Watching the police escort Lily and Summer away, Sophia felt her anxiety slowly fade.
After receiving their threatening texts, David had already called the cops. Whatever they’d planned, the police would handle it now.
She couldn’t trust their intentions. Only being in control kept her safe.
The officers had followed them up the mountain, witnessing everything.
As they were led away in handcuffs, both women looked furious but also relieved–they hadn’t gone through with heir original plan.
They’d meant to force Sophia off the cliff by threatening her father.
Seeing Lucas and Nathan appear had changed everything.
After the incident, both men treated Sophia with careful attention.
Also no more fighting in front of her.
Her father seemed to like them both, and they’d been eating dinner at the house every night lately.
ophia’s memory came and went.
When she forgot, she let them stay.
When she remembered, Lucas and Nathan would leave immediately–before she could even ask them to go.
Vatching them bolt like guilty teenagers warmed something in Sophia’s chest.
fer memory had just come flooding back–past and present colliding, leaving her dizzy.
ad blinked at their sudden exit: “Sophia, why’d they run off like that?”
ophia smiled, filling his plate. “Maybe work emergency. Don’t worry about it–just eat.”
Dad stared at the food, his face scrunching in disgust and complained:
Why didn’t Grace make this? It looks awful. I’m not eating it!”
He pushed the bowl away and crossed his arms like a stubborn child.
ophia glanced awkwardly at Margaret, feeling helpless.
00:18
Ride or Die va Iated Encounter? I’ll Solo This Love Game!
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Chapter 22
She tried to coax him: “Dad, Mom’s at the office. She asked Margaret to cook tonight. Come on, just try it.”
Her dad totally refused: “No! I only want Grace’s cooking!”
Nothing would make him touch his fork.
Sophia felt exhausted. Everyday, each meal was a battle.
Dad acted like a cranky toddler–everything was a negotiation.
“Dad, Mom can’t cook right now. If you eat this, we’ll go see her. Deal?”
Dad searched her face, afraid she’d back out: “Promise? If I eat, you’ll take me to her?”
Sophia saw the hope, smiled: “I promise. Finish this bowl and we’ll go find her.”
‘Okay, I trust you!”
Dad picked up his fork and started eating, one careful bite at a time.
Watching him try so hard made Sophia’s throat tight.
Her parents had been devoted to each other. Now Mom was gone and Dad didn’t understand.
He cleaned his plate quickly. Usually he’d forget about Mom after eating, but today he kept mumbling: “Grace…
leed to find Grace…”
ears stung Sophia’s eyes: “Yeah, Dad. Let’s go find Mom.”
