Chapter 4 Sorrowful expression

Sophia's POV

I sank into my bed as I saw Andrea and Lola enter my room. As they drew closer to the bed which I was lying on, I could already imagine the worst curses they would reign on, with being the reason for their father's death as the biggest. "Hrggmmm ! " Andrea who was the eldest, twenty-seven cleared her throat and sat on the bed with a blank expression on her face while Lola, twenty-one was standing right beside her. She held my hand and said while my heart was panting "How are you Sophia?" Andrea said as she stared at me with a sorrowful expression. I nodded my head like a toddler as tears flowed from eyes gesturing the fact that I am not okay .

"Aunt Maria said you have not been eating or coming out of the room for three days now. Why?" She leaned towards me and held my other hand. My eyes were filled with tears flowing down my eyes uncontrolable. I was filled with joy deep down to see Andrea especial show concern towards my situation. She was also in tears and was crying, I raised my head and wiped her tears with my hands. "We need to be strong Andrea, Lola come here" Lola came closer and sat on the bed. I continued "I can't believe Henry is gone forever! I miss him so much" I cried the more "we missed him too they both said" and we were all sobbing and hugged each other. It was a moment of originality and sincere affection. The door opened and Maria walked in on us and was shocked at the state she saw us. "What have come over you all? What are you guys doing to me" she cried . The girls ran to Maria and hugged her so tightly. The next love of their life after Henry was Maria. She was with Henry when their mother Hailey Thomas gave birth to them. But sadly, she died when Lola was Five. Maria moved back in after her divorce to help Henry take care of the girls. He was totally broken after the death of his wife and never looked at any woman again until we crossed paths.

I was very young and naive when I met Henry. I was working with a car dealer company within the city. The owner happened to be Henry's close friend. Whenever Henry visited, James would ask me to make coffee for the both of them. I never paid attention to him. But as time went by, Henry began to notice me and throwing glances and passes at me. One morning, he dropped by the office to see James as usual, I bumped into him while walking towards the hall. I was an over thinker growing up. We brushed each other's chest and I was so embarrassed. I was wearing a grey crop top with a pin on my belly bottom and my shirt was a little bit open from my chest exposing my cleavages. He couldn't take his eyes off my plumpy chest as if he was lost looking. He snapped back and apologized to me. He asked if he could do anything to make it up to me for the embarrassment. Such a gentle man! I stood still and was staring at him. He asked again if I don't mind having lunch with him which I gladly did. But was reluctant because of my Boss. He smirked and said I'll handle James. It was about a fourty minutes launch. He made me laugh so hard that my belly began to hurt.

We got used to each other's company and everyone around me was teasing me for dating a man old enough to be my father. I never paid attention to their criticism. Henry is such a gentle man with so much charisma. He never took advantage of me not even when I offered myself to him. We were once at his hotel where he often goes for a quiet time. Things became a little steamy and I shamelessly took of my clothes before his eyes. Henry was definitely thrilled as I could see him gulp down some saliva with his eyes so wide like a saucer. Gosh! Henry walked towards me, picked up the white robe I was putting on before I did what I did and covered my body. I became so cold as he took me towards the bed and we both sat on it. He tilted my head towards his chest and said "we would surely do this at the right time Sophia" . It was the most embarrassing day of my life. I was stupid thinking he was like every other man out there. But I was wrong. So so wrong! He proposed and we got married.

He gave me a beautiful and peaceful world but I ended up betraying his love. Why Sophia? Why did you do this? I whispered to myself as I cried. I was lost in my thoughts and never realized Maria and the girls left the room already. I became so weak because I haven't eaten anything. I tried to stand in my feets but they were wobbling while my eyes became dizzy. I almost fell on the ground but Maria got the grip of me and lay me on the bed. She quickly brought in a cold towel and placed on my forehead She asked the maids to prepare tea and soup for me.

I regained consciousness and opened my eyes. She sat me up and gave me a balance by putting a pillow behind my back. She is such a caring woman. We had our fights usually when Henry was still alive but we still maintained an average relationship. "Have some soup" Maria moved the golden spoon in her hand towards my mouth. I opened my mouth and gulped it down my throat. It was so warm and tasty. She had them make the mushrooms soup specially for me. I had a few spoons and told her I was okay. I followed up with few sips of tea and took two tablets of aspirin to help with the headache I was having.

"We still have to prepare for the burial you know. You have to put yourself together and be strong" she said with a hoarse voice as tears slowed from the corner of her eyes.

I sighed deeply to help relieve the pain I was having in my heart. The darkness of guilt hovered over me. How did I allow Alex to get into my head. I picked up my phone and checked to see the missed calls and text messages from days ago. I couldn't keep track as they were too many of them.

I dragged myself into the bathroom to have a shower. I stood before the mirror while the hot water was rushing into the bath tub. I looked at myself and saw my reflection in it. It was as if I have become someone else. I imagined the reflection in the mirror saying "This is not who you are! You are no longer the innocent Sophia ! You are a witch!" I sobbed on my knees crying. Then I dragged myself into the bath by first pressing my two hands into the tub and my body followed. After a while I stepped out of the bath and grabbed a towel to dry myself. As I was stepping out of the bathroom I had a knock on the door.

It was Alex who entered the room and closed the door before him. I gave him a wicked stare and said "what exactly are you doing here? We are done Alex!" I growled. Alex grinned "Shhhh!" With his index finger on his lips featuring that I keep quiet. He was staring at me with a lustful eye as I was still robbed in my sky blue bath robe with water still dripping on the wooden tile under my feet. He must be joking. "I don't want to see you again Alex. Get out "I shouted as I pointed my hands towards the door for him to move his freaking legs out of my room. He was shocked at my sudden reaction and surprised at the same time. He let out a vicious smile and pulled down his suit with his to straighten it. "Fine! If that's what you want. I only wanted to check on you" he was looking pitiful but I still refuse to fall for his fanatics. I drifted my gaze away from him as he stepped out of the room.

. I immediately shut the door after him with such a loud bang that could be heard down stairs. I walked straight to the window and stood there to see him leave. He stepped out of the house turning his head to look at the window of my room as if he knew I was standing behind the curtains. Rubbish! I can see a lot of greed in Alex's eyes and this is so scaring for me. If he can instigate me in going this far with murdering Henry, I am sure he could actually do the worst. I have to be careful and be on his tail. I picked up a basic black gown made from a velvet material with short arm length exuding my mourning state. I went in front of the mirror and made a bun from hair. No makeup no excessive spray or perfume. My outlook was mild and sober. God! I can see my eyes so swollen because I cried so much. I picked a black Gucci corset purse to pair the gown I was wearing . I complemented my outlook with a black Lacy I stepped out and went straight down to meet Maria. We have a meeting with the coroners in preparation of Henry's burial.

Just as we are about to get into the car we all had the Siree of the police car approaching the mansion. My heart began to raise unstoppably and I was already having all soughts of imagination of being arrested and thrown into jail. My feet froze with of my leg in the car and the other outside while my han was arms were resting on the car door. The gate was opened and they drove in roughly and parked in front our car. I drew my black veil to cover my face to hide the expression of fear on my face. What are they here to do?