Sophia's POV

I looked at the doctor, then at the man who had just called himself my father and I laughed very hard. This must have been a joke but only that none of them had a smile. Their faces were both serious and I thought again within me, maybe we were now on a movie role so I decided to ask.

"Where's the camera?"

Both the doctor and Mr. Lance looked at each other. They did not understand where I was heading to. It was my turn to enjoy the look of confusion on their faces since they all decided to turn this into a movie.

Mr. Lance cleared his throat, "Uhm, what camera are you talking about Sophie?"

"Sophia," I interjected sharply. "The name is Sophia and not Sophie. And since you have both decided to make this a movie, I'm yet to see a camera."

"Mr. Lance, I would need to take my leave now," the doctor turned to leave but I stopped him.

"You can't leave yet, at least we haven't finished the movie you started," I said and he stopped on his tracks, his eyes twitching in confusion. "Anyway, what's my role in this blockbuster we are acting in?"

"Sophia," Mr. Lance called out slowly. "Why do you take this as some joke? Why..."

I couldn't take it anymore so I cut in. "No! You are the one who took my situation as a joke in the first place. First, you waltzed in here claiming to be my saviour, then next you claimed to be my father." I paused to catch my breath, "tell me how delusional can you be? You think I don't recognize my own father? Or that I lost my brain alongside the baby?"

The doctor had a shocked look on his face after my outburst. Obviously, he might think I was a little harsh or rude with the way I just chastised Mr. Lance but in all honesty, I don't care - even if he was the country's richest man. He had it coming when he kept uttering nonsense like someone that just got out of asylum.

"I know it's hard to believe," he began, choosing his words slowly. "I didn't believe it either, but first I saw this," he moved closer pointing to a mark in my forearm, "then finally this, it proved indeed all I said is true."

He completed his statement by handing me a piece of paper. I hesitated for a moment but he urged me to collect the piece of paper.

"What am I to do with this?"

"It confirms everything that seems to confuse you," he explains, "you can also see I have this in my arm."

I didn't notice he had taken off the top of his suit until he called my attention. He was having the same mark I was having on my right arm.

"It's a tradition in our family to give a new child this mark, right after birth."

"And this can't be a mere coincidence?" I asked but he shook his head.

"No, I've thought of that. That was why I asked the doctor for a DNA test. The result is what you are holding in your hand."

My eyes skimmed through the piece of paper in my hands. There was mostly medical jargon that seemed to make no sense to me. But there were also a few words that I understood. Only that I'm still confused and everything still doesn't make sense to me.

"For all I know, this could have been made up," I countered.

"And what do I stand to gain if I made that up? Don't you think about that?" He asked me then nodded at the doctor. I had suddenly forgotten he was still in the room with us. "Dr. Philips here can get another test done. But if you want a totally new hospital, then that can also be arranged."

I looked into his eyes and all I saw was sincerity. Even when I tried to come up with thoughts to refute his claim, most of them looked unreasonable. A lot of questions were ringing in my head that I had no answers to. He had no reason to lie. What does he even stand to gain by lying that someone like me would be his daughter? That would totally make no sense, would it?

I sighed loudly as I found myself believing him. But a new anger had suddenly welled up in me. And with that, I looked up straight at him.

"So you abandoned me all these years, and now you suddenly feel it's time to come claim me, huh? Tell me, am I some kind of a property?"

He flinched as he looked everywhere but me. Dr. Philip wasn't in the room with us anymore. He must have stepped out while I was deep in thoughts.

"I didn't abandon you," his voice was croaky as he faced me. Had he been crying? "Never will I abandon my own child."

"I was away on a business trip when I got the news," he paused, trying to stifle his emotion, then continued. "You were both involved in an accident when she was coming back home from a medical checkup. The car had almost burned beyond recognition. Only..."

"Wait! I don't get it, was I not in the car?"

"No, only your mother and the driver were in the car." He said and handed me a picture. "Her name is Fiona and you are the exact replica of her."

Looking at the picture in my hand confirmed what he just said. I was indeed a carbon copy of the woman in the picture. A tear dropped from my eye as I imagined what it would have been like to meet her.

"It was an attack."

"What?" I asked, not understanding what he just said.

"The accident, it was a planned attack." He said and I watched his fist tighten.

I could see the fury in his eyes as he fought the urge to keep the tears from falling. I could imagine the pain he went through reliving those memories. I shared the same pain with him, afterall, the woman in question was my mother.

We both fell into silence but the shrill sound of my phone brought me out of my thoughts. I looked at the phone to know who was calling and a sudden anger surged within me.

Why was this jerk calling me?

Donald's POV

I found myself staring at the magazine I was holding. But in all honesty, I wasn't reading a word. I was just staring at the pages. Instead, my mind was clouded with the thoughts of Sophia.

