I Want You Back
Chapter 41

Sofia Andrew

Doubts are the hardest to overcome when you have a man who considered you the villain of his story fo years. The one who killed his baby, the one who forced him to marry based on a contract to achieve recognition and power. He ignored my existence and asked for a divorce when he finally got everything he wanted.

I love Angel, don't get me wrong. Ever since we were in college and how he competed with me in class, but now it's hard to believe the excessive attention, attraction and desire for me, which drives me crazy. I don't want to have no control over my emotions, of this situation. "Sofia, are you somewhere else?" I heard him say when we have finished lunch, and I didn't realized that I spaced out. "You have not finished your food."

"What do you want from me?" I found myself asking, not holding back anymore.

I'm not a woman to beat around the bush, I don't like to play the role of a fool in love and I'm not naive either.

"Why didn't you eat? You must take care of yourself," he then took a deep breath and I watched him seriously. "What is this now, Sofia? We talked, haven't we?"

"No, we haven't talked yet. You just told me that you need and want to believe me, that you don't want me to lie to you anymore, that you will solve some matters first before you talk to me, and that you want us to move slowly."

"Well, we had five years of mistrust, of fights and I know it's my fault, but time will come when you start to realize that things may not be what you think they are and you have to make decisions. That's what I'm doing and I chose to trust you."

"Yes, but why? I mean, people always have reasons for their actions. For five years, you believed that I was responsible for your child's death," The last word felt like acid in my throat, and I saw how his facial expression changed to a mixture of pain and anger. "And not only that, you also believed that I did something to force the marriage on you. I still remember the look on your face and your words the day you asked me for a divorce. It was full of hatred, anger and and frustration. That is the treatment you have given me for many years, and suddenly everything has changed. You are back to being the Angel I met seven years ago, the one I always wanted. Don't get me wrong, I like this version of you and what we did these days was like a dream for me. But I'm not naive, Angel. No one changes feelings overnight, because a part of you seems to continue to believe that I am responsible for all of it." At my words, he turned away from me, his face turning serious.

"So let me ask you again, what do you want from me? Be honest and I won't be mad, but I want to know where we stand, Angel."

"Cold, sarcastic, egoistic, intelligent and direct. You've always been like that," he commented with a smile. "You're also jolly, innocent when you want to be, loving, spontaneous, attentive, and you're loved by the people around you. So I asked myself, how could someone like me hurt someone like her?" "The day I asked you for a divorce and we discussed that topic for the first time..." He trailed off and I knew it was difficult for him to talk, his attitude and expression tell me. "I saw your expression. You were confused, surprised and hurt. I didn't understand because the Sofia I had known wouldn't have acted like that. She would fight, argue, demand answers, and even blackmail me, especially if you found out my secret. Then, I started to see how the partners admired you and I thought 'She's a brilliant actress', but the eyes don't lie. You told me yourself that I know how to read people, and in these five years, I learned to do it."

"Did you see all that in one conversation when we argued?"

"No. Sometimes, you are so attached to something that it hinders you to see what is in front of you and when you finally decide to remove the blindfold, you begin to notice things that were always there, but you ignored. Your perceptions change and when you start listening and observing them, some things start to make sense and others don't."

"What things? And don't you tell me we'll talk about it later, and then you'll show up and ask questions. I will answer, but you won't tell me anything. I cannot be a toy at your disposal, Angel. Scared that tomorrow you will treat me again like before."

"I have doubts, and I won't deny it. I want to believe you, and when I hear and see you, I feel like you're telling me the truth. But the memories comes back," he stopped to sigh, never taking his eyes off me. "And it hurt. Therefore, I need to know why it is bothering me. The idea of knowing that perhaps I have been unfair to you and that I have wasted five years fills me with uncertainty."

"So I decided that I had two options: continue a life that feels like hell and make the woman I love suffer and lose her again. Or replace the truth and decide to believe it."

