I Walked Away Seven Years Too Late But Right on Time novel Chapter 112

Sophie walked in holding a glass of milk. "Mom, have some milk."

She handed the glass over but didn't leave. Instead, she sat beside Sarah, studying her face. "Mom, is something bothering you?"

"Sophie, is that man still harassing you?"

Sophie paused for a second. "No. He's married now. He won't bother me again."

"The one whose woman threw industrial bleach at you?"

Sophie nodded.

"Forget him completely. That woman is a lunatic, and I don't want you getting hurt again. Gavin is a good man, and he's so incredibly patient with you. I just want you to be safe and live a peaceful, happy life."

"I know. Don't worry, Mom. I know what kind of life I want, and I'm not going to get dragged back into the past."

Hearing this brought Sarah some comfort.

"Mom."

Sarah looked up as Sophie opened her arms and pulled her into a hug.

"I love you, Mom. I'm going to work hard and give you a great life."

For the longest time, Sophie had wished Sarah would hug her, wanting the easy affection other mothers and daughters shared. Now she understood that she could be the one to bridge the gap.

"Sophie, I wish I could do more. Does it embarrass you that I work as a housekeeper?"

Sarah's insecurities were flaring up again. The life she and Harold could provide for Sophie were vastly different.

"What are you talking about? Some parents your age spend their days gambling and waiting for their kids to fund their lives. You're making an honest living. Anyone who judges that can take it up with me."

Sophie suddenly perked up. "Mom, have you ever thought about opening your own shop? You did so well at that home decor boutique."

Sarah sighed at the memory.

"It was a shame about that place. The owners went through a messy divorce and stopped caring about the business. A perfectly good shop ruined by bad management. If I had the capital back then, I would've bought them out."

"How can you make jokes at a time like this?" Sophie shot him a glare and looked ahead.

Someone was waving at them from the arrivals area.

Sophie glanced at the crowd, then back at Gavin. He raised a hand and waved back in acknowledgment.

The man hurried over, greeting Gavin politely before turning to Sophie. "You must be Ms. Sullivan. Director Gillian sent me to pick you up."

"I told you not to bother. We could have just grabbed a cab," Gavin muttered, clearly unenthusiastic.

"Director Gillian insisted. She said this is the first time you're bringing a girlfriend home, so it has to be handled properly."

He took their suitcases and introduced himself to Sophie. "Just call me Mark."

Sophie followed Gavin to the parking garage, a knot of confusion tightening in her chest. She couldn't ask questions in front of Mark.

Gavin had told her his father was a teacher and his mother worked at a cosmetics company. Who on earth was Director Gillian?