(SOFIA’S POV)
After storming out of the room in anger, I grabbed my car keys from the coffee table downstairs and drove out, my destination clear in mind-my parents’ place.
I needed someone to talk to, and my mother was that someone. The argument with Jared had shaken me to my core. The emotion in his eyes looked like hatred, and I couldn’t bear it.
These past few years, my relationship with Jared had deteriorated, and it had even escalated in the past months with him distancing himself. But never had he asked me to get out of his life. To me, that was a warning bell, and I was not going to take it lightly.
My grip tightened on the steering wheel, I couldn’t lose Jared. Not now, not ever.
I arrived at my parent’s place and my mother’s surprised face welcomed me.
“Sofia, dear, I didn’t know you were coming.”
“Yeah, it was Impromptu,” I replied.
Then I scanned the area, before turning back to her. “Where’s Dad?”
“He went to the hospital for his doctor’s appointment.”
Relief washed over me. I didn’t want my father to be present for this conversation.
“Why are you asking?”
“Mum, can I confide in you?”.
Her expression changed from curiosity to concern. “Of course, dear. What’s wrong?”
“We can’t talk here. Somewhere more discreet will do.”
She nodded. “Sure,” and then she led me to a small relaxation room, suitable for my visit. The door behind us closed, and I took a deep breath.
“Mum, it’s Jared…I don’t know what’s happening anymore,” I began
She locked eyes with me, staring intently before responding, “Tell me everything.”
********
“Well, I’m not entirely surprised,” my mother said, leaning back on her chair after I finished narrating how things were with Me and Jared.
I frowned, surprised. “Really? How come?”
“It was somewhat glaring, the tension between you two at dinner the last time,” she said.
“Oh, I didn’t realize,” I mumbled.
“What do I do, Mum? He doesn’t love me anymore; he probably hates me now,” I said I’m desperation.
“Um, let’s see,” she said, her
expression turning calculating. “You have to make him love you again, Sofia. We can’t lose the grip we have on the family. We need the affiliation we have with them.”
“But how? He’s been distant for so long.”
“Two things, Sofia. First, get pregnant. Second, make him marry you,” she said, matter-of-factly.
“Engagement isn’t marriage, honey Only when you’re married to him and have his child will your grip on him be strong forever,” she emphasized further.”
I paused, hesitating. “But, mum, Jared hasn’t…we haven’t,” my voice trailed off.
“What do you mean?”
“Jared and I…we haven’t slept together,” I finally admitted.
I watched my mother’s face contort in shock. “Sofia, what have you been doing in three whole years?”
“Mum,” I stammered.
“In this whole time, and you two haven’t…?” Her voice trailed off, as she stared at me in disbelief.
I nodded, feeling embarrassed. “All this time, I tried giving him signals, but he always acted like he didn’t notice.”
“I feel he’s still hung up on his ex-wife,” I added, frustrated.
“How’s that possible? Didn’t you say he didn’t love her? Besides, they’re divorced, aren’t they?”
“That’s what I used to think, but now… I’m beginning to think otherwise,” I said, uncertainty crawling into my voice.
“Well, you’ll have to hurry and get pregnant then, so he doesn’t start looking outside…if he hasn’t already.”
I felt a chill run down my spine at the
ine
of my mother’s words. That’s not possible, Jared would
dare.
never cheat on me. He I
“Mum, I’m ready, but I don’t know how,” I confessed.
“Well, I think I do,” she said and turned to her expectantly.
“Really? You do?”
She nodded, “Yes. Come closer.”
I leaned in, my heart racing.
Mother’s tone was low, but it was loud enough for me to make out her words.