Reborn in the Enemy's Embrace

"These children were able to change their personalities according to their surroundings. They’re like chameleons, and the decisions they make vary." Mrs. Coleman was giving me a reminder.

She was telling me how scary the pair of children could become.

"If I were you, Sophia, I wouldn’t bring a subject from a lab back home in such a casual manner."

Looking at me, she said again, "Never underestimate anyone from the organization. If you were able to take people with you, you must’ve been intentionally allowed to do so."

I frowned and shot her a cautious glance. Were the members of the organization divided as well?

She wore a face of contempt while talking about Nancy. She didn’t agree with another scientist’s theories, and she even reminded me that someone might be intentionally keeping the kids around me.

"They’re my and Dexter’s children. I won’t give them up," I declared solemnly.

"Only your biological children can be called your own. You won’t understand the feeling of carrying a child. During that time, the mother is one with the baby. The baby is a part of your body. It also shares your organs, oxygen, and nutrition."

Mrs. Coleman leaned against the couch before continuing, "You’re only able to realize the importance of life through your own pregnancy. Even after childbirth, when your child becomes an individual of their own, you’d still think they should be a part of you."

"You need to protect them, love them, and plan their future for them. You need to be united with them. At the very least, a child from my womb must not become an obstacle that’s keeping me from succeeding."

I looked at her before casting a glance toward Damien’s room. "So, you think Damien has now become an obstacle. He won’t agree with your ideals."

"Killing Juliet has caused a rift in your relationship. The pair of you aren’t able to communicate with each other anymore."

She smiled. "That is correct."

"You were waiting for me. You knew I was going to come. You also think I’m the only one that can convince him otherwise at this point in time?" I questioned.

Then, I continued, "I’m afraid you’ve got the wrong person. The person you should be waiting for is Nancy’s adopted daughter, Una-not me. She’s a more fitting Sophia than I’ll ever be." I stared at her. I didn’t think I was her best option.

"No, it can only be you. That Una girl is nothing but an experimental subject. She has no complete or independent soul. She’s just a hollow shell." Mrs. Coleman didn’t think very highly of Una. She even looked disgusted.

"You’re my most perfect subject. At my suggestion, your mother carried you to term and birthed you herself. From the moment she gave you life and a name, she started becoming attached to you.

"It was a peculiar yet powerful force. That force drove her to change her ideals and beliefs. She became more than willing to betray the organization for you."

Mrs. Coleman had a knowing smile plastered on her face. It was like everything was under her control- including the death of Sophia’s parents.

"The Rebels killed you, Sophia. You’ll never become one of them. I trust in you and your intelligence. I believe that you’ll understand my ideas and the contributions I’ve made to further the biological field of

science."

It seemed like she was persuading me to join her. Then, she’d have me do the same to Damien.

"I don’t agree with your views," I disagreed. "The evolution of mankind is entirely dependent on Mother Nature. We should abide by her laws as long as we live on this earth. If not, we’ll face dire consequences." Her composure remained calm.

"You’re too young. As you gradually grow older, you’ll soon realize that the days ahead will be much more limited than they currently are. You’ll watch helplessly as your loved ones die, and you’ll feel like you’re all alone."

I frowned and didn’t respond.

Our morals didn’t align. There was no way we could ever work together.

"I know you adore Damien, but you seem to be exerting too much control over him," I stated.

From my memory, Mrs. Coleman would periodically travel abroad to see her husband. That aside, the rest of her time would mostly be spent on keeping Damien in check.

I used to think she just harbored high expectations for him, but I soon realized that something didn’t feel quite right.

She was too controlling.

A normal, loving mother would want her children to be safe and healthy. Hence, I told her about Sophia’s pregnancy under the assumption that she’d be delighted.

I thought she’d try to inform Damien about it and that she’d keep the unborn baby safe. Instead, she chose to hide it. She connived in Damien’s cruelty toward Sophia, which led to the death of the child.

"You probably played a big part in the way Damien treated Sophia, didn’t you?" I looked at her." You’re probably a far better psychiatrist than Peter ever was. I’m guessing you specialized in psychology?"

For the last few years, she was probably the one who instilled his hatred against Sophia. She brainwashed him into fearing her.

If not for the constant, repeated conditioning and instilled thoughts from someone around him, he wouldn’t have developed such a strong aversion toward her.

I was sure that was what she had done.

Mrs. Coleman only smiled in response.

She was acknowledging my claims.

She was the one who intentionally caused Damien and Sophia’s misunderstanding. She wanted him to despise her and subsequently hurt her. She even went to such lengths in order to make that happen.

Why?

Was it purely to collect data? But what good was that type of data for?

I couldn’t comprehend it. I had a nagging feeling that the pair’s relationship was far more complicated than it seemed. My instincts were telling me that this woman was dangerous.

She was just as Dexter described her to be-dangerous and terrifying. She was smart and skilled at deception and pretending.

"What did you do to Damien?" I asked carefully. "Can I see him?"

"Of course. It’s not like I locked him up or anything." Her smile looked natural, but I found it eerie.

She gestured for me to walk around as I saw fit. I got up and looked around. This was a place I had called home for some years, yet it felt oddly foreign and creepy.

Lisa Coleman didn’t just ruin Sophia, she also ruined Damien in the process. If she really loved her son, how could she murder Juliet right in front of him? It made no sense.

When she killed her, I even caught a glimpse of jealousy among other complex emotions in her eyes.

Was she attached to Damien in ways that were beyond a mother-and-son relationship?

There were rumors that Mrs. Coleman adored her husband and would give her life for him if needed. Were those rumors false? Was she just sick to the core?

"Damien?" I went upstairs and tried knocking on his door.

There was no response.

"Damien?" I raised my voice.

Suddenly, the door flew open. Damien stood glaring at me with a look of pure hatred.

"What do you want?" he snapped.

I furrowed my brows. He felt foreign. Something was wrong.