Chapter 44
Delusions would always be just that–delusions, never to be a reality in a lifetime. All she could do was shatter the beautifully sketched bubbles of fantasy amidst pain and despair and endure the bitterness of unrequited love alone.
Jason’s hand, poised to sign a contract, hesitated ever so slightly. He cast a cold glance toward Sophia standing at the door, his eyes cold and inscrutable. “Repear that, he demanded.
Sophia’s smile held a trace of tenderness, yet her eyes were fraught with pain as she stared at his well–defined features. If only he had a sliver of affection for me, it wouldn’t be such a lonely struggle in the dark. To share pain is its own form of contentment, she thought.
“I’ll be the company for the drink, but I ask for two things in return,” Sophia stated.
Jason dropped his pen, shifted in his seat, and leaned back, eyeing her with a detached chill. For some reason, he had recently seen a heartbreaking vulnerability in Sophin, an excessive frailness under her ghastly pale face, void of vitality. The sensation was inexplicable–it was as though her very soul was fading away
This realization unsettled him, and even his decision from the previous night turned into mere lip service. He had resolved then to have her create value for the company, but upon seeing her pitiable state, he’d relented.
Sending Eric to her was a mere formality, a way for him to maintain his pride. Yet, Sophia had disappointed him by coming up with such a proposition herself.
“What conditions?” asked Jason, his tone icy
Sophia lowered her gaze from his indifferent face and carefully said. “First, pay off all my brother’s gambling debts. Second, sign the divorce papers.”
The first condition didn’t rile him, but the second unleashed a fury within. “Divorce again! She wants to free herself to climb higher, even if it means selling herself. Very well! It seems my kindness has made her too audacious, he cursed internally.
“Are you begging me? To beg, one must adopt the right manner. After all, 16 million dollars in debt is no small matter, and divorce papers aren’t easily obtained,” said Jason.
Sophia clenched her fists, her lips curled into a bitter smile. What does he want? For me to kneel before him for the opportunity to sleep with another man? He really knows how to humiliate me‘ she thought bitterly.
“Yes, I’m begging you. I’m begging for a chance to create value for you, to pay off what I owe you, and then I beg you to let me go,” said Sophia.
Jason abruptly stood up. Very recently. Eric had reported her defiant attitude and her absolute refusal to comply. Yet now, the mere 16 million dollars and divorce papers had her bowing her head, willing to demean herself.
pressure, venting his anger. “What chance to
Jason cursed her inwardly, strode over to her, grasped her chin with a sudden grip, and increased the p create value? Say it clearly.”
Sophia slowly grasped his wrist, a self–deprecating laugh in her voice. “I’m asking you for a chance to accompany your client.” She surrendered the last shred of her dignity.
Jason nodded repeatedly and then abruptly let go of her. “As you wish. I can fulfill the first condition, but the second is our of the question.” With that, he walked
away.
Sophia’s back slammed against the wall, aer old wounds throbbing with pain, her legs trembling violently as she slid down to the floor, utterly drained. She hadn’t anticipated that even now, Jason refused a divorce.
She thought she must look despicable and twisted now, for her world had collapsed.
Jason, do you realize what being in George’s hands would mean? I put that pervert behind bars. He specifically asked for me because he wanted to avenge, and that’s all she said inwardly.
“You
want to accompany the client, huh? Then don’t just stand there. Go to your room and get yourself together. Don’t look so sullen. It’s off- putting” Jason’s cold voice traveled from outside the room.
Sophia slowly closed her eyes. “Okay, I’ll go.”
11:64 AM
Chapter 45