Chapter 59
A month has passed since everything with Daniel went down. Am I okay? Hell no. Does it still hurt? Like a bitch. Have I moved on? Not even close.
Every day feels like I’m sinking deeper into an ocean of pain. I thought I was handling it when I decided to cut Daniel out of my life. But now I realize I was just lying to myself.
His betrayal ripped open every wound I’d ever tried to bury. Every hurt I thought I’d forgotten. It’s like I’ve been thrown back to the beginning—only now, my heart and soul are littered with fresh scars.
I move through my days in a haze. Numb. Time slips past me because I’m not really living—just surviving. One breath at a time.
Everyone else has moved on, but I’m stuck. Trapped in an endless loop of pain. My world is dark. Cold. And I’ve never felt more alone.
"Miss Sterling, are you okay?" Jacob, one of my students, asks.
Damn, I hate that name. It’s a constant reminder of the people who shattered me. I wanted to change it, but what would I even take? Not the Prescott name—I barely know them. And I haven’t spoken to them since that day at my house.
"Yes, I’m fine. Focus on your work," I mutter, staring down at my desk.
I used to love teaching. Now it’s just another chore. Every day, I count the minutes until I can escape. I crave solitude, but Amelia and Ethan keep checking on me, suffocating me with their concern.
My students notice. Classes aren’t fun anymore. I’m not the lively Sophia they knew. I’m a shell. A robot. Some have even started skipping. I don’t know how to bring back the woman I used to be.
Maybe you shouldn’t try to bring her back. Maybe you need to become someone new.
The thought lingers. Is that even possible? A new version of me—one who isn’t the broken girl, the shattered woman, the perpetual victim?
Before I can dwell on it, the bell rings. I grab my things and bolt without a word.
I keep my head down as I rush to the teacher’s lounge, desperate for a moment of quiet before my next class. Thankfully, no one stops me. I’m not in the mood for small talk.
But when I push open the door, I freeze. The room is packed. I groan and head for the farthest corner.
My phone rings. Eleanor Prescott flashes on the screen. I’ve been ignoring her calls, unsure how to face her—especially given her connection to Daniel. I go to decline, but my finger slips.
"Sophia?" Her voice is soft.
I don’t answer. Just exhale shakily.
"Please, darling, don’t shut me out. Don’t shut me and your father out," she whispers, her voice breaking.
I stay silent. My throat is too tight to speak.
"You’re my daughter. I want to be in your life. I want to be the mother I was meant to be. Losing you again… it would destroy me."
Tears burn my eyes. Damn it. I’ve been so emotional lately.
"I need time," I finally say, forcing the words out.
She exhales. "I’ll give you time. But remember—I love you. I’ve carried you in my heart every day, even when I thought you were gone. I’ll always be here when you’re ready."
It feels good to be wanted. But can I trust her? Only time will tell.
"Okay," I murmur before hanging up.
I get what she’s saying. But what if I’m just a placeholder? A way to fill the void? That’s what scares me—being used. Being second choice, like I was with Ethan.
I’m not being cruel. I’m just protecting what’s left of my heart.
"Damn, girl," Beatrice says, plopping down across from me.
I suppress a groan.
She’s a junior high teacher and the school’s biggest gossip. Always poking her nose where it doesn’t belong.
"Look at you," she tsks. "With the way you’ve been eating and how moody you are, people might think you’re pregnant." She laughs.
I freeze.
Her words echo in my skull, sending a bolt of terror through me.
She frowns. "Sophia? You know I was joking, right?"
I bolt up, panic clawing at my chest. I rush out of the lounge, blind with fear, and don’t stop until I’m in my car, speeding away.
No. No, no, no.
I try to think. To remember. But my mind is a mess.
I drive recklessly, not caring if I get pulled over. I need to know. Now.
At the store, I grab a handful of tests and nearly collide with Isabella at the checkout.
"Sophia?" she calls, startled.
I ignore her, pay, and flee.
At home, I chug water, then lock myself in the bathroom.
The result stares back at me.
No.
This can’t be happening. Not now. Not with Daniel’s baby.
"Why?" I whisper, tears streaming.
No answer comes.
I try to stand, but my legs give out. I’m drained. Empty.
Is this my fate? Unplanned pregnancies? First with Liam. Now this.
One time. That’s all it took. I forgot the morning-after pill. By the time I remembered, it was too late.
I told Daniel. He wasn’t angry—just calm. We convinced ourselves it wouldn’t happen.
I noticed changes. My period was late. But I blamed stress. My appetite? Stress-eating.
A loud bang at the door jolts me, but I don’t move. I don’t want to see anyone.
The banging continues. I curl up, covering my ears. Go away.
Silence. Then—footsteps. Heavy. Coming closer.
Before I can hide, a shadow fills the doorway.
"Sophia?" Ethan’s deep voice fills the room.
Our eyes meet.
And I break all over again.
Of all people… why him?