Chapter 4

Sophia Laurent took my hand and led me into a bedroom.

Alone with a woman, my breathing became unsteady.

Sophia slowly untied her robe and opened her nightgown.

We faced each other, both too embarrassed to speak first.

I broke the silence. "I hope you don't mind."

"Don't say that. I'm the one who should be sorry. Asking you to help with something like this. It might not taste very good, I've heard."

She was right. It didn't taste as good as I imagined.

But I took this task seriously. I had to complete it properly.

After I finished, Sophia watched me intently.

I looked up and saw the clear suggestion in her expression.

With such a woman before me, staying calm was impossible. Her pale skin made me restless.

"Sophia, why don't you stay here tonight? Sleep in my room."

"I have to take care of the baby..."

She shook her head shyly. I grabbed her small hand, wanting to pull her into my arms.

"Later then... If necessary, we can go to your room. I'll help with the baby."

My breath warmed her face, making her blush deeper.

She resisted, never making the sound I hoped to hear.

"It wouldn't be good for the baby to see."

"He's still so small..."

"Even small children remember things!"

Just then, Sophia heard her baby waking.

"John, let me settle him first. I'll come find you later."

She stood and returned to her room.

I couldn't sleep all night.

The baby kept crying, perhaps because of a stranger in the house.

Sophia never came back. The crying kept me awake too.

We both looked exhausted the next morning.

"Time to get the test results."

I planned to go alone, but Sophia looked anxious. "I want to come. My mother will be here soon. We can go together."

She insisted on going, so we waited for her mother.

Her mother arrived half an hour later.

She seemed impatient. "I have to look after your brother's son. My grandson needs me. Hurry to the hospital and come back quickly."

I greeted her. "Mrs. Laurent."

She frowned at me. "Who are you?"

"I'm Sophia's colleague. Just helping with the drive."

"Oh, the driver. Is your company big? Good salary?"

I said no.

She raised her voice. "Then what's the point of this worthless job? Quit and stay home with the baby. At least you won't starve."

I never expected Sophia's mother to be like this.

She clearly wanted Sophia home for childcare, so she could focus on her grandson.

Sophia came downstairs, eyes red. "Mom, I'm going to the hospital. I'll be back soon."

I drove Sophia to the hospital.

She talked during the ride. She valued her independence, but her mother's attitude made her consider quitting.

"My mother is already upset with me. I don't want to trouble her further."

Sophia had some savings. Her mother wanted to borrow money for Sophia's brother, but Sophia refused. It caused tension.

I found the situation ridiculous. What kind of people were these?

At the hospital, Sophia grew restless waiting for the results. "What if something's wrong? My baby is so young. No one will care for him!"

I felt angry. "I'll help you care for him. Don't worry about that."

I gave her courage.

She finally felt brave enough to check the results.

The technician brought the scans. Sophia asked many questions.

"This lump here appears to be a tumor."

Hearing this, Sophia panicked.

"John, what should I do?"

She gripped my hand tightly.

"Sophia, I'm here. Be brave. I'll go in with you."

I held her hand and led her into the doctor's office.