The Reckoning of Love ( Sophia Yancey )

Chapter 37 Nightmare

“Mm-hmm,” Joseph replied while burying his face in her neck.

Sophia felt as though her heart were being torn apart little by little. T’m tired, and I just want to live a peaceful, normal life… Please let me go.”

She didn’t get hysterical, nor did she scream angrily; she merely made a calm request.

Joseph’s arms subconsciously tightened around her.

“I’m not Miss White,” Sophia continued. The things you liked about me were all part of an act, but I’m tired of it… I don’t want to be a substitute for Hannah White anymore. I want to be myself.”

“Just stop talking. Didn’t you say you needed rest?” Joseph gently clapped a hand over her mouth. “Just close your eyes and sleep.”

Sophia didn’t understand what on earth the man was thinking. Now that he didn’t love her and had gotten a new substitute, why was he still pestering her? Is it because I was too good at my job? Filled with self- deprecation, she let her mind wander as she drifted off to sleep.

Perhaps because she was dead asleep or because the death threat that noon did scare her a little, she had a nightmare in her sleep. Actually, it wasn’t a nightmare. In her dream, she was transported back to the day of her grandmother’s cremation. There were a few neighbors here and there, and she was clad in a black mourning dress with a white flower pinned to her hair.

She didn’t feel much upon her grandmother’s death; she didn’t even shed a tear. In fact, she thought death was a relief for her grandmother, who had been continuously tormented by her illness during those years. All that money thrown at it had only prolonged her suffering.

However, just when her grandmother’s casket was about to be wheeled into the cremation chamber, she was suddenly overwhelmed by the realization that she was now forever parted from her grandmother. She fearfully tried to snatch back the casket, but her neighbors held onto her tearfully. She knelt outside, enveloped by a feeling of great fear and helplessness. “Grandma… Grandma… Grandma!” she cried out.

Just then, a familiar and yet unfamiliar voice rang in her ears. “Soph…”

Sophia’s eyes snapped open.

“You had a nightmare? Joseph’s face slowly became clear before her eyes.

Sophia’s breathing had yeChapter 37 Nightmare

Holding Sophia in his arms, Joseph had the absurd feeling that they had been cut off from the rest of the world.

“Mr. Lynch. Sophia hesitated for a moment before deciding not to resist because she was really tired.

t to calm. As she gasped for breath, her glassy eyes slowly regained focus.

Are you okay?” Joseph looked all worried while gently wiping a tear from the corner of her eye with his fingertips

Sophia withdrew her gaze and shook her head. I’m fine”

Joseph still wanted to say something, but the doorbell rang.

Sophia pushed him a little. “Excuse me, please.”

Instead of making way for her, Joseph pinned her back onto the bed. “Who is it? Your little boyfriend?”

Sophia was speechless.

The doorbell was still ringing, and the noise it made was getting on their nerves.

Joseph-Hiss-”

Before Sophia could lose her temper, Joseph lowered his head and bit into her neck.

“Are you crazy?!” Sophia pushed him away. This time, she managed to push him away easily.

“Go answer the door.”

“What a lunatic!” Sophia ran her fingers through her long hair, using it to conceal the bite mark on her neck. After getting out of bed from the other side, she went to get the door.