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Chapter 2

Sophia’s POV

Rachel gripped the steering wheel tightly, stealing a glance at me, her best friend, seated beside her in the car. The streetlights flickered above us, casting fleeting shadows on my troubled face.

“Are you sure about this?” Rachel asked yet again, her voice tinged with concern. “Are you going to call off your engagement with Daniel?”

Drawing in a long breath, I kept my gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the window.

“I’ve decided, Rach,” I replied, my tone resolute, though tinged with a hint of apprehension. “I appreciate your concern, but this is something I have to do. I’ll deal with the consequences.”

Rachel sighed, her fingers drumming on the steering wheel. “I just don’t want to see you get hurt,” she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Reaching out, I placed a comforting hand on Rachel’s arm. “I know, Rach. But this is something I need to do for myself,” I whispered, my eyes reflecting a mix of determination and vulnerability. “I’ll be okay. I promise.”

Rachel nodded, her shoulders slumping in resignation. “Okay,” she relented, her voice laced with a hint of sadness. “I’ll trust you on this. Just know that I’m here for you, no matter what.”

A small smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I squeezed Rachel’s arm. “Thank you, Rach,” I murmured, gratitude clear in my voice. “I couldn’t ask for a better friend.”

As we continued our journey down the lit road, Rachel couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease gnawing at her insides. But she knew that whatever lay ahead for me, she would stand by my side, come what may.

A few minutes later, my phone rang, breaking the silence in the car. Glancing at the caller ID, I saw Daniel’s name flashing on the screen. With a heavy sigh, I answered the call, my voice betraying a hint of annoyance.

“Hey, Daniel,” I greeted, my tone curt.

“Sophia, where are you? You’re home late. Is everything okay?” Daniel’s voice came through the line, laced with concern.

“I’m on the road, Daniel,” I replied, my frustration clear. “I’m with Rachel.”

After a brief exchange, I ended the call, my irritation mounting. I muttered curses under my breath, my frustration bubbling to the surface.

Rachel glanced at me, concern etched on her features. “Everything alright, Soph?” she asked, her voice filled with worry.

I let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through my hair. “I’m fine, Rachel,” I replied, my voice tinged with exasperation. “Just Daniel being worried, as usual.”

Rachel nodded, understanding the strain in my voice. “You know he cares about you, right?” she offered.

I nodded, a conflicted expression crossing my face. “I know,” I admitted, my tone softer now. “But sometimes, it’s suffocating.”

As we drove on in silence, the weight of my frustration hung heavy in the air, mingling with the distant hum of the car engine. And in that moment, Rachel couldn’t help but wonder what lay ahead for me, and whether Daniel’s concern was a sign of genuine care or something more suffocating.

As we arrived home, I wasted no time in expressing my intentions to my parents. With a determined look in my eyes, I addressed them.

“Mom, Dad, I need to talk to you both,” I began, my voice steady but tinged with urgency.

My parents looked up from their seats, surprised by the serious tone in my voice.

“What’s the matter, dear?” my mother asked, concern clear in her voice.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what I was about to say. “I’ve decided,” I announced. “I want to call off my engagement with Daniel.”

My parents exchanged puzzled glances, surprised by my declaration.

"But why, Sophia?" my father asked, his brow furrowing in confusion. "What’s happened?"

I hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words to explain my decision.

"It’s not about what happened, Dad," I replied. "It’s about what’s best for everyone, especially our family."

My parents listened as I explained my reasoning, my words measured. I had no concrete evidence of Daniel’s wrongdoing, but I believed it was the right thing to do for the sake of our family’s reputation. Ending the engagement would spare Daniel from any potential damage to his reputation, and I would bear the consequences myself.

“It’s a risk I’m willing to take,” I concluded, my voice firm with conviction. “Let Daniel face the consequences of his actions, whatever they may be.”

My parents exchanged a solemn glance, understanding the weight of my decision. Despite their initial shock, they could see the determination in my eyes and knew that I had decided.

“We trust you, Sophia,” my mother said, reaching out to grasp my hand. “We’ll support you no matter what.”

And as I felt the weight of my parents’ support, I knew I had made the right choice.

My parents relented, entrusting me with the decision regarding my engagement. They placed their complete faith in my judgment, knowing that I had always been wise beyond my years. As a result, the engagement was called off.

“We trust you, Sophia,” my father said, his voice filled with a mixture of pride and concern.

I nodded, grateful for my parents’ support. “Thank you, Dad, Mom,” I replied, my voice tinged with determination.

However, as I continued to explain my reasoning, a darker revelation emerged. I voiced my fear that Daniel would betray us and bring ruin upon our entire family. Before that could happen, I declared my intention to bring Daniel down first.

“I won’t let him destroy us,” I asserted, my eyes flashing with resolve. “I’ll make sure he pays for his deceit.”

My parents exchanged a bewildered glance, struggling to comprehend the depth of my conviction. They had never seen this side of me, so driven and resolute in my determination to protect our family’s honor.

“But Sophia, what do you mean?” my mother asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

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