They were visiting!

Sophia sat silently in her wheelchair in the kitchen, observing Maureen busily preparing lunch. Stanley was at work, and unexpectedly called in for a major hospital operation. As Sophia cleaned up to return to the kitchen, she discovered Maureen directing the house help, clearly busy with something special. Wondering about the occasion, Maureen enthusiastically urged Sophia to join her, recounting the events of the previous day at the police station.

As Sophia watched her stepmother bustling cheerfully, placing various dishes on the counter, the reason for Maureen's sudden burst of activity became clear. Sophia realized with a shiver why today was different. She wasn't prepared to encounter anyone, especially not the perpetrator or his entire family, in her current depressed state.

While Maureen chattered away, Sophia was lost in her thoughts, reflecting on how superficial her stepmother could be and feeling unprepared for the unexpected gathering that lay ahead.

Maureen appeared lost in her world, delicately chopping onions in the kitchen while rambling about the allure of a woman named Olivia, commenting on how she seemed to exude elegance effortlessly. Sophia couldn't help but feel frustrated by Maureen's superficiality and lack of genuine care. It seemed unfair that Sophia had to endure these circumstances with little control over her own life.

"Sophia!" Maureen called out, waving the kitchen knife she had used to chop onions. "Have you been listening to anything I've said?"

Sophia, still reeling from Maureen's earlier remarks, struggled to respond. "What did you say?"

Maureen set down the knife and wiped her hands. "Stan and I discussed it, and we think you should accept their apology. Mr. Ernest Bestman is a good man, truly remorseful for his son's actions. He wants to make things right with you. He's ashamed of his son, Sophia. It's nothing to hold onto, okay?" Maureen urged, her tone coaxing.

Furious and hurt, Sophia sought the right words to confront her stepmother and ease the ache in her chest. "I've already forgiven him, but I don't want them intruding into my life! If they want to apologize, they can send a message. I don't need to relive those moments," she cried out.

Maureen's expression shifted, leaning in towards Sophia. "It's not about reopening old wounds, Soph. These people have money," she whispered. "They can take care of us forever. He's a senator, the deputy Senate president. If we play our cards right, he can provide for us with anything we need."

Sophia was taken aback by Maureen's words and the conniving tone she sensed. Was it the money Maureen cared about, or was it her safety? She couldn't quite tell.

Though her memories remained hazy, Sophia's instincts were as sharp as ever. She sensed that her stepmother was not the person she pretended to be; rather, she seemed more interested in seeking out the highest bidder. Sophia thought about Stan and wondered how he felt about Maureen's decision.

"I-I'll just be in my room," Sophia murmured, wheeling herself towards the door, but Maureen's icy voice stopped her in her tracks.

"No one wants a burden, Sophia, especially an undeserved one. You might be content here for now, but it won't last," Maureen said coldly, resuming her cooking without another word.

Sophia retreated to her room, her stomach twisting into knots. Tears flowed uncontrollably down her cheeks as she let herself feel the weight of her stepmother's blunt words. The thought of being a burden to everyone, as Maureen implied, struck a sensitive nerve deep within her.

She struggled with conflicting emotions. On one hand, she felt she shouldn't reject help from those willing to provide it, considering her current situation. If only she could use her legs, she thought bitterly, she could find a job and repay Stan for his kindness.

Gazing into the mirror at the foot of her bed, Sophia allowed her dark curls to cascade around her face. She observed herself closely. Her skin appeared healthy and alive, thanks to good food and healthy living, but her eyes told a different story—they lacked their usual spark.

Despite her outward appearance, the guilt and pain she carried were etched in her eyes, hidden beneath her features. Those who knew her well would easily discern that something was amiss.

Sophia smiled at the thought of Stan, recalling how kind he was despite being busy and rarely at home. His absence meant fewer opportunities for them to grow closer, especially with her stepmother always around. Perhaps Stan also understood that Sophia cherished solitude.

Reflecting on those who had truly known her, Sophia wistfully thought, "Such cliché."

"Ma, lunch is ready. Your mother asked for you. Do you need help?" one of the maids Stan had hired interrupted, bringing Sophia back to the present moment.

"No, dear, just help me style my hair comfortably, please," Sophia replied politely.

"Of course," the maid, Blessing, smiled and approached to assist Sophia.

"You have such beautiful hair, it complements your lovely skin," Blessing remarked, her cheeks blushing slightly.

"Oh?" Sophia was surprised by the compliment; it had been a long time since she'd received such kind words.

"What's your name?" Sophia asked, curious.

"Blessing," she replied.

"Well, Blessing, thank you. You look very young. How old are you?" Sophia inquired, observing her through the mirror.

"I'm twenty-two," Blessing answered.

"You must be enjoying your prime then," Sophia said, smiling weakly.

*^~~~~~~~^*

"This is ridiculous! It's not necessary anymore, Dad!" Jason yelled at his father, who sat in his home office.

"Ridiculous, you say?" Ernest responded bitterly. "It's you and your mindset that are ridiculous, Jason. I always knew you were wayward and irresponsible, but to become so inhumane... that I never expected."

"It was an accident, Dad, and I struggle with guilt every day because of it. I don't need to get more involved with them..." Jason cried, his voice filled with emotion.

"You speak as if you're the only victim here. Have you considered how she must feel? How her whole life has been shattered? No! You only think about yourself. We'll visit their home, and I'll decide what to do about this situation. But as long as I'm alive and your father, you will need to make positive changes in your life!" Ernest's voice was stern and unyielding.

Jason stared at his father, feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. He despised the tension surrounding this situation and resented being forced to confront it.

In a fit of anger, Jason stormed downstairs, only to encounter his mother on the way out. She had been eavesdropping on their conversation.
Jason sighed as he continued on his way, pulling out his phone to call Sean. Sean was the only one who truly understood him, despite being partly responsible for the trouble he was in. Jason knew Sean wouldn't betray him; he believed Sean had acted with his best interests at heart.

Driving his car to their meeting spot at a bar, Jason dwelled on his father's impulsive decisions.

Inside the bar, Sean was already seated in a corner, his expression curious. "You look like you've been through a train wreck. What's going on?" Sean inquired.

"Dad and I fought. He wants to visit the family and apologize, but he's insisting I go with him. I can't do it, Sean. I can't face her. Just thinking about it is haunting enough. This is too much," Jason confided.

"But why not? It's not like you're being forced into marriage or something. It's just one day to show remorse. It shouldn't be that big of a deal," Sean remarked.

Jason was taken aback by Sean's response. He sighed and ordered a drink.

"Have you talked to Charlotte since the party?" Sean asked, changing the subject.

Jason shook his head. "No, there's too much on my mind. I can't handle Charlotte right now."

"So you're saying you don't care about her anymore?"

"No!... I never said that. I still love her, but we both need space. It's what's necessary for me to come to terms with everything," Jason explained.

"Well, I don't think she sees it that way. She's been on my case, asking why you don't answer her calls and avoid gatherings where she might find you," Sean revealed.

"Doesn't she understand?! I spent twenty-four hours in jail, and all she can do is complain about herself!! As my girlfriend, shouldn't she have visited me? Instead, she calls you to complain about my failures. I'm just tired of everything—my dad, Charlotte, all of it!" Jason exclaimed, his frustration boiling over as he abruptly stood to leave the bar.

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