John went to sit on the sofa and looked at the curio on the coffee table, then he looked at the rocking chair beside it, as well as the yoga mat, guessing she was remaking this part over the past two days. She doesn’t want to live in the residence, I see. She hates everyone there. John knew that.
Sophia took an hour to finish her lunch, then she went to sit across from him. “Done thinking?”
John nodded. “I know my mother has been awful today.” Then, he changed his tune, “I did that myself last night, because I was drunk. You have nothing to do with this. I told them that, but they took it the wrong way because they want to protect me.”
Sophia smiled. “It’s not important to me. John, you know what?” She paused for a moment and frowned. “I think we should start our new lives now that we’re divorced. Living together and keeping things so ambiguous between us brings no good to us.” She heaved a long sigh. “I can’t blame you solely for this. I bear a part of the responsibility too. I’ve been blinded by my demons and let things spiral out of control. I think we still have time to turn back and explain this now.”
John went to sit on the sofa and looked at the curio on the coffee table, then he looked at the rocking chair beside it, as well as the yoga mat, guessing she was remaking this part over the past two days. She doesn’t want to live in the residence, I see. She hates everyone there. John knew that.
John looked at her, thinking she was different from the other times, no longer the servile woman or the vengeful wench. Now, she was calm, rational, and distant. A while later, he said, “I know you’re right, but you know my condition too. I have to think about a lot of things.”
Sophia looked down, wanting to ask him why he didn't think for her then, but it would be self-humiliating to her anyway, so she swallowed it.
John sighed. “I can’t tell everyone about this like how you requested, since I have to prepare for the possibility of a crisis. Can you understand me?”
Sophia couldn’t understand him, nor did she want to, but she said nothing.
John paused for a moment. “Why don’t we come to a compromise?” Sophia arched her eyebrow but said nothing as John looked into her eyes. “I know you dislike living in the residence, so we can choose not to stay there. We can stay somewhere else, separated too. You can do what you want without meeting them, and I can guarantee they won’t disturb you. What do you think?” A moment later, he added, “Infinity Group and I are in a stalemate. Once I settle them, maybe I’ll bring the explanation up earlier. As long as it isn’t too bad, you can give them any excuse.”
Sophia closed her eyes, for she didn’t know how she should refuse him when he was so sincere. Before she spoke, John looked at her. His gaze was too passionate, and she couldn’t take it. Sophia thought he should know she loved him, so he took a step back because he knew what her weakness was. A moment later, she sighed. “I can go with that, but on one more condition.”
“State it.” John nodded.
“I want your mother to come here and apologize to me,” Sophia said sternly. Before John could say anything else, she continued, “She must come and apologize for what she said today. Do that, and I’ll agree to your terms. If you don’t, then all bets are off.”
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