Chapter 25
Today was the day Sophia’s mother, Alexa, was released from prison.
Karina had taken the day off to go with Sophia and pick her up.
The weather forecast had been spot on–it was indeed a beautiful, sunny day.
Sunlight broke through the thick winter clouds and poured over the earth, reflecting off the snow like scattered diamonds.
Outside the gate of the prison on the outskirts of New York, Sophia stood in a pale beige wool coat, her slender figure framed by the breeze, and her waist length hair fluttered gently in the wind.
“Karina, what time is it?” Sophia stared nervously at the towering prison walls ahead, her tightly clasped hands betraying her tension.
Karina patted her shoulder. “It’s only 8:30. She’ll be out soon. Don’t worry.”
As soon as she spoke, there was a noise from the massive iron gate.
A smaller side door creaked open.
Sophia’s eyelashes trembled as she immediately ran forward.
“Mom!”
Alexa paused, surprised at first, but then smiled. “Sophia, you’re here.”
“Go out and live well, start over,” the young guard said a few parting words before turning back inside.
The gate shut again.
Sophia draped the down jacket she had brought over Alexa’s shoulders. “Mom, I’m here to take you home.”
Aleza nodded and turned her gaze to Karina’s face. After a moment, she recognized her. “Karina?”
Karina smiled warmly. “It’s me, Auntie. Sophia and I are here to take you home!”
Alexa was clearly moved. She grasped Karina’s hand tightly. “Good child… Thank you. Thank you for being there for Sophia all these years.”
“Auntie, don’t mention it. Sophia and I grew up together–we’re practically sisters. No need to feel any burden. Let’s go home first. Sophia bought a new place and decorated it beautifully. You’ll love it.”
“Yes, let’s go home.”
With a smile that deepened the fine lines at her eyes, Alexa took Sophia in one hand and Karina in the other. “Let’s go home.”
At Dolphin Bay.
The elevator reached the top floor, and the double doors slid open.
The three of them stepped out. Karina went ahead and lit a ceremonial fireplace by the entrance.
“Auntie! Step over the fire to cast away all bad luck–your life will be smooth and full of happiness from now on!”
Alexa’s eyes turned red, but she smiled and stepped over the small fire.
Sophia watched her mother step across into the carefully decorated new home, and her nose stung with emotion.
Tears welled up and fell without warning.
13:44
Chapter 25
She quickly turned away, wiping them from her cheeks.
It had been five years.
Five long years, and she had finally brought her mother out of that cold prison and into a home that belonged to them.
A home free from the Browns, free from the Jiangs–just the two of them, mother and daughter.
Karina took Alexa on a full tour of the new home and finally brought her to the bedroom prepared just for her.
On the bed was a set of new clothes Sophia had picked out ahead of time.
Karina handed them over with a smile.
“Auntie, take a warm shower and change into these. Later, Sophia and I will take you out for a feast!”
Alexa took the clothes, lowered her head to look at them, and slowly clenched her hands around the fabric.
After a long pause, her voice came out low and choked, “Sophia has suffered so much for me these past years….”
Karina gently rubbed her back. “Auntie, now that you’re back, Sophia won’t have to suffer anymore.”
The bathroom door closed.
The sound of water masked the soft sobs that finally escaped Alexa’s restraint.
Karina stepped out just as Sophia came in from outside, having just composed herself.
“Auntie’s taking a shower.”
Karina glanced at Sophia’s red–rimmed eyes and sighed softly. “You two are really alike–both like to hide away to cry.”
Sophia froze for a moment. “My mom… cried?”
“It’s okay. Let her release it. She’s just feeling guilty.”
Sophia didn’t respond, only pressed her lips together.
Alexa had aged noticeably in prison–thinner, frailer, as if ten years older.
Sophia had visited her often over the past five years, shared updates about her business and the home’s renovations–but never mentioned her marriage to Vincent.
She didn’t have the heart to let her mother know that even her daughter’s marriage had become so unbearable.
That pain…. her mother didn’t need to carry it.
“You really don’t plan to tell her?” Karina walked over and lowered her voice.
“I’ve already arranged everything,” Sophia replied calmly. “The live–in housekeeper starts tomorrow. My surgery is the day after. I’ll tell her I’m going on a business trip for a week. By the time I get back, it’ll be just about the New Year.”
Karina sighed, “Alright. Since you’ve planned everything, I’ll go along with it.”
♡ (1)
13:44
Queen’s U
