Chapter 16

“How much do I have to suffer?” Sophia sat in her room, her face was buried in her hands and tears were streaming down her cheeks. The weight of everything was too much to bear. She cried, her sobs muffled in the stillness of the small, space she called home. Her heart ached, torn between fear and frustration. Suddenly, she heard a loud knock on her door. Quickly wiping her tears with trembling hands, she got up and hesitantly opened the door.

To her shock, standing right in front of her was Dominic Damien—the last person she had expected to see. Her voice caught in her throat as she whispered, “You?”

Without waiting for an invitation, Dominic pushed past her into the room. He didn’t speak, didn’t explain why he was there. Instead, his sharp, calculating eyes scanned every corner of her room. He paused for a moment, his gaze lingering on the narrow, single bed tucked into the corner of the room. His expression shifted briefly, but he said nothing.

Dominic was shocked, looking around. How could Sophia, who used to sleep on the soft bed, manage to sleep on such a small, hard bed? The room was plain, barely furnished, and far too modest for someone he once thought he knew. His jaw tightened as he scratched his chin thoughtfully. The realization of how little she had now stirred something unfamiliar in him, but he quickly pushed it aside.

Sophia was still standing near the door, staring at him. She crossed her arms in front of her.

“Why are you here, Dominic?” Her tone was laced with anger and heartbreak, evidenced by her recent tears.

Dominic ignored her question and stepped closer, his presence dominating. His hand reached out, and he gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, his movements deliberate and slow. “Who made that tweet, Sophia? I’m asking you one last time.” His voice dropped, low and threatening.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she snapped, swatting his hand away. “And don’t touch me.” Dominic’s lips curved into a faint smirk, but his tone turned colder.

“Still denying it? Fine. Let me tell you, it was Farha.” He emphasized the name as if daring her to deny it.

“Farha…” Sophia repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. Her mind raced. Could it have been Farha? She was one of the few people who knew about Sophia’s plans to divorce Dominic. And Farha had been furious when she learned how Dominic had abandoned Sophia, leaving her stranded in the middle of nowhere. Farha must have created the fake account to expose Dominic’s actions to the world. The thought made Sophia feel both guilty and protective.

Dominic watched her closely, the flicker of recognition in her eyes confirming his suspicions. “Still don’t know who Farha is?” he asked sarcastically, his tone cutting.

Sophia fell silent. Dominic took another step closer, his hands slipping into his pockets as he spoke with satisfaction.

“Fine. You don’t have to admit anything. The police will handle it. They’ll bring the truth to light.” At his words, Sophia’s eyes widened in shock.

“The police? Again?” she exclaimed, her voice trembling.

“Yes,” Dominic replied casually, a hint of amusement in his voice. “But don’t worry. I won’t have you arrested. Though I won’t spare anyone who supports you either.”

Sophia’s heart sank. Her mind raced to Farha, who was already unwell. The thought of Farha being dragged into this mess made her stomach churn. She bit her lip, her hands growing cold with fear.

“Farha isn’t well…” she began, her voice faltering. “She spent last night in the hospital. Please, don’t—”

“So?” Dominic interrupted coldly.

“So, leave her alone!” Sophia’s voice cracked, her desperation evident. “I’ll take the blame. I’ll go to jail if I have to. Farha did it because of me. She wouldn’t be in trouble if it weren’t for me.” Dominic’s expression hardened. He studied her for a long moment before speaking.

“I’m giving you two choices, Sophia. Pick up your things and come home with me. Or hand Farha over to the police. There is no third option.” Before she could respond, he grabbed her by the waist and pulled her closer, his grip firm but not harsh. His piercing gaze locked with hers, and his voice dropped to a whisper. “Decide now.”

Sophia glared at him, her eyes red and filled with anger and pain. The love that once shone in her eyes for him was gone, replaced with pure hatred. Dominic felt an unfamiliar ache in his chest. He released her abruptly, turning his gaze away as he stepped back.

Without another word, he walked out of the room, leaving her to make her choice. He didn’t need to look back—he knew she would follow.

“I will make you regret.” With determination, she grabbed her purse and followed him outside. The driver opened the passenger door for her, and she got in silently, her head bowed low. She didn’t speak, didn’t protest. Her face was pale, her eyes void of any light.

Dominic climbed into the car, his expression unreadable. As they drove back, he glanced at Sophia’s lifeless face and felt an unfamiliar pang of guilt. She looked so broken, so defeated. But he convinced himself this was for the best. He couldn’t bear the thought of her staying in that miserable, empty room any longer.

When they reached the mansion, Sophia stepped out of the car, her movements robotic. Without sparing him a glance, she walked inside. Dominic watched her go, his chest tightening. She was home now, but the silence she carried with her was deafening.

Sophia was moving toward a room when she looked at the stairs. The scene flashed across her eyes, how he dragged her for the abortion. How he confessed about his trap, betrayal, and deception. Nothing was unforgettable.

“I will never forget that, Dominic.”