The lawyer had told me she still hadn't sign the divorce papers. I didn't know why she was taking too long. Did she think if she stalled a bit I'd rescind my decision?

I wouldn't give her that satisfaction. At least that should make her learn her lesson.

As a young bachelor, I wouldn't have thought of marrying a lady such as Sophia. I wouldn't have even looked at her twice if she had passed by my side. She's not up to the standard of women I roll with. But, despite knowing she didn't have a chance with me, she had managed to get into my life. My mother, rest her soul, had been the perfect gateway. She had warmed her way into the heart of not just my mother but also the rest of her family.

And what could be worse? Mother had insisted I marry her. To her, she was the best girl for me. She was an angel - the perfect woman fit to be my wife.

I had gone ahead with the marriage as my mother wanted. I had to, at least to honour her dying wish. But I saw through Sophia's charade. She couldn't fool me as she fooled the rest of the family. To me, she was just a plain gold digger, seeking treasures to loot.

"Do you really have to do that every morning?" I looked up to see Laura staring at me disapprovingly.

Her beautiful face was contorted in a frown as she stood with her arms on her waist. I almost laughed at her gimmicks but I knew better. For some days now, Laura has been complaining that I pay little attention to her.

The last few days had been hectic as I had been on the lookout for a potential contract. It's quite a big deal and I couldn't afford to lose such deals to my competitors.

Laura's eyes were still on me. She was clearly waiting for my answer.

"It helps calm me down." I smiled, adjusting slightly from where I sat.

"And you have to do it always?" She inquired, raising an eyebrow at me. "Even while I'm here?"

I sucked in a breath as I thought of how best to answer her. Knowing Laura, I wouldn't want to get into an argument this morning. She was and still is a fierce lady and that got me endeared to her in the first place.

"Okay, just a few pages more. I'd drop it soon anyway." I took a quick glance at my wristwatch. "I have to be at an important meeting by 9."

Laura seemed not to be pleased by my response. The look on her face told me that. I have to give up on reading the magazine.

Things we do for love!

"Are we still going to 'Red cuisine' in the evening?" She asked gently, now sitting on my lap.

I stared at her face, I became lost as always, staring at her blue eyes. Her mouth was pouted as she stared back at me, expecting a response.

I nodded my head still not taking my eyes off her, "We will baby, I just need to sort the meeting quickly."

Laura smiled then hugged me tight, it was obvious she was seemingly pleased with my response. For some days now, she had been talking about visiting this new restaurant in town. I had promised her we'd do that today.

Laura wasn't just some quick lay, she was much more than that. She's been in my heart since we were kids and no other woman had taken that spot. Even when she was out of the country it had still remained the same. And when she finally came back, I was more than glad to have the woman of my dreams.

The ringing of my phone sliced through my thoughts and I jerked up slightly. Laura got off my body and I made for the phone on the table.

"What's the matter Jane?" I asked my secretary immediately and I picked the call.

"Our client just confirmed he'd be on the way soon sir." Jane's voice cut through my ears and I sprang up slightly.

I glanced at my wristwatch. Shit!

How time flies!

"I will be there shortly." I said before clicking the line shut.

I rushed to the room then had a quick bath. I wouldn't want to waste time so as not to delay this client. It's quite a big deal for me.

My eyes scanned my wardrobe, then it finally landed on a navy blue suit.

I had to look good to leave a lasting impression on the client. They say first impression matters a lot. I'm willing to explore that saying to the best of my knowledge.

I checked the compartment that housed my wristwatch. But I instantly became alarmed.

My favorite wristwatch is gone!

I tried to do a quick calculation when I last used the wristwatch. It had been a while.

My mood suddenly became dampened.

Who could have taken the wristwatch I spent half a million bucks purchasing?

My mind only pointed to one person.

Sophia.

That good-for-nothing woman!

She must have been the one. I remembered the golddigger of a woman's eyes not leaving the wristwatch the last time I put it on.

I pranced around the room, my fists tightened by my side.

Sophia had definitely messed with the wrong person.

I hurriedly brought out my phone, then dialled her number. She didn't pick at the first ring and my frustration kicked straight to the edge.

I dialled the number once again. Immediately she picked, I released a breath I didn't know I was holding.

"What is it?" She asked.

"How could you stoop so low?" I chastised, trying to control the anger within me. "I'm ashamed I ever have anything to do with a filth like you."

Sophia's POV

I let the phone ring for a while before it went back to silence. Then the call came in again, this time, Mr. Mark, sensing my hesitation, decided to excuse himself from the room. I picked the call, and immediately I heard Donald bark from the other end, insulting me as always.

"I don't have time for this. What do you want?" I asked after he had finished ranting.

