Chapter 51 Like You
Sophia slumped in her chair, thinking about the day's research. "I'm beat. I don't get how Alaric and the others do this every single day for years."
She found it hard to imagine anyone being that dedicated to something.
Ever since she was a kid, Sophia loved discovering new things.
She'd find something interesting, learn it, and play with it.
Once she was done, she'd move on to the next thing. She picked up stuff faster than other kids, so even when she was just messing around, she was better than most.
Plus, she had a photographic memory. Even if she didn't get something as a child, she quickly figured it out as she got older and could apply it in different situations.
So, Sophia never had much patience for anything.
She couldn't picture someone spending sixteen to twenty hours a day doing one thing nonstop.
Today was already her limit. Thinking about this, Sophia felt a bit sad.
Sophia always knew she was different from Matthew and her classmates.
She always stood out, never quite fitting in.
So, even though she went through college like everyone else, she couldn't make friends like a normal person. Benjamin was the only person she had cared about for over a decade.
Benjamin was driving and suddenly sensed the sadness coming from Sophia. He hesitated for a moment, then gently placed his palm on her head and lightly ruffled her hair.
"Sophia, is there anything you really love?"
"You," Sophia answered without hesitation.
Benjamin was surprised by her response, then chuckled softly. "Besides me, is there anything else?"
Sophia propped her chin and thought for a moment, then shook her head. "Nope."
Benjamin fell silent for a moment, then pulled over to the side of the road. "Sophia, do you really like me?"
"Yes."
"How much?"
Sophia blinked, unsure how to describe it.
Benjamin wasn't annoyed. He simply looked at Sophia earnestly and asked in a low voice, "There are different kinds of liking. Which kind is yours?"
He gently tucked a strand of Sophia's hair behind her ear, his voice soft. "It's okay, take your time. You're still young and inexperienced. I'm asking because I don't want you to regret your decisions later."
His Sophia was too innocent, perhaps not even understanding what love truly was.
If he took advantage of her now, he'd be worse than a beast. He had plenty of time to wait for her to figure out her feelings.
Benjamin smiled lightly, a determined glint in his eyes.
Soon, the car slowly drove into the White Manor, and the servants hurried forward to greet them. "Mr. White, you're back?"
Benjamin closed the car door and responded. Then he opened the passenger door and gently lifted the already asleep Sophia, carrying her into the mansion.
Sophia was sound asleep, showing no signs of waking up.
Her rosy cheek pressed against his chest, her gentle breaths brushing against his shirt, her red lips slightly parted.
Benjamin sighed, tightening his hold on Sophia and quickening his pace.
Amelia descended the stairs and frowned upon seeing Benjamin carrying Sophia upstairs. "Holding each other in public, what kind of example is that? There are so many elders here, you're making a mockery of us!"
Benjamin's steps halted, his lips forming a tight line.
He looked up and met Amelia's gaze, his eyes full of mockery. "Even if it's embarrassing, it's my embarrassment. What's it got to do with you?"
"You!" Amelia gasped, staring at Benjamin in shock. "I'm your mother!"
"Do you deserve that title?" Benjamin sneered, his eyes stormy.
His lips curled into a cold smile, and his words made Amelia's legs go weak, nearly causing her to fall. "Did you ever hold me once after I was born? Did you ever care about me? Grandpa attended every parent-teacher conference. Where were you? During the years I needed my mother the most, where were you?"
Benjamin looked at the woman in front of him, feeling a sense of absurdity. "Since you chose to abandon me then, what right do you have now to claim to be my mother? Do you deserve it?"
Benjamin looked away and continued walking. As he passed Amelia, he paused and warned in a low voice, "Sophia is none of your concern. Do you really think you're my mom? Do you deserve it?"
With that, Benjamin walked upstairs without looking back.
Amelia stood there, her lips trembling, her chest heaving with anger. A servant quickly stepped forward to help.
"Mrs. White, are you alright?"
Amelia's face was grim, and she shook her head slowly. "I'm fine."
She glanced upstairs, feeling a pang of discomfort. "What did that woman do to Benjamin to make him not recognize me, his own mother?"
The servant couldn't help but feel bitter inside, silently thinking, 'Mr. White's actions aren't because of Mrs. White. Don't you know the real reason? You had never shown Mr. White any kindness over the years.'
After Benjamin moved out, he occasionally came back to visit Preston. Every time Amelia saw him, she couldn't help but hurl insults, using the most vicious words against Benjamin.
Even the coldest heart would be affected by such words from their own mother.
The servant looked at Amelia's angry face, unsure of what to say.
Upstairs, Benjamin placed Sophia on the bed, pulling the blanket over her, his handsome face darkened. He sat by the bed, gazing at Sophia's sleeping face, his anger slowly subsiding.
He reached out, his large palm gently caressing Sophia's delicate cheek.
Feeling the warmth of her cheek, Benjamin lowered his eyes, a bitter smile forming on his lips.
From the moment he was born, he was an unwanted existence.
His biological father ignored him, and his biological mother wished she could kill him.
Preston and Alaric cared for him out of guilt. Cillian admired him because he could protect him in the entertainment industry, ensuring his bright future.
No one had ever been like Sophia, rushing towards him with the most passionate, sincere feelings.
Benjamin lowered his eyes, his thick lashes casting small shadows, hiding the complex emotions in his eyes.
He slowly leaned forward, close to Sophia's cheek, his eyes filled with visions of their future.