"But you're torn because you haven't decided to believe me yet. You're still questioning everything I tell you." I pointed out to him with a bitter taste in my mouth.

"Creating trust that has been lost for many years is not easy, Sofia, and I know we feel the same. That's why you don't trust me yet, right? But I want to start from scratch and I think we are doing well, don't you think?"

"A few days don't change five years, Angel. How do you feel about me and how do you feel about Elisa?" I asked him even when I'm afraid of the answer and he didn't get to answer because his mother and sister approached us. "Saved by the bell."

"My dear son, I'm glad to see you, you haven't come home yet," His mother greeted me before looking at me from head to toe. "I started to believe someone stole you from us."

As if Angel is a child who can be stolen?

"Hello, brother. Mom's right, you didn't come to see us. Now you're at social events where the family isn't invited." Angelica whined with a pout before she glared at me.

"Mom, Angelica. It's always a pleasure to see you both. After the last conversation, you'd think you've learned your lesson." He spoke to his mother, then turned to Angelica. "You may begin by being polite and greeting your sister-in-law."

Angelica looked around before shrugging. "I don't see my sister-in-law here. In fact, she was very sad because you were exposing yourself with some people." Angelica said and looked at me again with contempt. She really wanted to get to know me the hard way.

"Angel, it is not acceptable for you to walk with another woman in public when you are engaged to someone else, that is not how I raised you." Martha reprimanded Angel, and before Angel can reply, I neat him to it.

"I agree with you, mother-in-law, and if I remember correctly, your son has been engaged for five years and even the law has confirmed it, therefore, it isn't acceptable for him to walk around with someone other than his wife. And as for you, sister-in-law, you should get your eyes checked because if you don't see me, something very serious is happening with your visual perception."

"You think you're funny?!" Angelica exclaimed in anger at me.

"Angelica, stop it!" Angel intervenes. "And what Sofis says is true, if you can't see your sister-in-law when she's right in front of you, there must be something wrong with your vision."

"Why are you walking around in public with this vile woman?" His mother snapped as if Angel is merely a child. "Don't you forget what she did," And what is that again? "Plus, they had an event and they didn't bother inviting us. They don't consider us family anymore." "Mom..." Angel started in frustration and I interrupted him again.

"Because you do? You insisted on saying that Angel and I are not together anymore, and that he cheated on me and left me for someone else. Is that what family does? Or have you ever invited me to a family event? No, ma'am, you cannot believe in God and the devil at the same time." I finally lost my patience, but kept my emotions at bay, and I can see Angel watching me.

"One must know which path to choose. You can't lose something important and regret it later. If you have a complaint, talk to my aunt, as she's the one who told me that she is happy that we are no longer in a relationship because your son decided to leave me. So I'm not sure why she still needs to invite you to her event." I smiled at them and they burned with anger.

"Listen here" Martha started but I cut her off.

"No, mother-in-law, you listen. I don't have time for this discussion. I have a lot of work, but I don't expect you to understand what this means." I got up from the table and faced Angel. "We'll continue talking later. Thanks for the lunch." I bent down and kissed him on the mouth, and I know that the pair of witches are bursting with anger. "Good day."

"You are disrespectful," My mother-in-law told me, and gave her a forced smile.

"I am, but remember that what you did was rude as well and don't forget that I can take everything from you," I whispered to her and winked, giving her a kiss on the cheek. "After all, I am the the devil in this story, right?" I asked out loud so Angel can hear it.

I left the club with a satisfied smile because I know that the pair will talk to Angel. They will surely tell him lies and conspiracies that he will probably complain about when we meet, but I don't care about that. It's time for them to realize that I'm not a pushover they thought I was, and replace it out in a hard way. I saw the manager of the club organizing an event for tomorrow. It's a party for young people around Angelica's age, and they've been doing it every year for as long as I can remember. So someone like Angelica who can't attend such an event is like feeling like an outsider. And an idea came to my mind.

