Chapter 20
SOPHIA’S POV
I walked to a couch and sat down.
Father went to stand near the fireplace. My mother sat in her armchair. They gave each other a look, the kind that carried a conversation they’d already had without me.
My stomach twisted. I think I already knew what this was about.
Father cleared his throat. His voice was calm but firm. It was the same tone he used when he had already made up his mind.
“Sophia,” he said, “your mother and I have been patient. We really have. But enough time has passed p>
I swallowed and didn’t speak.
He continued, stepping closer. “We don’t understand why you haven’t fought harder for Ashley. Not even visitation. Not even a schedule. She’s your daughter. you should fight hard for custody”
My wolf flinched at the word. “Daughter” The bond still existed but I was tired. She referred to me as “That woman” earlier tonight.
My mother looked at me.
“She’s our only granddaughter,” she said softly. “She’s a kid. You have to be there for your kid p>
Mother’s voice shook as she spoke.
“Sophia, do you know how hard it is to love a child you’re not allowed to see? We supported your marriage. We stood by you when things were difficult. We made sacrifices because we believed in your family p>
My wolf lowered herself inside me. She felt wounded, ashamed.
“We already love Ashley,” My mother continued. “So much. And we barely know her. That hurts more than I can explain p>
Father sighed, rubbing his temples. “Time is slipping away, Sophia. Every year that passes, she grows further from you. One day, she’ll believe you abandoned her. That you didn’t care enough to fight p>
That was when I looked up.
“I did fight,” I said quietly.
Father frowned. “Then why does it look like you gave up p>
The question struck hard. My wolf growled softly. She started to get defensive, but I forced her down. I took a slow breath. “Because every time I tried, I was shut out p>
They waited.
“I called,” I said. “I asked. I sent messages. I showed up when I was allowed. And every single time, I was reminded that I had no power. No say p>
Mother shook her head. “But she’s a child. She needs her mother p>
I laughed weakly. “She doesn’t want me p>
The room went still.
“What do you mean p>
I closed my eyes. The humiliation burned hotter the longer I held it in.
“Ashley doesn’t want to see me. She prefers her father’s mistress, Tiffany p>
Mother gasped softly. “No,” she said. “That can’t be true p>
“It is,” I replied. “She’s said it p>
Father looked at me. “Children say hurtful things when they’re confused. That doesn’t mean they mean it p>
“It does when it keeps happening,” I said. “It does when your own child looks at you like you’re a stranger p>
The rejection replayed in my mind – Ashley’s cold eyes, her distance, the way she always said she preferred Tiffany.
Father stepped forward. “Tiffany might be poisoning her against you. You know that, don’t you p>
I flinched.
“I don’t know what she’s telling her. I only know the result p>
“You can’t just accept this,” he said. “You fight. Not just legally but emotionally too. If you walk away now, this will haunt you for the rest of your life p>
Mother stood and walked across the room, kneeling in front of me. She took my hands, squeezing them tightly.
“Sophia,” she whispered, “we’re not asking for custody. We’re not asking to take her away. We just want a chance. Even to see her from a distance. To know she’s okay. You need her too”
Her tears fell onto my hands.
“Please,” she said. “Call Damien. Ask to speak to Ashley directly. Just once p>
My heart pounded violently. My wolf felt sad at the thought.
“I don’t want to be humiliated again,” I said honestly.
She looked at me with tears in her eyes “Try. For us p>
I nodded slowly. “Okay p>
I moved to my old bedroom, closing the door behind me. I sat on the edge of the bed and stared at my phone.
My wolf whimpered softly. I dialed Damien’s number.
Each ring made my heart race faster.
He answered. “What is it, Sophia p>
His voice was distant.
“I’m calling about Ashley,” I said carefully. “I just want to speak to her, even if it’s for a moment p>
Silence.
“She doesn’t want to talk,” he said finally. “Forcing this will upset her p>
“I’m her mother,” I replied. “I deserve p>
“You’re upsetting her,” he cut in, “I won’t allow that p>
Then suddenly, a voice said. “Give it to me p>
Ashley’s voice came on the line.
She sounded colder than I ever heard her.
“You’re a hypocrite,” she said immediately. “You abandoned me p>
My breath caught. “Ashley p>
“You don’t deserve to see me,” she continued. “Not until you apologize to Aunty Tiffany p>
“What?” I whispered. “Apologize for what p>
“You hurt her,” Ashley snapped. “You humiliated her. You disrespected her p>
“I don’t understand,” I said desperately. “You must know I never meant to hurt anyone intentionally p>
“You’re pretending again,” Ashley said flatly. “You always do p>
Her words made my chest hurt.
“I’m your mother,” I said, “I love you p>
“I don’t care,” she replied, “You have to apologize first p>
“I don’t even know what I’m apologizing for,” I said.
“I’m done talking,” Ashley said. “Don’t call again until you’re ready to apologize to Aunty Tiffany p>
The line went dead.