Once and Never Again

After they left, the room was quiet again. I looked up at the ceiling, trying really hard not to cry.

My mom was still sick and receiving care at Charles' family's big hospital. I had to be strong for her.

Just then, the phone rang. It was the doctor from the hospital where my mom was admitted. My heart started racing, and I had a bad feeling. I picked up the phone with shaky hands.

"Sophia, your mom died."

I ran to the hospital as fast as I could. When I saw my mom, I felt like I could not stand up anymore.

I put my hands over my face and cried without making a sound. All my sadness and hurt came out all at once.

"She was okay just a few days ago. Why did she get so much worse all of a sudden?"

The doctor did not want to look at me and seemed scared to tell me something. "She was doing okay and even watching TV. But then she saw something on the news about you and Charles..."

Right then, I knew why everything happened so fast.

"Sophia." I jumped when I heard his voice.

Charles was there behind me, and he hugged me. We both cried quietly together.

However, when I looked over, I saw Julia standing by the door, all dressed up in fancy attire.

Feeling immense pain, I asked Charles, "Are you really going to bring your girlfriend to my mom's funeral?"

Charles did not get mad like he usually did. He said, "Julia just wants to make you feel better. She wants to be your friend."

I could not take it anymore. "Stop it!" I pushed him away, feeling my heart grow numb.

I just cried and cried.

After a moment, Charles told Julia, "You should go home."

Julia made a face at me and stomped off.

"Are you happy now?" Charles turned me around, his voice soft and soothing.

I shut my eyes tight, the image of my child, who had died through no fault of his own, flashing in my mind. I faced Charles again, my voice steady as I said, "Charles, I want a divorce."

"What?" He shook his head, a frown creasing his forehead.

"You heard me. Let's get a divorce. You've always thought I'm with you just to help my sick mom. Well, she's gone now, and I don't need to stay with you. You can be with Julia."

Charles was not just cheating with Julia; he also made me work as her assistant. He would say, "You like to get close to the wealthy by working, so I'll let you get your fill."

Remembering everything made my heart ache, and tears slipped down my cheeks.

"Playing games again? Trying to make me chase after you?" he snapped.

I was so stunned I could barely speak. "You think I'm still acting pitiful?"

"I know you're sad about your mom, and I am too. But that doesn't mean you can use my pity for something else. I'm tired of hearing about divorce."

He leaned in close, his words deliberate and icy. "You planned your way into my life and tricked me. I hate you, and I'm going to keep you here to make you suffer."