Chapter 44 Delusions would always be just thatâdelusions, never to be a reality in a lifetime. All she could do was shatter the beautifully sketched bubbles of fantasy amidst pain and despair and endure the bitterness of unrequited love alone.
Jasonâs hand, poised to sign a contract, hesitated ever so slightly. He cast a cold glance toward Sophia standing at the door, his eyes cold and inscrutable. âRepear that, he demanded.
Sophiaâs smile held a trace of tenderness, yet her eyes were fraught with pain as she stared at his wellâdefined features. If only he had a sliver of affection for me, it wouldnât be such a lonely struggle in the dark. To share pain is its own form of contentment, she thought.
âIâll be the company for the drink, but I ask for two things in return,â Sophia stated.
Jason dropped his pen, shifted in his seat, and leaned back, eyeing her with a detached chill. For some reason, he had recently seen a heartbreaking vulnerability in Sophin, an excessive frailness under her ghastly pale face, void of vitality.
The sensation was inexplicableâit was as though her very soul was fading away This realization unsettled him, and even his decision from the previous night turned into mere lip service. He had resolved then to have her create value for the company, but upon seeing her pitiable state, heâd relented.
Sending Eric to her was a mere formality, a way for him to maintain his pride. Yet, Sophia had disappointed him by coming up with such a proposition herself.
âWhat conditions?â asked Jason, his tone icy Sophia lowered her gaze from his indifferent face and carefully said. âFirst, pay off all my brotherâs gambling debts. Second, sign the divorce papers.â
The first condition didnât rile him, but the second unleashed a fury within. âDivorce again! She wants to free herself to climb higher, even if it means selling herself. Very well! It seems my kindness has made her too audacious, he cursed internally.
âAre you begging me? To beg, one must adopt the right manner. After all, 16 million dollars in debt is no small matter, and divorce papers arenât easily obtained,â said Jason.
Sophia clenched her fists, her lips curled into a bitter smile. What does he want? For me to kneel before him for the opportunity to sleep with another man? He really knows how to humiliate meâ she thought bitterly.
âYes, Iâm begging you. Iâm begging for a chance to create value for you, to pay off what I owe you, and then I beg you to let me go,â said Sophia.
Jason abruptly stood up. Very recently. Eric had reported her defiant attitude and her absolute refusal to comply. Yet now, the mere 16 million dollars and divorce papers had her bowing her head, willing to demean herself.
pressure, venting his anger. âWhat chance to Jason cursed her inwardly, strode over to her, grasped her chin with a sudden grip, and increased the p create value? Say it clearly.â
Sophia slowly grasped his wrist, a selfâdeprecating laugh in her voice. âIâm asking you for a chance to accompany your client.â
She surrendered the last shred of her dignity.
Jason nodded repeatedly and then abruptly let go of her. âAs you wish. I can fulfill the first condition, but the second is our of the question.â With that, he walked away.
Sophiaâs back slammed against the wall, aer old wounds throbbing with pain, her legs trembling violently as she slid down to the floor, utterly drained. She hadnât anticipated that even now, Jason refused a divorce.
She thought she must look despicable and twisted now, for her world had collapsed.
Jason, do you realize what being in Georgeâs hands would mean? I put that pervert behind bars. He specifically asked for me because he wanted to avenge, and thatâs all she said inwardly.
âYou want to accompany the client, huh? Then donât just stand there. Go to your room and get yourself together. Donât look so sullen. Itâs off- puttingâ Jasonâs cold voice traveled from outside the room.
Sophia slowly closed her eyes. âOkay, Iâll go.â
11:64 AM Chapter 45