"If you don't return the watch you stole," he paused, his loud breath almost deafening my ear. "I swear you'd kiss your next meal in jail."

With that, he ended the call. He didn't even bother to ask about my wellbeing, he just went about throwing accusations at me.

Typical Donald! Always finding fault in everything that concerns me. But this time around, he's even more bitter. How could a man I've loved over the years accuse me of theft?

A sudden anger surged within me. All the years I devoted to being a good wife was all for nothing. How could I have been so stupid? He didn't even think twice before accusing me of theft.

That was the height of it. I'm no longer going to take his insults. Not anymore!

"Doctor says you'll be discharged soon."

I looked up to see Mr. Mark walking into the room.

"Okay." I managed a nod.

"Is anything the problem?" He asked, observing me keenly from where he stood.

I shook my head but he didn't seem to buy my response. How was I to tell him my ex-husband just accused me of theft? It sounded so embarrassing. I couldn't bring myself to do that. Not even if I wanted to.

******

I settled in my mini apartment, taking a long exhausted breath. The ride from the hospital was a long one. I had rented this apartment before my marriage and I had kept paying even while living with Donald.

Mark had pleaded with me to move in with him but I had declined. I still needed to get used to the realization that he's my real father.

He had specifically instructed the driver to drop me at my apartment, promising to reach out soon. In his words, he had an important meeting he needed to attend.

I still needed to collect some of my things at Donald's home. I haven't had the chance to take most of my stuff as I'd have been in the hospital for days.

The interior of the apartment was still as cozy as I had known them, even though it's a sharp contrast to the opulence in Donald's mansion.

Yet, I feel totally at peace here. My head, once clouded with thoughts of Donald, was clearing up.

At least, the heaviness I felt in my heart was beginning to diminish.

The past few days had been like hell for me, but I realized I had to pick up the pieces of my life and stand firm once again.

It's stupidity mulling over someone like him. Not when he hadn't even taken pity on me for losing our baby. Instead, he became colder. He fucking pointed all the blame at me.

What a cruel joke!

How could I have intentionally lose my own baby? The one thing that should have been a source of happiness in our marriage?

Still lost in my thoughts, my phone rang, instantly jolting me out of the raging thoughts in my head.

The name on the screen instantly brought fresh worry to my mind. I hesitated a bit, and soon the phone went back to silence. My father-in-law was the one calling.

I didn't know how to deal with him yet, concerning the divorce. He might have heard about it and wanted to plead with me to come back. Unlike Donald, his family adores me, especially his father.

He checks up on me frequently, and I was wondering if this call was one of such routine checkups.

My phone buzzed again, this time I picked it up without wasting much time.

"Mrs. Briggs, I apologize for the disturbance seeing it's the weekend, but I need to speak with Mr. Briggs urgently."

I took the phone off my ears and brought it to my eye level. I saw Jane, Donald's secretary plainly written on the screen.

'So Donald hadn't informed her about the divorce?' I was surprised.

Jane knew almost everything about Donald, his boss. Donald trusts Jane completely. She is quite one of the most competent staffs in his company. Seeing he had kept that information away from Jane still means he might come back, right?

"Madam, are you there please?" Jane's professional voice brought me back to my senses.

"Yes Jane. Donald isn't here right now, he's having his bath. Is it something urgent?" I lied, curious to know the details since Donald rarely works on weekends.

"His bath? But he told me earlier he'd soon be on the way!" Jane's voice sliced through the phone and I almost feel my eardrum bursting.

She seemed a little agitated knowing Donald was just having his bath. That means whatever she wants to say is quite important.

"He should be done soon. You can tell me the details, I'd let him know."

"Tell him the client is already waiting at 'Hailey's place'. We should try all our best in closing the deal today." Jane responded, then quickly added. "Missing an important deal like this isn't an option." Jane complained.

I became curious, wanting to know the rest of the details. 'Hailey's place' sounds oddly familiar for me to ignore. Mark mentioned something about it while I was still at the hospital. Suddenly, my eyes popped up when I figured out the reality.

"Miss Jane, what's this important deal about anyway." I asked, trying to sound non-chalant as best as I can.

Jane was silent for a while, I almost thought she had ended the call. But checking the phone, it was still reading.

I pursed my lips. She probably wouldn't want to reveal the details of a yet to be sealed deal. But then, she responded when I thought she never will.

"Mark Lance, he can't keep him waiting for too long," Jane explained and I almost couldn't believe my ears. "Please relay my message and tell him to hurry."

With that, Jane ended the call.

What kind of a dunce am I? I should have figured this out for a while. Donald had mentioned something about securing a deal with Mark Lance sometime ago.

I'm not the one to play dirty but maybe it's time I stop being a soft girl.

A sinister smile formed on my face as I picked up my phone.