Chapter 3: Second Chance

She picked up a gift and discovered a letter written on it, the words piercing her heart.

"I really love you, Sophia," it read. "Why are you treating me like this? Why do you hate and despise me? Did I make a mistake by loving you? You are pushing me away, and you will regret it sooner or later."

Tears welled up in Sophia's eyes as she gazed at the bloodstains on the letter. Memories of her birthday flooded back.

It was the day she had crushed Liam's spirit.

Sophia recalled standing in front of their friends and family, Julian by her side. Liam had approached her, a gift in hand, his eyes shining with love. But she had rejected him, her words cutting deep.

Julian had fueled her cruelty, presenting his own gift and wrapping his arms around her waist. He leaned in to kiss her, but Liam couldn't bear it. He pushed Julian away, interrupting the kiss.

Sophia's anger boiled over. She seized the cake knife and stabbed Liam, the blade slicing through his shirt and into his flesh.

Liam's eyes locked onto hers, pain and shock etched on his face. He glanced at Julian, whose smile seemed to say, "You lose."

With a final, devastated look at Sophia, Liam turned and walked away.

Sophia's memories shattered her. She fell to the floor, overcome with regret and shame.

Bitter tears streamed down her face as she relived that horrific moment. She had destroyed the man who loved her most.

Her body shook with sobs, Sophia realized too late that she had made a grave mistake.

Sophia's tears continued to flow, her heart heavy with regret. She didn't know how to face Liam, not after everything she had done. The soft knock on the door broke the silence.

"Come in," Sophia said, hastily wiping her tears.

"Young miss, breakfast is ready. Come down and eat," the maid announced, her voice gentle but distant.

Sophia noticed the maid's quick departure, understanding the reason behind it. In the past, Sophia behavior had driven the estate's staff to fear and avoid her.

Every time Liam brought her to the estate, Sofia would unleash her wrath, harming him and anyone who dared to get close. She had reveled in causing chaos, pushing Liam away.

Now, the maid's hasty exit served as a painful reminder of Sophia's past actions.

Sophia eyes welled up with fresh tears as she rose from the floor. She knew she had to face the consequences of her behavior.

With a deep breath, Sophia made her way to the breakfast room, unsure of what to expect.

As she entered, the staff's nervous glances and hushed whispers greeted her. Sofia's heart sank.

Liam was nowhere to be seen, but Sophia knew she couldn't avoid him forever.

Soph's eyes dropped, her heart heavy with regret. "Where is Liam?" she asked the butler, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Young master is having his breakfast in the study room," the butler replied, his expression serious.

Sophia's gaze fell to the floor, memories flooding her mind. She had dictated the rules, refusing to share meals with Liam. The dining room, once a symbol of unity, had become a battleground.

She recalled the countless times she'd ordered the servants to take Liam's food to the study room, banishing him from her presence. And when he dared to join her at the table, Sophia would storm off, leaving him to eat alone.

The butler's words echoed in her mind: "Young master is having his breakfast in the study room." Liam still adhered to the rules she had set, a painful reminder of her cruelty.

A bitter smile twisted Sofia's lips. She had destroyed the simple joys of sharing a meal together, a fundamental aspect of their relationship.

Sophia's thoughts swirled with self-reproach:

"Why did I push him away?"

"Why did I make him eat alone?"

The study room, once a sanctuary for Liam's solitude, now seemed like a prison, a constant reminder of her rejection.

Sophia pushed her plate away, her appetite vanished. She took a small bite, savoring the taste, then smiled warmly at the maids.

"Thank you," she said, her voice genuine. "The breakfast is lovely."

The servants exchanged stunned glances, their faces a picture of surprise. This was a Sophia they had never seen before.

In the past, she would storm out of the dining room, leaving a trail of anger and fear. The staff would tremble, awaiting the young master's wrath, for Sophia's behavior always ended in Liam's distress.

But today, Sophia's gentle smile and gracious words left them bewildered.

the butler Mr. Jenkins, couldn't help but ask, "Is everything alright, miss?"

Sophia's eyes dropped, her expression tinged with sadness. "Yes, Mrs. Jenkins. Everything will be alright."

The staff nodded, though uncertainty lingered. They had witnessed Sofia's cruelty, and this sudden change left them questioning her intentions.

As Sophia exited the dining room, the whispers began.

"Has she finally changed?"

"Is this a trick?"

"Does this mean the young master will finally find happiness?"

The servants' whispers followed Sofia, their doubts and hopes echoing through the halls.

Sophia's footsteps echoed through the hallway as she walked towards Liam's study. Her heart pounded with anticipation and nervousness.

She hadn't planned what to say or do, but she knew she couldn't avoid him forever. The weight of her regret and longing propelled her forward.

As she approached the study door, Sophia hesitated. What if Liam rejected her? What if he couldn't forgive her?

Taking a deep breath, Sophia raised her hand and knocked softly on the door.

"Enter," Liam's voice called out, his tone neutral.

Sophia's heart skipped a beat. She opened the door and stepped inside.

Liam sat behind his desk, his eyes fixed on the papers in front of him. He didn't look up.

Sophia closed the door and approached the desk, her footsteps quiet on the carpet.

"Liam," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Liam's gaze slowly rose, his eyes meeting hers. Sophia's heart sank.

His eyes, once full of warmth and love, now seemed cold and guarded.

"What did you want?" he asked coldly, his voice devoid of warmth.

Sophia's heart trembled at the chill in his tone. She had expected anger, but this icy detachment cut deeper.

"I...I wanted to talk to you," Sophia stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Liam's gaze narrowed, his eyes scrutinizing her. "About what?"

Sophia took a deep breath, gathering her courage. "About us...about what happened."

Liam's expression remained unyielding, but Sophia detected a flicker of pain in his eyes.

"There's nothing to discuss, Sophia," he said, his voice still cold. "You made your feelings clear."

Sophia's eyes welled up with tears. She knew she had hurt him deeply.

"Please, Liam," she implored, her voice cracking. "Just listen."

Liam's gaze lingered on hers, then dropped back to his papers.

"Say what you need to say," he muttered.