Chapter 146

The morning sun cast golden streaks across the bedroom as Sophia stirred awake.

Her fingers brushed against the empty space beside her, still warm from where Ethan had been.

A soft sigh escaped her lips as she sat up, the events of last night replaying in her mind.

Ethan had held her close, whispering promises she wasn’t sure she could believe.

But the way his arms had tightened around her—like he couldn’t bear to let go—had made her heart ache.

Downstairs, the scent of freshly brewed coffee drifted up to greet her.

She padded barefoot into the kitchen, where Liam sat at the counter, swinging his legs as he munched on toast.

"Morning, Mom!" he chirped, crumbs tumbling onto his shirt.

Sophia ruffled his hair before pouring herself a cup.

The warmth seeped into her palms, grounding her.

Just then, the front door clicked open.

Ethan strode in, his dark hair slightly damp from the morning air.

His gaze locked onto hers, intense and unreadable.

Liam beamed. "Dad! You're back!"

Ethan’s expression softened as he tousled their son’s hair. "Missed breakfast with you two."

Sophia’s grip tightened around her mug.

She wanted to trust this—this fragile peace between them.

But the past had taught her that happiness with Ethan was always fleeting.

A sharp knock at the door shattered the moment.

Sophia frowned. "Who could that be?"

Ethan’s jaw tensed. "Stay here."

He moved toward the door, his posture rigid.

Sophia followed anyway, her pulse quickening.

When Ethan swung the door open, a uniformed officer stood on the porch.

"Daniel Carter," the man introduced himself, his voice steady. "I need to speak with Sophia Blackwood."

Sophia’s breath hitched.

Daniel’s eyes flickered to Ethan before settling on her. "It’s about the investigation."

Ethan’s hand found the small of her back, a silent show of support.

But Sophia knew—whatever came next would change everything.

Again.

Today marked our monthly family gathering. The Blackwoods and the Sterlings had maintained this tradition since Liam was five.

Our families had always been close—largely because our mothers, Victoria and Rosalind, had been inseparable since childhood.

It was only natural that their children would grow up as best friends, binding both families tightly together.

"Dad, why are you driving like a snail? We're gonna miss Grandpa's barbecue!" Liam whined, his little face scrunched in frustration.

If not for him, I wouldn’t have bothered coming. I used to love these gatherings—especially when I knew Sophia wouldn’t be there. When I was certain she hadn’t been invited.

Back then, I thought it was my sanctuary. The one place where everyone, except Liam, despised her as much as I did.

Now? The thought made me sick.

I hated myself. I hated all of us for what we’d put her through.

"I'm going as fast as I can," I muttered.

"No, you're not. You're driving like a hundred-year-old!" he shot back, crossing his arms.

Had I just been roasted by an eight-year-old? I snorted, shaking my head before easing the accelerator slightly.

The moment silence settled in the car, my mind betrayed me, flooding with images of Sophia.

She’d looked breathtaking when she opened the door earlier.

Like some ethereal goddess—flowing white dress, cascading curls, that soft baby bump, her skin glowing.

The urge to sweep her into my arms and disappear into her bedroom for hours had hit me like a freight train.

That reaction? Unprecedented. Terrifying.

She consumed my thoughts. Was she eating enough? Sleeping well? Should I hire someone to help her?

The intensity of my concern rattled me. I’d never cared about her well-being before. Now, the need to protect her was all-consuming.

"Dad?" Liam’s voice snapped me back.

"What?"

"We’re here."

I blinked. The car was already parked outside my parents’ estate. I didn’t even remember driving here.

Dangerous. Especially with Liam in the car. But Sophia’s ghost haunted me, stealing my focus.

"Come on. Grandpa probably saved you some ribs," I said, forcing lightness into my tone.

"Are you okay?" Liam hesitated, studying me instead of unbuckling.

Guilt twisted in my chest. I hated worrying him. But how could I explain that my turmoil revolved around his mother?

"Just a lot on my mind. Nothing for you to stress about."

He nodded, finally releasing his seatbelt. We stepped out together.

Before we reached the door, it swung open.

"Liam!" Victoria beamed, arms wide.

"Grandma!" He sprinted into her embrace.

"I missed you, sweetheart." She laughed as he collided with her, squeezing tight.

Despite everything with Sophia, Victoria and William adored Liam. Everyone did.

We just hadn’t loved Sophia—not after the sins we’d accused her of.

"Where’s your mom? I invited her," Victoria asked, straightening, her gaze darting behind us.

"Oh, she’s visiting Grandma Eleanor and Grandpa Alexander," Liam chirped. "She was super excited. They were away last week."

He didn’t notice. But I did.

The way Victoria’s smile fractured. The flicker of pain in her eyes.

It had to gut her—knowing Sophia was building bonds with her birth parents while every bridge to the Sterlings had burned.

She’d hurt Sophia too deeply. And now? Sophia wanted nothing to do with us.

Nothing at all.