic spot awaited us under the shade of a large oak tree.

We spread out a blanket, and Isabella began unpacking her culinary creations—sandwiches, fresh fruit, homemade cookies, and a thermos filled with iced tea. I couldn't help but admire her talent; everything looked as delicious as it sounded.

"This is amazing, Izzy!" I said, my mouth watering as I picked up a sandwich.

"Just wait until you try the cookies," she said, winking.

As we settled in, the sun cast a warm glow around us, and we began to chat about everything—our dreams, our fears, and the little things that made life beautiful. Time seemed to stand still, and I felt grateful for this moment of connection and joy. Being with Isabella was a joy itself. It made me remember Evelyn, I will tease Julian when he's back that we should visit her.

"How has working in the restaurant been?" I asked, taking a bite of one of the cookies.

"Fine, just a little stressful. Wait... you mean the restaurant I was working at before?" she replied, her brow slightly furrowed.

"Did you change your restaurant?" I asked, curious.

"Yes! I thought your husband told you. My former restaurant's owner sold the place to a rich bitch, and they sacked us all. So, your husband offered me a position at his restaurant as the head chef," she explained, her tone a mix of frustration and gratitude.

"Really? I wasn't aware. He didn’t tell me; I guess he thought you would," I said, feeling a bit guilty for not being in the loop.

"Yeah, probably. Your husband is very nice," she said, and I felt a blush creep onto my cheeks.

"I used to think he was a jerk, always going around with a straight face," she added, squeezing her face in a playful imitation.

I burst out laughing at her exaggerated expression, and soon she joined me in laughter.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed with a text, and her face lit up. "Soph, I really didn’t want to leave, but I have to go. There’s work waiting for me at the restaurant," she said, standing up as she popped the last cookie into her mouth.

I nodded, getting up to hug her. "We can go shopping next time you’re free."

"Soph, is that a promise?" she asked, pushing me lightly from the hug while looking intently at my face.

"Yes, it is..." I started, but she didn’t let me finish and pulled me into a tight hug, almost squeezing the life out of me.

She released me and began packing up the empty flask, basket, and blanket. "Let me drop you off at work," I offered.

"You are a darling, Soph," she replied, as we both headed to the car. She dropped the blanket, flask, and basket in her house, and we made our way to the restaurant.

As we approached, I noticed the sleek exterior, a blend of modern design and warm, inviting details. I had never been here before, but it was the most beautiful restaurant I had ever seen. The large glass windows reflected the sunlight, creating a warm glow that spilled onto the sidewalk.

The driver parked and we stepped out, the air filled with the delicious aroma of cooking food. "Welcome to my new home away from home," she said, her pride evident.

I followed her inside, where the ambiance was buzzing with energy. The decor was chic yet cozy, and I could see the kitchen bustling with activity. Chefs moved gracefully, their focus sharp, as they prepared meals that would soon delight their patrons.

"This place is stunning!" I exclaimed, taking in the vibrant atmosphere.

Isabella smiled, clearly pleased by my reaction. "Thanks! I can’t wait for you to try the food here. It’s been a dream to work in a place like this."

"I can't wait, too. I will come back soon." I said.

"Alright, I have to get back to work," she said, glancing at the clock and I nodded.

With one last hug, Isabella dashed off into the kitchen, and I stepped out, heading back to the car as the driver turned to take me back to the mansion.



Once I got into the mansion, I was shocked to find Alex sitting in the sitting room, his presence sending a wave of anger through me.

"Who the fuck allowed him to enter?" I shouted, the staff scurrying over at the sound of my voice.

"Sophie, calm down. I’m not here to beg or behave drastically; I just need your help with something," he said, his tone surprisingly calm.

"And what made you think I would help you?" I retorted, my anger boiling over.

"I know you’re generous and kind, so I know you’ll surely help me. Sit down and hear me out, please," he pleaded, a hint of desperation creeping into his voice.

I glanced at the staff and gestured for them to leave. They exited immediately, leaving just the two of us in the room. "I’m only going to listen to you one last time, and I don’t want to ever see you here again," I said as I took my seat opposite him.

"Won’t you at least ask your staff to offer me something?" he prodded, and I rolled my eyes in exasperation.

"Fine. Bring this man some juice," I called out to Jenkins who just passed by. He nodded and brought over a tray with orange juice and two glasses. He bowed and left.

Alex poured the juice into the glasses, filling them halfway. He took a sip from one, then set it back on the table.

"I’m waiting!" I said, my voice rising slightly in frustration.

"Calm down, Sophie. Drink the chilled juice first; it will help you relax," he suggested.

I stared at the juice on the table, then reluctantly took a sip. It was delightfully cold, and I found myself drinking more before setting the glass down.

I turned to Alex, catching what looked like a devilish smirk on his face. But I brushed the thought away. "Sophie, I need money," he said, his voice dropping to a serious tone.

"Do you think you can just come here for money and I’ll be willing to give you anything? Get out of my house. I don’t have a dime to give you," I shot back, my anger flaring.

"Sophie..." he started, but I cut him off.

"I said get out!" I screamed, standing up abruptly. But suddenly, a wave of dizziness washed over me, and I collapsed back onto the sofa.

I looked at Alex, and the smirk on his face was now unmistakable. My gaze shifted to the juice, and I realized he hadn’t really drunk his own. Had he pretended to take a sip?

"What have you done?" I asked, my voice trembling, panic rising in my chest.

"Nothing, just doing the right thing to have you. Julian can’t be yours; he’s Victoria’s," he replied, his tone dripping with malice.

The realization hit me like a cold wave—Alex had been working with Victoria all along!

Everything began to blur, the edges of my vision fading into darkness as I gasped in shock. I could feel my body being lifted, as I slipped into unconsciousness.