That night, Robin, Reno, and Mikaila finally arrived home after a day of fun with Vanessa. They entered the living room with soft laughter, still carried away by the happy atmosphere of their trip.
However, something felt different.
Usually, whenever they came home, Sofia would be sitting on the living room sofa, waiting for them even though it was late. The woman was always ready with a glass of warm water for Robin, making sure her children got home safely, and asking how their day was.
But tonight, Sofia was not there.
The room felt quieter, colder.
However, none of them really cared.
Reno casually took off his jacket, then walked to his room without thinking further. Mikaila only snorted softly, perhaps thinking her mother was finally realizing not to fuss over them so much.
Robin was the same.
Without paying attention to anything, he went straight into their room. As soon as he opened the door, his eyes were immediately drawn to Sofia, who was already lying on the bed.
Fast asleep.
Robin frowned. This was strange.
In their 22 years of marriage, Sofia had never gone to sleep before him. No matter how tired or busy Sofia was, she would always wait, would always serve him.
Usually, when Robin came home, Sofia would be quick to prepare warm water for a bath, make sure his pajamas were ready, and even offer to massage his feet even though he never asked her to.
But tonight, Sofia did none of that.
She was just sleeping.
Robin stood in the doorway, staring at his wife with a surprised expression. There was a slight feeling of discomfort tickling his heart, but he quickly ignored it.
Maybe Sofia was tired.
Maybe the woman finally realized that there was no point in continuing to take care of someone who never really paid attention to her.
Robin sighed, then walked to the bathroom. Besides, what did he care?
Without thinking, he returned to his habits, living as if Sofia was just a shadow in the corner of this house.
That morning, the atmosphere in the house felt different.
Mikaila came down from her room in her neat high school uniform, while Reno was ready in his college clothes. Robin, as usual, wore his typical lecturer's attire, and Saskia, Sofia's mother-in-law, walked in with her haughty expression.
However, they all stopped for a moment at the dining room doorway.
Usually, at this hour, Sofia would be busy in the kitchen in her worn-out house clothes, making sure their breakfast was ready and to their liking. But this morning, what they saw was something unusual.
Sofia was sitting casually at the dining table, wearing neat and elegant clothes. Her hair, which was usually tied up carelessly, was now neatly arranged. In her hand, she held a glass of fresh juice while calmly reading a magazine, as if she had no burdens to think about.
And more surprisingly, only the maid was busy preparing breakfast.
Mikaila was the first to speak up. "Mom, why aren't you cooking?" she asked with a furrowed brow.
Sofia remained focused on the magazine in her hand, not immediately answering. After a few seconds, without turning her head, she replied in a flat tone, "What for? It always ends up being protested anyway."
The room was instantly silent.
Robin stared at his wife with a sharp gaze. Sofia's tone sounded different. There was no gentleness. There was no effort to please them as usual.
"What's wrong with you, Sofia?" Robin's voice sounded cold, as usual.
Sofia finally turned her head, looking at her husband with a calm, emotionless expression. "I'm just tired," she said lightly. "I want to relax."
Robin narrowed his eyes. Something felt strange, but he didn't want to waste time worrying about it further.
Saskia, who had been silent, finally spoke up. "Then where's my detox juice?" she demanded in a sharp tone.
Sofia smiled slightly, but there was no warmth in her smile. "Wait. The maid is making it," she replied casually before taking another sip of her juice.
Again, silence enveloped the room.
They didn't know what to say. This wasn't the Sofia they usually knew, the woman who was always quick to serve, who always put them above herself.
However, because they also didn't have time to worry about it further, they just sat in their respective chairs and started breakfast.
But in their hearts, there was one question swirling around.
What happened to Sofia? they thought.
After the house was finally quiet, Sofia took her bag and left. This time, not to take care of other people, but for herself.
Sofia drove her car to the hospital, something she should have done a long time ago. All this time, whenever she was sick, she always postponed going to the doctor because she was too busy taking care of a family that didn't even care about her.
After arriving at the hospital, Sofia took a queue number and waited patiently. As soon as her name was called, she entered the examination room and underwent a series of tests.
The doctor looked at her calmly. "The test results will be out in one to three days, Mrs. Sofia. We will contact you as soon as the results are ready."
Sofia nodded. "Alright, Doctor."
After leaving the hospital, the adult woman decided not to go straight home. She felt she needed to refresh her mind, so she went to the mall.
Walking around without a burden was something she hadn't done in a long time. Usually, she came to the mall only to meet the family's needs, buying clothes for her husband, Reno's college supplies, or Mikaila's needs. But this time, she was shopping for herself.
While passing an art supply store, her eyes were drawn to a shelf full of drawing equipment. Her fingers touched the pencils and books gently. In the past, designing clothes was a hobby she loved, but since getting married, she never had time for it anymore.
Without hesitation, Sofia took some supplies and took them to the cashier.
However, as she turned around, her steps suddenly stopped when someone bumped into her.
Thud!
Sofia almost lost her balance, but someone quickly caught her.
When Sofia turned her head, she found a teenage girl standing in front of her. The girl had a very familiar face, so familiar that Sofia felt as if she was seeing a reflection of herself in her youth.
But more surprisingly, when the girl looked at her with sparkling eyes and said in an emotional voice, "Mommy?"
Sofia was stunned.
Her heart beat faster.
She didn't know this girl. There was no way she knew her.
With a furrowed brow, Sofia shook her head slightly. "Maybe you have the wrong person, dear."
The girl looked teary-eyed, then turned to a young man standing nearby. The young man, who looked more mature and had a calm aura, quickly signaled the girl.
Sofia did not miss the signal.
As if understanding her mistake, the girl immediately bowed her head and apologized nervously. "I'm sorry, Auntie. I mistook you for someone else."
The young man beside her also bowed slightly. "Sorry for my twin sister's impoliteness."
Sofia looked at them both with increasing curiosity. Who are they? Sofia thought.
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