I Ctrl+Alt+Deleted My Ex and Ctrl+C'd His Uncle novel Chapter 10

**Through Silent Meadows We Trace Stories Left Behind Yesterday by Asa Rowan Flint**
**Chapter 10**

After leaving the sterile confines of the hospital, Sophie made a deliberate choice to hail a cab for her journey home, opting for solitude rather than the company of Marcus. The thought of her parents witnessing him drop her off filled her with unease. How could she possibly explain that?

As she stepped into her house, the familiar warmth enveloped her. Her parents were gathered in the dining room, the morning sun streaming through the window, illuminating their breakfast spread.

“Sophie, you went out already?” her mother inquired, her voice tinged with surprise as she glanced up from her plate.

“I woke up early,” Sophie replied smoothly, her heart racing just a bit. “Took a walk in the garden, looking for a little inspiration,” she added, crafting the lie effortlessly, as if it were a well-rehearsed script.

Her father, setting aside his chopsticks with a deliberate motion, regarded her with a serious expression. “Sophie, are you planning to help Liam with the Starlight Cup again this year?” The question hung in the air, heavy with expectation.

Sophie paused mid-motion, her fingers hovering over her shoes as she processed his inquiry.

“No,” she finally said, shaking her head firmly. “I’m not doing his design work anymore.”

The look on her father’s face was one of genuine astonishment. “You’re serious?”

“Dad, I’m done being stupid,” she responded, a playful smile dancing on her lips, hoping to deflect the weight of the conversation. “I’m heading upstairs to draw. Enjoy your breakfast.”

But this year, everything would be different.

This time, she would create for herself, embracing her own artistic voice.

Meanwhile, across town, Liam received news that Sophie had declined to assist with the competition, citing her pregnancy as the reason. A surge of anger coursed through him, but he had to maintain the facade of being gentle and caring, the mask he wore so well.

Just as he was grappling with the changes he had noticed in her lately, his phone rang, shattering his thoughts. He answered it, and the moment he heard the voice on the other end, his expression darkened.

“What did you just say Sophie went to get checked for?” he demanded, his heart racing at the implications of the words.