Cruel twist of fate

CHAPTER 10

RICHARD'S POV

The thoughts of Sophia's reaction to the statement I made to the press haunted me while driving back home, I thought of avoiding her until she was calm but David advised me to explain things to her.

He was equally puzzled by the statement I made, but it was the only way to save myself and Sophia too, if I had said she was a random girl I decided to help, people would try to find out who she was, and maybe end up finding out things about her she didn't want the public to know.

I didn't want to save myself and hurt her instead, the only way in my opinion to save myself and Sophia was to lie.

A lie that I knew might affect her life.

I drove into the mansion to find Sophia outside pacing up and down, she wore a neatly knitted sweater and black leggings, I drove into the garage, put off my ignition, took a deep breath, and prepared myself to be cussed by her.

" You never cease to amaze me, Richard Roberts What was that on the news? She said as I approached her.

" You need to calm down, I had to lie, we are not getting married or anything like that" I replied trying to clear her worries.

" You should have given me a heads up, don't I deserve that at least?" She said

" I didn't have the time to, it's in the past, let's move on," I said, getting tired of her tantrums.

" So, what now? What's next for us? " She asked curiously.

" What do you mean? Do you think I would want to marry you? Or would you marry me? I asked sarcastically.

Her face turned red with anger and she moved toward me and pointed a finger at me,

" you are just an egotistical and selfish bastard, and for a slight moment, I thought you were not so bad, I was wrong". She said

" Do I have to apologize to you for being egotistical or selfish....." She cut me off before I finished what I had to say

"I refuse to have this conversation with you, but this will be the last time, you will put me in a tight spot, this is a warning MR Richard," she said furiously and turned to walk away before I could say another word.

I should have just explained things to her, and apologized but once again, I let my pride win.

SOPHIA'S POV

"It's his audacity for me," I thought to myself, as I strutted angrily to my room. I was thankful for his help the other night, but he was getting on my nerves again.

I was already changed and ready to go to bed when I heard a knock on the door.

"Knock! Knock! Can I come in"?
Richard asked.

I adjusted my pajamas and went ahead to open the door for him, he wore grey sweatpants and a black singlet that hugged his abs, and his hair was wet indicating that he just had a bath

" What do you want please"? I asked, trying not to stare at his abs

"Can I come in? He asked calmly.

" No, you cannot, Lilly is here!" I replied

"She is? That's good then, I haven't seen her in a while ", his eye lit up with excitement, as he pushed open the door and went inside the room.

She  jumped up with excitement, as she saw him
" where have you been? "she asked, and moved closer to him, he lifted her from the bed and into his arms.

" How have you been little princess? He said, she laughed and they began to giggle and start side talks.

I stood there puzzled at the relationship they both had, when did this even begin? I was mad at him but seeing her excitement, I couldn't help but smile.

they looked like a father and daughter duo.

" Will you Read me a bedtime story? " she asked Richard as she stretched forth her favorite bedtime story " SNOW WHITE AND THE 7DWARFS"
He nodded his bed and tugged her into bed.

They both seemed to be ignoring me, I felt betrayed by her,  it was me who carried her for nine months but she ignored me for a stranger.

I sat by her side and watched him read the story to her.
He seemed different, he seemed at peace whenever he was with her like he had no worries and all his burdens had been lifted.

for a moment I prayed he will always be at peace like this.

" Can we talk outside?" He whispered, his voice bringing me back to reality, Lilly was already sound asleep.

" Alright, sure! " I whispered and gently tiptoed outside with him.

" Mhmm...things got a little more complicated than I expected," he  said, cleared his throat, and continued " my father wants to meet you this weekend "

"Why would your father want to meet me? As your therapist? Is it necessary " I asked a little confused.

"He wants to meet the woman that I intend to marry, I... " I immediately cut him off.

" You are being selfish again, I cannot meet your father, tell him you didn't mean that, " I said furiously.

" I tried to, but it didn't seem like a good idea, look I'm sorry I put you through this, but you have to help me out" he begged,

I was shocked at his attitude, I knew all that sweetness to Lilly was too good to be true, he intended to make me do his bidding.

"I really can't, I'm sorry, it's already enough that you told the whole world without my permission, I can't, " I said and turned to move away, he held my hand gently and pulled me back, pulling me so close I could feel his breath, the smell of his cologne and his proximity increased my pulse.

"Just help me please," he said gently, those words sounded so pleasing, they sent shivers to my bones.

"You are just trying to use me Richard, and I won't let you," I said still making an effort to stop my heart from racing.

" Use me too, let's use each other, just for 6 months, and then we end our contract," he said

"Do I look like a joke to you Richard," I said furiously and gently released myself from his grip" . he was beginning to get on my nerves.

" I'll pay you to double what you earn right now I will take care of you and Lilly, you will never lack anything," He said with confidence.

This whole thing seemed like a dream, but damn if he was paying double what I was earning as a therapist right now, that would be a whole lot of money but I wasn't going to give in, never!

" This conversation ends here, Goodnight RICHARD," I said, and walked back into my room, I wanted to jam the door, to show him my anger, but Lily was asleep, so I closed the door gently.

His offer was tempting, and I knew he needed me, that's why he had to throw his Ego and make that request. I felt bad for him, but there is no way, I was going to let him use me, I kept telling myself as I dozed off.