The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the Corinthos mansion's backyard. Josslyn Jacks stood by the edge of the pool, her heart racing. She had rehearsed this confrontation countless times—imagined the words she would say to Sonny Corinthos, the man who had become her stepfather.
Sonny approached, his eyes guarded. His dark hair was touched with gray, and the lines on his face told stories of a life lived on the edge. He was a mob boss, a man of secrets and shadows. But to Josslyn, he was also the one who had married her mother, Carly.
"Josslyn," Sonny said, his voice low, "what's on your mind?"
She took a deep breath. "You're not my father."
His expression softened. "I know that."
"But you're here," she continued, "in our lives. And I've seen what you do—the violence, the danger."
Sonny glanced at the pool, the water shimmering. "It's not an easy life, Josslyn. But it's the only one I know."
She stepped closer. "And what about my mom? She loves you, trusts you. But I've heard the rumors—the things you've done."
Sonny's jaw tightened. "Your mother knows who I am. She accepts it."
"But do I have to?" Josslyn's voice cracked. "Do I have to accept that you're the reason my real father is gone?"
Sonny's eyes darkened. "I didn't want that to happen."
"But it did." Josslyn's fists clenched. "And now you're here, playing the hero, protecting us from threats you created."
He sighed. "I've made mistakes, Josslyn. But I've also tried to protect this family."
She shook her head. "I don't want your protection. I want answers."
Sonny stepped closer, their reflections merging in the pool. "What do you want to know?"
"Why?" Josslyn's voice wavered. "Why did you send Dex to take out Cyrus Renault? Why did you put him in that position?"
Sonny's gaze held hers. "Because sometimes, in this life, you have to make impossible choices. Dex knew the risks."
"He was just a kid!" Josslyn's anger flared. "And now he's dead."
Sonny's shoulders sagged. "I'm sorry, Josslyn. But I did what I had to do."
She clenched her fists. "And what about my mom? What if something happens to her?"
Sonny's voice was raw. "I'll protect her, no matter the cost."
Josslyn's tears blurred her vision. "But at what price, Sonny? How many lives will be sacrificed?"
He reached for her hand. "I've lost people too, Josslyn. People I loved."
She pulled away. "And now you're here, pretending to be a father."
Sonny's eyes were haunted. "I'm not pretending. I care about you, Josslyn."
She stepped back, her heart torn. "I don't know if I can ever accept you."
And so, by the pool's edge, Josslyn Jacks and Sonny Corinthos faced each other—a collision of love and betrayal, secrets and pain. The water rippled, mirroring their fractured bond.
