Reborn in the Enemy's Embrace

After my breakdown, I oddly started feeling more at ease. Honestly, the old me, Sophia, was long gone.

I wasn’t Sophia anymore. Damien wouldn’t have a say in my life any longer.

I had already dealt with the nightmares he caused and squared things away from past favors.

I was free from owing him anything. If anything, he owed me a life–the life of the child who used to grow inside me.

As I was leaving, my phone started ringing. It was Violette calling.

"Sofia, the police have managed to restore Sophia’s phone. We’ve retrieved the last recorded call from her."

Before heading to Sunset Alley, I took the precaution of recording all my conversations with Juliet. It turned out to be a rather clever move.

I didn’t trust Juliet. Ever since she falsely accused me of pushing her down the stairs, trust was out the window. Fortunately, I had those recordings.

"I’ve already informed Damien. Do you want to come over and listen?" Violette asked.

"Yeah, I’ll be on my way. I want to see the look on Damien’s face." I practically gritted my teeth, showing just how much I loathed him.

I used to be crazy about him, thinking he could be my savior in death. Now, I couldn’t stand him just as much.

"Too bad Juliet said she has a stomach ache and has gone to the hospital. It would’ve been quite a show if she could come," Violette remarked with a low voice.

Apart from me, Violette probably had the biggest grudge against Damien and Juliet.

I chuckled, my voice tinged with sarcasm. "Her? Who knows whether she really has a stomach ache or if she’s just trying to avoid the matter?"

But it didn’t matter anymore. It wasn’t important. Just watching Damien’s expression would be interesting enough.

"Let’s go and catch some drama." I grinned at Dexter after ending the call.

He hesitated for a moment and awkwardly asked, "Do you... still hate him?"

I knew he was talking about Damien. How could I possibly not hate him?

"I do," I answered honestly.

For some reason, Dexter seemed a bit displeased. He slowly let go of my hand and looked out the car window.

I couldn’t quite figure out the reason behind his reaction.

But how could I not hate Damien?

After an awkward pause, Dexter stared out of the car window and said, "He’s not a good guy... He doesn’t deserve you."

I gave Dexter a puzzled look. Was he deceiving himself into thinking I was Sophia?

"Okay."

I wasn’t convinced Dexter had figured out who I was. At most, he might have mistaken me for Sophia based on my appearance.

Seeing my dismissive response, he appeared irritated.

He turned to me, looking somewhat disgruntled. He was like a big dog that had been provoked. "I’m clearly... more obedient."

I paused, looking at Dexter. He claimed to be the more obedient one.

I couldn’t help but laugh at his comment, especially since he had put in the effort to dress up today. It enhanced his already refined and elegant appearance.

Nowadays, the name Dexter would suit him best. Even calling him Dexter didn’t quite do justice to that face.

Indeed, being good–looking had its advantages.

A person so refined was staring at me so seriously and claiming to be the more obedient one...

Regrettably, trust had become a luxury I couldn’t afford. Damien treated Sophia like a possession.

Dexter’s actions also mirrored Damien’s. He insisted on branding Sofia as his own, forcing me to live as Sophia.

Hence, I refrained from letting myself be drawn to anyone. I admitted that I had been traumatized.

"Why are you suddenly dressed like this today?" I deflected, changing the topic.

Dexter appeared a bit disheartened. He knew I was avoiding the topic.

"I was concerned that those people might give you a hard time. You’re not Sofia. If they had tried anything, I’d get angry," he whispered, no longer meeting my gaze.

I sat quietly, looking out the window without saying much.

He said he was concerned others might give me a hard time....

The car arrived at the police station. Not a word passed between Dexter and me until the car came to a stop.

He just quietly followed behind me.

Right as we were about to step into the police station, I abruptly halted, my heart racing. Anxiously, my eyes darted toward a corner.

Someone was there. Even with just a brief glance, it was unmistakably the murderer living in my house.

I didn’t know if Violette had informed Zion about the murderer or if Zion had locked down on him.... Terrified, I instinctively clung to Dexter’s arm. Feeling his warmth, I slowly eased my nerves.

Dexter paused, likely sensing my fear. He gently wrapped his arm around my shoulder. "Don’t be scared. I’ve got you."

Dexter and I walked into the interview room together. On the way, we bumped into a female officer. She looked at Dexter in surprise, her cheeks and ears turning red.

"Well, look who finally decided to dress properly."

Before, she had only seen Dexter in ill–fitting attire.

I wondered why Dexter always opted for that worn–out hoodie and too–short pants despite the Blacks having provided him with various clothes.

That outfit appeared to be from years ago, perhaps something he wore before he grew this tall.

The female officer added with a sweet smile, saying, "You look so good in that."

Caught off guard, Dexter shot a quick glance my way and lowered his head.

The female officer finally noticed me and asked, "And you are?"

"I’m his guardian," I responded, feeling a bit irritated about it.

It felt like someone had set their sights on what belonged to me, but I shouldn’t be developing feelings for anyone.

All of a sudden, I started to understand why Damien used to dislike people coveting his belongings. It genuinely felt uncomfortable.

Dexter looked at me, proudly introducing, "This is my wife."

The female officer paused, looking surprised. "You’re actually..." Her words trailed off.

"Married? But he was living as a homeless man not too long ago," the female officer couldn’t help but wonder.

"Over here," Violette called out to me. She was standing in the corridor.

I took Dexter’s hand and headed to the interview room.

Zion’s expression turned serious as he looked at Damien sitting across from him.

Damien seemed impatient. "What are we waiting for?"

"We’re waiting until everyone involved is here," Zion replied with a serious tone.

Once Dexter showed up, Zion took out a recorder and played the backup copy of the phone recording from that moment.

"Juliet is supposed to be here," Violette mentioned as she sat beside Zion. "It’s too bad.

"I really wanted to see how she’d try to talk her way out of this," Violette added in a low voice.

Damien frowned but stayed silent. He seemed to be having second thoughts.

"Why are they even here?" Damien questioned. Noticing Dexter and me sitting on the side, he was clearly irritated.

"He’s also one of the parties involved," Zion clarified. He was referring to Dexter, who had turned himself in initially.

However, due to insufficient evidence and the Millers’ bail, Dexter was released.

"Sophia, Damien wants you to wear that red dress tonight, but we’re not going to Serenity Lane. We’re heading to Sunset Alley." Juliet’s voice echoed through the recording.

"I... Can I not go?" That timid voice was me in the past.

Listening to my own voice now, it found it rather ironic.

"Sophia, Damien said tonight is the last time. As long as you go, we’ll be even, and you won’t have to go again. After all, Damien’s still mad about you pushing me down the stairs."

"I never pushed you. Why are you trying to accuse me?" My voice was shaking

On the other end of the call, Juliet chuckled. "But he’d rather believe me."