Chapter 7: Crossing the lines

I opened my mouth to say something, but my brain went completely blank. The only thing I could feel was my heart, pounding like crazy, like I’d been hypnotized. He took a step closer, and I stepped back without thinking—until my butt hit the edge of the kitchen counter.

He didn’t stop. He just… closed the distance slowly. I closed my eyes without even meaning to, letting his scent wash over me. Fresh, clean, like he’d just come out of the bathroom, shampoo and something else… warm. I snapped my eyes open as soon as I realized I’d left a little space between us.

“Little stepmother, Mr. Felix hates things wasted—including coffee,” he said, his voice soft, almost teasing.

I blinked at the mess on the counter, panic hitting me. I grabbed a napkin and started wiping as fast as I could, a stupid little smile creeping onto my face.

He just shook his head and walked away.

I tapped my forehead. “Stupid Sophie,” I muttered. “Why do you always act like this? This isn’t who you are… you’re not some saint or naïve little girl.”

I grabbed the cup and slipped outside. This time, he had a towel casually draped over his shoulders. I stopped at the kitchen door, just watching him grab the remote and turn off the TV.

Clearing my throat, I started walking toward him. My chest felt tight.

“Actually… I’m sorry for your mother’s death,” the words slipped out before I could stop them. My eyes squeezed shut as I just realized what I had done.

He turned to face me fully. My eyes trailed this time over his broad shoulders, down his chest. I swallowed hard and finally looked at his face.

“What are you talking about, little stepmother?” His brow furrowed. His facial expressions were unreadable.

“I… I was just…”

“Have you been investigating me, little stepmother?” His voice was calm, but there was… something dangerous under it.

I shook my head fast.

He scoffed. “I never mentioned that. Not in public. Not in private.”

“I didn’t see her… that’s why,” I whispered. My brain was acting like a total idiot, like always, whenever he was around.

Silence.

Then my phone buzzed. I jumped. “I… I’m sorry,” I whispered, grabbing it.

“Sophie! You won’t believe what I found!” Laura’s voice practically vibrated through the line loudly.

I glanced at Sebastian. He was absorbed in his phone, typing away, and then he winked at me before heading upstairs. My pulse jumped.

“What are you talking about?” I whispered, lowering my voice, hoping he hadn’t heard. Something about Laura’s tone screamed secrets; the way she said it made my stomach twist.

“We can’t talk on the phone. You need to come over,” she said, urgently.

I swallowed hard. “Where are you?”

“Our usual spot,”

I hung up, grabbed my handbag, and drove to the club.

The place was packed. It's Monday night, not Friday—why were there so many people here?

I slowly scanned the room and spotted Anna and Laura sitting at the bar. I gradually pushed through the crowd and made my way to them as fast as I could.

“One glass of whiskey,” I whispered, taking the empty seat close to them. They both stared at me, disbelief written all over their faces.

“Whiskey? Seriously?” Anna asked, raising an eyebrow. “Since when do you drink whiskey?”

I took the glass from the bartender and sipped it, my eyes squeezed shut at the bitterness.

“Vodka. Actually… give me vodka,” I muttered, embarrassed.

Laura chuckled and tapped my shoulder. She knew me too well. Anytime I tried to act differently, I’d always go back to my usual choice. Which is labelled as "Sophie's confused state"

“What’s wrong this time, Sophie?” she asked softly, concern in her voice.

The bartender handed me the vodka. I drank it in one go, letting the warmth spread through me.

“That old man… he tricked me,” I whispered, and then a sob burst out of me, loud and dramatic. I cried quietly when it hurt. Even right now I didn't even let a single tear drop. But my chest felt like it was going to explode.

“Come on… you’re joking, right?” Anna said, grinning nervously.

“I’m not,” I snapped. “He said we need an heir. Not just any heir—a son. Before the deal.”

Their mouths fell open. Anna immediately grabbed the whiskey and downed it in one gulp… then started coughing violently.

“Gosh… it tastes like Mr. Miller… so complicated,” she whispered between coughs. I couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

“It’s not funny, Sophie,” Laura said, leaning closer, her voice soft but urgent. “We need to do something. You can get a divorce anytime, but with a child… you might feel trapped.”

“Then what the hell am I supposed to do?” I shouted, the weight of everything pressing down on me. “My company’s dried up! I used the last funds to pay off the loan debt my dad took from the bank, even my savings… it’s all gone! How am I supposed to keep it running?”

And then, finally, I let it out. Real tears this time, streaming down my face. Laura rubbed my back gently, letting me cry as long as I needed.

I slowly stopped, blinking, my nose wet and eyes red. I wiped my tears with the back of my hand and looked at her.

“Why did you call me?” I asked, suddenly remembering why I was here.

She smiled awkwardly, scratching her head, pressing her lips together. I shut my eyes in frustration, already guessing it wasn’t anything serious.

“I told you guys, I’ll make time every Friday… not Monday,” I snapped, irritation bleeding through my exhaustion.

“But Sophie… we’re just curious about your wedding night,” Anna said, frowning. “Laura and I made a bet—whether you spend a night with Mr. Miller or not…”

I groaned and shot them a cold stare.

“You all think I have nothing to do?” I snapped. “I have a million things to handle, and you’re worried about some stupid bet?”

“We’re sorry,” Laura whispered softly, her head bowed like a child being scolded by her mother.

I groaned again and signaled for another glass of vodka. My heart was boiling—not because of what they did, but because I felt like the only one trapped in life, with no family to lean on.

The two of them nudged and pushed each other, clearly urging one another to speak. I said nothing, just sipping my drink, letting the burn of alcohol settle my nerves.

“Actually… it’s not just that,” Laura said hesitantly, glancing at Anna before facing me. “I wanted to suggest something about your ex… Luis. I heard his family is wealthy, and they live in the UK. What if… what if you ask him for help?” She sounded almost afraid to speak, like she was crossing some invisible line. And gosh, she's fucking crossing it.

I cast Laura a cold stare.

“Relax… it’s just a suggestion,” she whispered, nervously taking a sip of her wine.

Luis? Seven years. We hadn’t spoken since the breakup. I had ended things harshly, and there was no way he’d want to hear from me now, let alone help.

“I don’t have his number anymore,” I whispered, swallowing hard.

A heavy silence stretched between us.

“Neither do I,” Laura admitted quietly, glancing at Anna. Anna just shook her head, looking helpless.

I let out a long, frustrated sigh and stood.

“What now?” Anna asked, concerned.

I shook my head, my chest tight, and pushed through the crowd toward the exit. What was the point of staying here? No one in this club could help me—not really.

I wished I could still be with Luis. He must have a family by now, children even. And after the way I ended things… there was no way he’d ever want to see me again.

I slid into the car, my hands trembling on the wheel.

Maybe I should just call Mr. Felix… I thought. Just to act like a caring wife. To show him I care.

I dialed his number, my thumb hovering nervously over the screen. It rang once. No answer. I dialed again, my heart thudding in my chest.

“Who is this?” a woman’s voice came through immediately.

My eyes went wide. My hand froze on the wheel.