CHAPTER 5 Twisted

"Sofi..."

The way Ares softly called her name echoed inside my head. I gritted my teeth, my hands balled into fists.

What the hell is she doing here?!

"Ares," she greeted, her lips stretched into a broad smile. "Good morning!"

Her long, blonde hair shone like sun rays, and her fair skin had a healthy glow. I hate to admit it, but her presence seemed to brighten up the room we were in. If I didn't know what kind of snake she was, I would have smiled back at her. Her seemingly innocent smile was infectious, too bad I couldn't say the same for her personality.

She's a conniving, back-stabbing bitch!

"Hi, little one!" she chirped at Mira while completely ignoring my presence.

Damn her. How dare she try to be friendly with my daughter? I glanced at my daughter, who was still busy eating her pancake. She barely glanced up to see who it was.

"Hello," she curtly responded. I sighed, feeling relieved that Mira didn't seem to like her.

"Why don't you join us?" Ares asked Sofia before looking at me pointedly.

I knew exactly what he meant by that look, but I pretended as if I had no idea. I kept myself busy feeding Mira, at the same time, getting my own fill.

"Camilla," his voice rumbled lowly. It was enough to bring shivers down my spine.

"Oh!" I cried dramatically. "You're here! I'm sorry, I didn't notice you."

I plastered an obviously fake smile on my lips while standing up to get her a fresh set of utensils. She doesn't seem to be the type who eats breakfast, but whatever. I gritted my teeth to stop myself from slamming the plate onto the table when Ares pulled the seat beside him as if telling me where to put it.

I took a deep breath before going back to my seat without making a fuss. I quietly ate, trying to ignore their hushed conversation, much more Sofia's muffled giggles.

Damn it. I badly wanted to strangle her with my bare hands. 

"Are you done, mi amor?" I gently asked Mira when I couldn't take it anymore.

"Yes, mommy," she giggled after letting out a cute burp. "I'm full!" she grinned, making me forget about the ominous presence in the dining room.

"Let's go," I said, helping her out of the high chair.

"Bye, Daddy," she yelped. "Uh..." She glanced at Sofia as if thinking whether to say goodbye to her as well.

I didn't let her, though. I picked her up and carried her back to her room. My whole mind was a jumbled mess, my hands trembling with intense emotions that were overwhelming my whole being.

Seeing her inside my own house was too much. 

"Mommy?" I barely heard Mira's voice, interrupting my thoughts. I shook my head.

"Are you okay?" she worriedly asked.

"Of course," I smiled despite myself. "Why wouldn't I be okay?"

"I asked if we could play," she said.

"Oh, I'm sorry, mi amor, but I have a lot of things to do." I immediately felt guilty. It's true, though.

The chores were really never-ending, but that's not the reason why I can't play with her right now. I need to go back there. I can't let them disrespect me in my own home! 

"Promise, I'll make it quick, then we can play," I smiled while cupping her cheeks. "Is that okay?"

"Oh-kay," she sighed heavily. The sullen look on her face breaks my heart. Should I just stay here and let those two do whatever the hell they want?

No. That wouldn't be possible. Abuelo would disown me if he were alive!

"Promise, I'll be back," I kissed her cheek before I left.

I hurried down the hallways despite my vision darkening with rage. But I almost stumbled back when I suddenly collided with the she-devil herself!

She smirked when our gazes met. It was as if she were expecting this.

"Why are you here?" I gritted through my clenched teeth.

She tilted her head, her eyes surveyed me from head to toe. 

"You really had the guts to ask, huh?" she asked mockingly.

"Last time I checked, this is still my house," I hissed. I have every right to ask!

Do you? A taunting voice echoed inside my head, but I ignored it.

"And when was that?" she chuckled and raised an eyebrow at me.

I wanted to claw that annoying grin off her face. This bitch!

"Do you really think you can keep using your child to keep Ares?" she asked, a hint of her true color finally showing.

I smirked. As far as I know, Mira isn't the only reason why Ares chooses to remain married to me despite his obvious hatred towards me. Didn't she know that?

"I don't care what you say," I muttered while looking her up and down. "At the end of the day, I am still the legal wife."

"Well, let's see about that," she chuckled as if she had something up her sleeve before turning on her heel.

What the?!

"What do you mean?" I hissed as I quickly grabbed her.

"I don't know," she taunted. "Why don't you ask your 'husband'?" she asked, emphasizing the last word.

I'm not stupid. I know what she's hinting at. But I don't think Ares would do it. Why would he divorce me when it's the only reason he can take control of the hacienda right now? I didn't sign a prenuptial agreement, which was a stupid decision on my side, but still, he wouldn't get the whole property if he divorced me.

And that was what he wanted from the start. I was just too blinded to see it.

Now, why don't I divorce him, you may ask?

It's because of my daughter! I thought defensively, despite the faint whisper of a voice at the back of my head.

No. I have no feelings for him anymore. Whatever feelings I had for him in the past had slowly diminished over time. The constant abuse drained me. I'm just so tired of it all.

Besides, he won't let me leave even if I wanted to. I couldn't kick him out either. So it's best to play house and pretend to be a normal family for the sake of my child.

Before I could say anything, we both heard approaching footsteps. Ares must have followed her, probably wondering what's taking her so long.

Sofia suddenly smirked at me, that evil smirk when someone's planning something wicked. What could it be this time? I'm sick and tired of her twisted games. I won't be fazed by anything anymore.

I just raised an eyebrow when she deliberately sprawled on the floor, creating a loud thud. As if that wasn't enough sound, she wailed like a child who had broken a bone or something.

Disgusting. I grimaced before grabbing her to pull her up.

"What's happening here?!" Ares' thunderous voice almost made me jump, but not before the sound of tiny clattering feet hurried to where we were.

Shit.

"What did you do to her?" he immediately accused, pushing me out of the way to help his precious Sofia!

Damn it.

"Don't tell me you're still falling for this?" I chuckled humorlessly while holding his gaze.

"Mommy," Mira seemed scared as she pulled my skirt.

I stepped in front of her, wanting to protect her from all this.

"Ares, please, it was just an accident," Sofia's voice sounded grating to my ears. What the hell is this bitch planning this time?

"Stop covering for her, Sofi," Ares sternly said.

"I'm not," she shook her head. 

I snorted. Her acting has gotten better over the years. Pathetic.

"It was my fault. I was just trying to be friendly with Mira. I think I pushed it too far, though," she glanced at my daughter behind me, making my jaw drop.

What on earth?! Don't tell me she's planning to drag my little girl? Hell, no!

"Mira, go back to your room, honey," I immediately whispered while gently pushing her.

"But... What's happening, mommy?" she asked innocently.

"Go back to your room, Mira," Ares ordered. My eyes widened in shock. I have never heard him use that tone on her before!

Mira looked hurt. She ran back to her room just as her father ordered.

"How dare you?!" I snapped when she's gone.