Chapter 2: Regrate

Sofia's eyes snapped open, her gaze darting wildly around the unfamiliar room. Her heart racing, she bolted upright, her breath catching in her throat. This wasn't her room.

Panic set in as she looked down at herself. She wasn't wearing her clothes. A faint tremble crept into her voice, "Where are my clothes?"

Despite the unfamiliar attire, Sofia didn't feel any physical pain or discomfort. Confusion swirled within her. Had she...lost her innocence?

Her eyes scanned the room again, and recognition slowly dawned. This was her room in Liam's estate. Memories of their past, of Liam's gentle touch, flooded her mind.

Sofia's thoughts tangled in a mix of fear, uncertainty, and curiosity. What had happened last night? Had Liam...

Sofia's gaze wandered around the luxurious light blue room, mesmerized by its serene beauty. Soft, golden sunlight filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a warm glow on the plush carpet. The room's calming ambiance enveloped her.

Elegant furnishings in rich, dark wood added depth and sophistication. A stunning crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, its delicate facets refracting tiny rainbows. Delicate florals danced across the hand-painted vase on the nightstand.

Sofia's eyes welled up with tears as memories flooded her mind. This room, personally arranged and decorated by Liam himself, was meant for her – a symbol of his love and devotion.

Regret washed over her. She had despised him, hated him, without giving him a chance. Blinded by her sister's lies, Sofia hadn't appreciated the beauty of this room or Liam's heart.

Tears streamed down her face as she smiled, remembering Liam's gentle touch and kind words. How could she have been so blind.

---

Sofia's tears fell heavier, her heart aching with sorrow. She thought of Liam's gentle eyes, his kind smile, and the pain she had inflicted upon him. Memories of her harsh words, her rejection, and her sister's manipulative lies flooded her mind.

"Why did I listen to her?" Sofia whispered, her voice trembling. "Why did I hurt him so deeply?"

She recalled Liam's words: "I love you, Sofia. I'll always love you." The sincerity in his voice, the longing in his eyes – it all came crashing back.

Sofia's regret deepened, her sorrow suffocating. She felt the weight of her mistakes, the burden of her misjudgment.

Sofia imagined Liam's silent suffering, his heart bleeding from her rejection. She envisioned him standing alone, his love unrequited, his hopes shattered.

Her thoughts echoed with self-reproach:

---

Sofia stood up from the bed, her bare feet sinking into the plush carpet. She walked towards the wardrobe, its sleek doors gleaming in the soft light. Opening it quietly, she was met with an array of clothes, meticulously organized and categorized.

Rows of designer dresses, tops, and pants hung from the rails, each one a testament to Liam's thoughtfulness. Shelves stacked with neatly folded sweaters, jeans, and lingerie seemed to stretch on forever. Sofia's eyes widened as she scanned the impressive collection.

Everything she needed was here, without her ever asking. From elegant evening gowns to cozy loungewear, Liam had anticipated her every requirement. The absence of her old clothes was striking, replaced by this stunning new collection.

Sofia's heart swelled with emotion:

She ran her fingers over the fabrics, feeling the softness and quality. Each item whispered stories of Liam's devotion, his desire to make her happy.

Tucked between two dresses, Sofia found a small note, its paper delicate and scented. Unfolding it, she read:

"For my lost love, with heartbroken. May these clothes wrap you in comfort and joy, as you deserve. - L"

Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. Liam's thoughtfulness knew no bounds.

---

Guilt washed over Sofia as she gazed at the note, Liam's heartfelt words piercing her soul. She felt ashamed for not appreciating him sooner, for letting her sister's lies blind her to his love.

"Why did I doubt him?" Sofia whispered, tears streaming down her face. "Why did I hurt him?"

She thought of all the moments she had pushed Liam away, rejected his affection, and ignored his devotion. Regret suffocated her, making it hard to breathe.

Sofia's eyes fell upon a beautiful, lace-trimmed nightgown. She remembered Liam's gentle touch, his soft whispers, and the way he made her feel cherished.

"I was so blind," she sobbed, her body shaking with remorse.

Sofia's fingers trembled as she opened the drawer, revealing a treasure trove of gifts. Each item sparked a memory, a pang of guilt, and a deep regret.

Birthday presents, Christmas gifts, and thoughtful trinkets filled the drawer. Liam had carefully selected each one, hoping to bring a smile to her face. But she had callously discarded his efforts, ignoring the love and thoughtfulness behind each gift.

A silver necklace with a delicate heart-shaped pendant caught her eye. Liam had given it to her on their first date, his eyes shining with excitement. She had accepted it without appreciation, never wearing it.

Next to it lay a soft, plush teddy bear, its button eyes reminiscent of Liam's warm gaze. He had gifted it to her during a difficult time, hoping to comfort her. She had carelessly left it in a corner, forgotten.

Sofia's lip trembled as she bit it, fighting back tears. She recalled the countless times Liam had tried to reach out, to show his love, only to be met with indifference or cruelty.

"Why was I so heartless?" she whispered, her voice cracking.

The gifts seemed to whisper back, reminding her of Liam's unwavering devotion. Each item represented a moment of hope, a chance to connect, and a plea for understanding.

Now, those moments were lost, and Liam's heart had grown cold.

---

As Sofia gazed at the gifts, memories of Liam's warmth flooded her mind. She recalled his gentle smile, his soothing voice, and his comforting embrace. But those memories clashed with the cold, distant Liam she saw now.

"Why did I push him away?" Sofia wondered, tears streaming down her face.

She remembered the way Liam used to look at her, his eyes filled with adoration and love. Now, his eyes seemed to hold a deep sadness, a sense of resignation.

Sofia's thoughts drifted to their last conversations, the tension and hurt hanging in the air. Liam's words echoed in her mind: "I've had enough, Sofia. you choose this fate for yourself." he said with a red eye but there is no tears in them and walk away.

The weight of her mistakes crushed her. Sofia realized she had taken Liam's love for granted, ignoring the signs of his fading hope.

---

Flashback:

Liam sat alone in his darkened study, his eyes fixed on the photo of him and Sofia. The memories of their laughter, their adventures, and their quiet moments together haunted him.

He recalled the countless times he'd tried to reach Sofia, to connect with her on a deeper level. But every attempt ended in rejection, her indifference slicing through him like a knife.

Liam's thoughts wandered to the gifts he'd given her, each one a symbol of his love and devotion. He'd hoped she'd see the thought and effort behind them, but she'd discarded them like trash.

His eyes stung as he remembered the anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays he'd spent alone, waiting for Sofia to notice him. The pain of her neglect had accumulated, weighing him down like an anchor.

"Why can't she see me?" Liam whispered, his voice cracking. "Why can't she love me back?"

As the time went by, Liam's hope began to fade. He built walls around his heart, shielding himself from Sofia's hurtful words and actions.

But the memories lingered, a bittersweet reminder of what could have been.

*Back to Present*

Sofia, still standing in front of the drawer, felt a pang of regret. She realized too late that Liam's love had been genuine, and she had destroyed it.