CHAPTER 134: MAKING PEACE

"That day, I knew the baby in my belly was his — every fantasy I’d had just shattered."

"When you told me, I got furious. I went home to confront him. No one else was there; it was just the two of us. I pretended I had proof, and finally he told the truth. It turned out I was the only fool the whole time."

"To me, he just seemed kind, so I brought him into my family — even let my parents take him in as an adopted son. I thought that would be it. But he treated me like this."

Riley covered her face, stifling her sobs.

"Crying won’t fix anything. We need results — what did you and he decide?" Sophia asked, dabbing at Riley’s tears.

"I was pregnant. It was his child. What could I do? At first I hated the thought — I even considered an abortion — but it was still a small life. So I told him if he wanted to marry me, he had to become someone respectable, someone my parents would approve of. He promised."

"But just a few days later I found out he’d touched things he shouldn’t have. He took the money my parents trusted him with and did illegal things. He swore he’d quit everything to make it right. He even took me to the amusement park — and then he snapped. I caught him sneaking off to use drugs in the bathroom. When I said I would terminate the pregnancy, he went crazy. He grabbed my throat, and when I tried to call the police he knocked me out with my own phone. I remember blood everywhere on my head, but I never expected... he kicked my belly while he was frenzied."

"It hurt so much. It hurt so, so badly... and nobody came in. Even though the park was busy outside, it was like none of it was happening to me."

Samuel panicked and ran. He’d seen enough detective shows to know how to flee in a hurry without getting caught. In the end, he ruined Riley, himself, and the child that never had a chance to be born.

Riley clutched the blanket, sobbing. Slowly she brought both hands to her abdomen and wept as if she could not stop. When Sophia lifted her shirt, she saw a large bruise spreading across Riley’s stomach.

"So he ran. What do you want to do now?" Sophia asked. "I didn’t tell your family about the pregnancy — I held it back for the moment. But some things can’t be hidden forever."

"I already gave him chances," Riley whispered. "He didn’t cherish any of them. I did everything I could, even humbling myself. Can you understand how that feels?"

"I have six children," Sophia said suddenly. She had never told outsiders this. "Back then I nearly died in the recovery room."

Riley blinked. "What?"

"I feel the same way you do. A life is a life, no matter what. But I never expected to have six — I almost died. It’s as if heaven decided I still had unfinished business and left me half a life here. Now that Lucas and I have established our relationship, I won’t let anyone come between us. But I also know one thing above all: cut your losses in time."

’Cutting losses in time’ was Sophia’s life philosophy and motto. You can choose to let things go, but when it’s time to let go, do it without hesitation — otherwise you’ll lose even more.

"You’re still young," Sophia said gently. "There’s plenty of road ahead of you. Losing this baby only means he wasn’t meant to be yours. But life will keep giving you new paths to walk down. As for Samuel—he was never good enough for you to begin with. He broke the law, and he’ll be caught eventually. Don’t torture yourself over him."

Riley’s tears wouldn’t stop. She looked at Sophia through blurred eyes. "I’m sorry... I just can’t control myself."

"Enough," Sophia said softly but firmly. "Cut your losses while you can. You have a strong start and a long road ahead—keep your eyes forward."

She had never been good at giving people comforting advice.

Motivational speeches, sure—but never heartfelt ones.

And now she was offering one... to her former rival in love.

Watching Riley cry so hard made Sophia’s chest tighten. With a sigh, she leaned down carefully, making sure not to press on her injuries, and wrapped her in a light embrace.

"Learn when to let go," she whispered. "Live while you can. And whatever you need to forget—don’t let it take up space in your heart any longer."

"...Thank you," Riley murmured.

Sophia nodded, straightened up, and said, "Your family’s been worried sick. I’ll tell them to come in."

Just as she turned to leave, Riley suddenly grabbed her wrist, fear flickering in her eyes.

She’d always been the cherished daughter, the family’s little princess. If they found out everything that had happened...

"They won’t hurt you," Sophia reassured softly.

Riley hesitated for a long moment before letting go.

Outside, her family had been pacing anxiously. The moment the door opened, they rushed in and surrounded her.

"Riley!" her mother cried, holding her hand. "Tell me who did this to you! I’ll make sure he pays!"

"Mom..."

"Riley, speak!" her father added, his voice trembling with rage. "Your grandfather and I will make this right!"

"Dad, Grandpa..." Riley’s tone softened. "I’ll tell you everything after I’m discharged, okay?"

She wasn’t ready to say it yet—but she would. Once she left the hospital, she’d tell them everything.

Standing outside the room, Sophia watched quietly, a small smile on her lips.

Lucas came up beside her, his expression light but curious. "What did you say to her? She seems... different. Closer to you, somehow."

Sophia shrugged lightly. "Nothing special. I just said what needed to be said. The rest—she figured out on her own."

She glanced at the clock. "It’s late. We should head home. I don’t want Charles to have nightmares after what he saw."

Charles always acted fearless—but when real trouble struck, he was the first to panic. She could only imagine how that bloody scene haunted him now.

They slipped out quietly.

When they got home, Mrs. Wilson hurried over. "Charles can’t sleep," she whispered.

"It’s okay," Sophia said. "I’ll go check on him. Could you warm up a glass of milk for him?"

"Of course."

Sophia went upstairs quickly.

Charles sat on his bed, staring blankly ahead, his little face pale and frightened.

"Charles?" she called softly.

He looked up—and the moment he saw her, he bolted into her arms.

"Mommy! I’m scared!"

"Don’t be," she soothed. "Mommy will stay with you tonight, okay?"

He nodded hard. "Okay."

Behind them, Lucas blinked. "And... what about me?"

Sophia shot him a playful glance. "You can sleep on your own."