Chapter 179
Chapter 179:
I jolted upright, gasping, wiping sweat from my neck and forehead. It was the same nightmare again. It wasn’t just a dream—it came from the part of my past I’d tried to bury, and it returned the moment I saw Félix in the mall parking lot a week ago.
“Sophia! Sophia, are you okay?” Craig’s voice came from the other side of the door before he stepped in. He was holding my white Persian cat with bright blue eyes. His name was Pussy, and Craig carried him like a prince every time he walked in.
“Hey, I heard you scream. Are you okay?” He sat on the edge of my bed.
“Yeah. It was just a nightmare.” I tried to smile, but I lowered my head and shut my eyes to keep the tears from spilling.
“You’re having nightmares again p>
I nodded. He knew everything. I’d told him the whole story on a day when I couldn’t pretend I was fine anymore. He’d been there, letting me cry until I could breathe again. He worked with me as an assistant dance instructor when I was starting my career, and together we built the dance studio of my dreams two years ago. He became my friend—my brother in every way that mattered.
“Why don’t you accept Mrs. Kelley’s deal? It’s a huge opportunity, Sophia. She’s offering you her last name so you can find Layla and put Félix in jail p>
“Craig, it’s not that easy to accept that deal. The responsibilities in that marriage are serious. I’d become her son’s wife, and Félix would find me immediately. The Kelley family isn’t ordinary. They’re famous—everyone in Los Angeles knows them p>
“Yeah, and that means they have influence and power. Do you really think that idiot Félix would dare come near you if he found out you’re married to Daniel Kelley—one of the most desired bachelors in Los Angeles? Sophia, think about it for a second p>
I let out a long sigh and covered my face with my hands.
“I don’t know, Craig. The nightmares won’t stop coming back. It feels like it all happened yesterday, even though it’s been six years p>
Qu𝗮𝘭𝗂𝗍𝗒 t𝗋a𝗻sl𝗮𝗍𝘪𝗈𝘯𝘀 o𝘯
“Sophia, apologies will always be there, waiting. Opportunities aren’t. Opportunity only knocks once, and since it’s knocking right now, open the door and take it. This could lead you to the justice you’ve wanted for years p>
“But, Craig, her son doesn’t even want me as his wife. I told you—he insulted me. He judged me the second we met p>
“Oh, please. You’ve dealt with worse judgment in your life. Even your own father threw insults at you p>
“Oh, thanks for reminding me p>
“Sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. I just want you to see things clearly, Sophia. You’ve endured more than most people ever will. And if her son insults you again or judges you, then accept the deal anyway. Let him judge you. He only knows your name, not everything you’ve lived through p>
I pressed my lips together as I scratched the back of my head. I always did that when confusion wrapped around me and I had no idea what to do next.
“Are you going to die if he insults you again? Or if he claims you accepted his mother’s offer for money?” Craig asked.