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Chapter 13
Chapter 13
It was past midnight, but the lights in the restoration room were still on.
A woman sat beneath the spotlight–her waist–length blonde hair pinned up with a sleek silver clip, exposing the graceful curve of her pale neck. Safety goggles rested on the bridge of her nose, and gloved hands held precise tools as she made the final touches to an ancient artifact.
The rest of the building had long gone quiet.
Only the faint sounds of Sophia’s tools could be heard in the silence.
The more chaotic life became, the more disciplined she had to be at work.
Over the years, she’d come to accept one truth:
People are unpredictable.
Hearts change. Loyalties fade.
But money–and purpose–could be built, brick by brick, with your own two hands.
She had once believed marriage could save her.
But Ethan had shattered that hope.
Later, when she was at her lowest, she had no choice but to marry Vincent–becoming a mother to his son, Rowan.
For Rowan, she gave up the opportunity her mentor had painstakingly arranged for her.
The professor had cut ties with her after that.
To this day, it remained Sophia’s biggest regret.
She had always felt she owed her mentor far too much. So over the years, she had continued studying during every spare moment–buying rare materials, refining her craft.
After graduating, she took out a loan and opened her own restoration studio.
Today, her business was thriving. Her commissions paid well, and her name was slowly gaining recognition in the art world.
Her savings were more than enough now–for herself, and for her mother once she was released from prison.
Everything was moving in the right direction.
As for the people she couldn’t hold on to?
Letting go was part of growing up.
Sophia placed the finished artifact into a protective container.
In her office, she downed a glass of warm water, then glanced at her desk calendar.
She picked up a pen and marked a red X over the current date.
Only eight days left until her mother’s release.
The forecast said it would be a sunny day.
Buzz…buzz…
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Chapter 13
Her phone vibrated in her pocket.
Vincent.
Sophia frowned, exhaled slowly, then picked up the call.
“When are you coming back?” came his deep voice through the speaker.
She checked the time.
2:00 a.m.
She was tired. The thought of driving thirty minutes back home made her shoulders ache.
She rubbed her sore neck. Her voice was low, cool.
“What is it?”
“Rowan’s waiting for you. He wants his bedtime story.”
Sophia’s hand stilled.
She remembered him carrying Rowan off earlier–to comfort Doris.
The image left a sour taste in her mouth.
“I’m not coming back tonight,” she said evenly.
“You tell him a story.”
She hung up.
The phone buzzed again–Vincent calling back.
Sophia scowled, silenced it, and tossed it onto her desk.
Then she got up and entered the
small rest suite attached to her office.
Late nights were normal in this line of
She had the rest room installed specifically for this reason–complete with a private shower and full amenities.
Sometimes, when she couldn’t find childcare, she would bring Rowan here. Put him to bed. Then work through the night.
There were even a few of his clothes and toys stored in the cabinet.
She showered, changed into pajamas, and was just about to get into bed when-
Bang. Bang.
A child’s voice rang out.
“Mommy! Mommy, open the door!”
She froze.
Was that… Rowan?
She rushed to the front door of the studio.
Through the glass, she saw Vincent standing outside, holding a crying Rowan.
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Queen’s Vendetta. r…
Chapter 13
The boy was bundled in a down jacket–over his pajamas–but his small feet were bare.
No socks.
It was nearly -30°C outside.
In a New York winter night?
Rowan’s immune system was already fragile. He’d get sick in minutes.
Sophia’s heart surged with anger and fear. She yanked the door open.
“It’s the middle of the night–why would you bring him out like this-”
“Mommy!”
Rowan broke free from Vincent’s arms and ran straight toward her.
She caught him instinctively.
He wrapped his arms around her neck and buried his face in her shoulder, sobbing uncontrollably.
“Mommy, you don’t want me anymore?
Sophia’s brow furrowed. Her face
gone
pale.
leave
me- -please don’t!”
And just then-
The dull ache in her stomach
Worse than before.
Author’s Note:
Something’s wrong with Sophia’s body. A litt
(1)
be…
.?
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