Chapter 13 - Sophia’s Choice
The recording was simple.
Daniel had made it for Mia’s third birthday.
He knew he might not live to see it.
“Hey, bug.”
Mia became perfectly still.
“If your mama saved this until you're three, then happy birthday.”
Sophia covered her mouth.
Vincent looked away.
Daniel talked about pancakes.
About Mia throwing peas.
About the first time she said “Daddy.”
There was no conspiracy.
No hidden name.
No crime.
Just a father speaking to his daughter.
“I hope you're brave,” Daniel said. “But not because you never get scared. Brave people get scared all the time.”
Mia hugged the fox.
“And take care of Mama. She acts tough, but sometimes she needs hugs.”
Mia immediately hugged Sophia.
Sophia laughed through tears.
Daniel’s voice continued.
“And if Uncle Vinny is around, make fun of his angry face for me.”
Vincent stared at the recorder.
Sophia burst out laughing.
Mia looked delighted.
“Daddy said!”
“Yes,” Vincent murmured. “I heard him.”
Daniel finished:
“I love you, Mia. Always.”
The recording ended.
Nobody spoke.
Then Mia looked at Vincent.
“Eyebrows.”
Vincent closed his eyes.
Sophia laughed harder.
Something changed after that night.
Not suddenly.
Not dramatically.
Sophia continued working, though no longer as Vincent’s maid.
He offered her money.
She refused.
She enrolled in a bookkeeping program instead.
Daniel’s investigation had taught her how easily numbers could hide crimes.
She wanted to understand them.
Vincent gave her office space.
She paid rent.
He tried to waive it.
She threatened to leave.
He charged her rent.
Mia continued ruling the estate.
Months passed.
Sophia and Vincent grew closer.
He never pushed.
That mattered.
One evening they stood on the terrace.
“Daniel told me to live,” Sophia said.
Vincent remained silent.
“I didn't know how angry that made me.”
“Why?”
“Because it sounded like permission I didn't want him to have to give.”
Vincent nodded.
“My life belongs to me.”
“Yes.”
She looked at him.
“And I'm choosing what comes next.”
His breathing changed.
Sophia stepped closer.
“Do you know what scares me?”
“Me?”
“Occasionally.”
He smiled.
“Loving someone again.”
The smile disappeared.
“Sophia—”
She kissed him.
Slowly.
No fireworks.
No dramatic music.
Just warmth.
When they separated, Vincent rested his forehead against hers.
“I loved Daniel too.”
“I know.”
“I don't want to replace him.”
“You couldn't.”
“I know.”
“That’s why this might work.”
Inside, something crashed.
They ran.
Mia stood beside a shattered vase.
She pointed at it.
“Vinny did it.”
Vincent stared.
“I wasn't even in the room.”
Mia crossed her arms.
Sophia whispered, “She's learning organized crime.”
Vincent looked horrified.
Then Marco entered carrying a package.
“No sender.”
Vincent’s amusement vanished.
The package contained one final object.
Daniel’s wedding ring.
Sophia had buried him wearing it.
Or she thought she had.
Attached was a note.
THE BODY IN DANIEL REYES’S GRAVE IS NOT DANIEL REYES.
Sophia stared at the words.
May you like
Vincent immediately called the authorities.
The nightmare had just opened again.
