Chapter 208

Chapter 208

Sophia blinked her eyes open, tasting bitterness in her mouth and feeling achy all over. As she struggled to sit up and grab a glass of water, the door suddenly swung open, revealing Amelia.

Tears welled up in Sophia's eyes, but she quickly regained her composure. "Hey, Grandma, what's up?"

Amelia replied, "Just checking on you, heard you were running a fever. How are you feeling? Your health comes first after giving birth. Need me to call the family doctor?" Her concern was palpable.

Not wanting to worry the old lady, Sophia shook her head. "Nah, I'm good, just a little hiccup. Got any plans today?"

Amelia jumped in, "Well, since you and Safe haven't really bonded since his arrival, why not come with me? It's easier there, and we can pick up some stuff for Safe later."

Sophia wasn't thrilled about seeing Safe, but the idea of leaving the room perked her up, so she agreed with a nod.

Just then, an unexpected visitor showed up at the door. William, looking sharp in a suit, leaned casually against the frame and smirked, "Grandma, what's the occasion? No heads-up before popping in?"

Amelia retorted, "No need for a heads-up. I came on my own. You, you scoundrel, are a dad now. Shouldn't you be on baby duty?" Her smile never wavered, especially when it came to Safe.

She smoothly transitioned to Safe, pointing out how both William and Sophia seemed to be neglecting him.

Sophia's lashes fluttered as she looked down, feeling guilty but standing her ground.

Raising an eyebrow, William quipped, "Yep, I'm a dad now."

He lounged on the couch, casually draping his arm around Sophia's waist. "We should hang out with Safe, you know, as parents do."

Sophia eyed him warily, unsure of William's true motives. Was he genuinely interested in spending time with Safe, or was there an underlying threat in his words?

Noticing the dynamic between them, Amelia gave William a pat on the back. "Now that you're married, focus on living right. Stay out of unnecessary drama."

Turning to Sophia, she added, "Men often have obligations outside, but don't fret. I've got someone keeping tabs on him. Nothing fishy will go down."

William had been making the rounds at various places lately, catching the eye of gossip-hungry entertainment reporters. Online skeptics abounded, but Sophia's trust was of little consequence.

With a serene smile, Sophia responded, "Thanks for looking out, Grandma. I get it."

"Hey, Grandma, have you noticed? Sophia here is the forgiving type. No matter what I do, she's all zen about it," William's tone was flat, but a hint of sarcasm lingered in his words.

Amelia sensed tension and shot a suspicious glance at the pair.

"Oh, speaking of which, what's up with Ava? Ever since you took her away, she's been burning up with a fever at home. It's been days. Good thing we have a private doc; otherwise, Ava would be losing it from the fever."

Ava and others worked for the Johnson family. Ava was sharp and well-liked.

Seeing Ava suffering from a persistent fever, her flushed face caused concern to cloud Amelia's expression.

Her gaze sharp, she turned to William.

A heavy silence settled in the room.

"It's no biggie, Grandma. Ava's just a bit jumpy, and got spooked. Maybe you can help her find a therapist," William suggested.

"That's true. But hey, your status has shifted. Time to dial down the violent stuff," Amelia advised, her words steady as ever.

Amelia's words seemed to dig into the dynamics between the two.

But as Sophia noticed William's grip on her waist and her lack of resistance, any lingering doubts dissipated.

With Safe around, Amelia exchanged a few words before heading out.

"Now that Grandma's out, can you, like, release me?" Sophia requested, stepping back to put some space between them.

The embrace felt hollow.

William scoffed, "What's this? You don't care for me, but suddenly you're all about Grandma?"

"Yeah, so when are you gonna let me go?" Sophia's demeanor was composed, her words genuine.

The outcome remained unchanged.

William turned and walked off.

Night descended.

William, reeking of alcohol, stumbled back home.

Switching on the light, Sophia spoke up, "Thanks for looking after me when I was sick last night."

"I just didn't want you to kick the bucket," William's tone was cold as he slumped on the couch, rubbing his temples.

Approaching William from behind, Sophia gently placed her fingers on his head. "Can we talk it out? Or at least, can you hear me out?"

William clenched his fists, silent.

"Imagine you were in my shoes. What would you have done? Live in constant dread, waiting for you to come at me with a knife, or reject Grandma's offer, leaving you as the heir and putting our kid in harm's way? I was backed into a corner with no way out."

No choice.

Maximizing gains.

Even if she had to replay it all, Sophia would make the same calls.

Veins pulsating on his forehead, William shut his eyes tightly.

He had mulled over the situation endlessly in the past few days.

To his surprise, the result stayed the same.

He couldn't argue with it.

Suddenly, William's eyes snapped open, sharp and intense. "Let me show you what happens when you push me too far."

Grabbing Sophia's wrist, he guided her into the study.

William kicked the desk, making it shift and revealing a secret room behind the bookshelf.

A putrid smell filled the air.

Sophia shuddered, frozen in disbelief. She couldn't trust her own eyes.

Beyond the study was another room.

It exuded a chilling, eerie vibe, the scent of blood thick in the air.

With William still gripping her wrist, Sophia trailed behind him.

The room was adorned with animal remains - sheep heads, horse heads, and even human limbs.

As they moved through, Sophia's heart raced. Suddenly, she felt something brush against her ear. Turning, she saw a human bone.

Deeper in, a shelf showcased various torture tools, and instruments meant to inflict agony on individuals.

There were even spiked whips.

The sight of these tools, capable of causing immense suffering, made Sophia's heart pound.

Her heart raced, shock widening her eyes.

William, unfazed, glanced at Sophia, his expression inscrutable.

They soon reached the innermost part of the room.

Drawing back the curtain, they were met with preserved body specimens. The sight turned Sophia's stomach, nearly making her sick then and there.

"Do you see this? This is where I find peace. Only here can I rest easy. Since you entered my life, I haven't been here in a long time," William stated, taking Sophia's hand and lifting her chin.

In the eerie room, their eyes locked.

Sophia could see the crimson tint in William's eyes and the madness lurking within.