Chapter 4 - THE WOMAN VINCENT CHOSE
Sophia Reynolds arrived at the mansion the following morning.
She wore a cream-colored coat and carried a small gift bag.
“Vincent?”
He stood in his father's old office.
Documents covered the desk.
Sophia smiled.
“I brought breakfast.”
He didn't look up.
“Leave it.”
Her smile faltered.
“Are you upset about yesterday?”
Vincent raised his eyes.
“Yesterday?”
She stepped closer.
“Claire's little scene.”
His expression changed.
“Little scene?”
Sophia sighed.
“She came to the amusement park in mourning clothes and embarrassed you in front of reporters.”
Vincent stared at her.
“Her father was buried yesterday.”
“I know.”
“And I wasn't there.”
Sophia shifted.
“You were helping me.”
He looked at her.
“Helping you do what?”
She frowned.
“What?”
“You said you were having a terrible day.”
Sophia looked away.
“I was.”
“So I rented an entire amusement park.”
She swallowed.
“You wanted to cheer me up.”
Vincent laughed once.
A bitter sound.
“My wife was burying her father.”
Sophia's face tightened.
“Vincent, Claire has always been jealous of our friendship.”
He stood.
“Don't.”
She blinked.
“Don't what?”
“Don't make this about her jealousy.”
Sophia's eyes filled.
“I thought I mattered to you.”
Vincent looked at her.
Then answered:
May you like
“You mattered enough that I forgot who I was supposed to be.”
For the first time, Sophia had no reply.