"Mr. Smith, how nice to see you," I interrupted his task.

"Sofia! Oh, you are beautiful as always, darling." He greeted me with the same kindness and love as ever. Since I was a child, Mr. Smith would see me running with Amelia and other friends throughout the club.

"And you're always so kind. I see you are getting everything ready for the annual event for the youth."

"The most anticipated party for all. Oh, I still remember how you, Amelia, and George came to help organize everything and then made this party the theme of the year."

I couldn't help but smile at the memory. "I remember it as well. Those were the good times, but the good thing is that the tradition has not disappeared."

"Yes, but these young people today are not like those who we helped before. They were more polite at some point, but this generation is unbearable. They are demanding and uneducated." Mr. Smith said in defeat while shaking his head.

"Time have changed a lot, my beautiful old man. Since you mentioned that, I want to ask you something."

Mr. Smith reached for my hands. "Whatever you ask of me, my beautiful Sofia. Tell me, when did I ever turned you down?"

I pretended to think. "Hmm, never?" We both laughed and I turned serious. "It's my sister-in-law, you know her right?"

"Miss Leffman?" he asked with a sour face.

"I can see from your expression that you know her well."

"I'm sorry, darling. She's a pretty young woman but her terrible attitude makes her ugly."

"It's fine because I know her well. Here's the thing, I want to ask you not to allow her to attend the party tomorrow, even if she screams, cries, and makes a mess, don't let her in. I want her to learn that not everything can be the way she wants and start being kind to the people around her. Can you help me with this?"

Mr. Smith looked hesitant. "Miss, I wouldn't have a problem, but she is still a Leffman and forbidding her to attend would be presumptuous..."

"No, no, no. I'm an Andrew and if I remember correctly, you banned me from the club pool, and left me standing all day watching how the other kids had fun, so don't tell me you can't."

"That's different, my dear, that's your father's order and you're a respectable woman, you don't need to mess with a young woman like this. Plus, what if she messes around? I'll be doomed."

"Her membership is directed to me, so just simply say that the command

Mr. Smith was stunned. "Lock her up?"

mine, and you will not get into trouble. Trust me, she won't mess around, I know her and she won't embarass herself in front of people and if she does, feel free to lock her up and call me, I'll take care of her."

"Don't give me that look. When we were kids, and we did something naughty, you take us to the security room and leave us there until our parents arrive. George spent more time in that office than we did." I reminded him.

"Do you still remember that?" He asked with a shy smile and sighed. "Alright, alright, I'll ban her and as soon as she makes trouble, she goes to the security room, but what about Mr. Leffmans?" "Don't worry about any of the Leffman. They will agree with me and if they don't, I'll make them."

"Sweet Sofia, what did this young woman do to you that you want to remove what a young person her age wants from this society?"

She's rude to me. She's arrogant, untameable and defiant. What else?

"Nothing, my old man, but her upbringing leaves much to be said and it is time for her to start behaving."

"Alright, let's give it a go."

"Thank you." I gave him a kiss and left.

Now, little Leffman, let's see how you behave from now on.

My phone rings and saw my crazy best friend's name. I'm sure she's anxious for me to tell her everything that's happened.

"Amelia, don't you have anything else to do but watch over me?" I said when I answered the phone.

"Of course. I have many important things to do and one of them is to listen to my best friend so that she can tell me all the details of the first time she and her Angel possessed demon did it."

I laughed and rolled my eyes. "Don't hold your breath, woman. Right now, I'm leaving the club and I have a lot of work in the company."

"Then Angel didn't work hard enough because I thought you'll just be in bed all day." Amelia said in disappointment.

"Do something useful in life, Amelia, like work. Lock up bad boys like Alexis so they never see the light of the sun and replace me information about evil witch named Elisa."

"What do you think I have been doing lately? Don't worry, Alexis will never see the light of day again. That disgusting man will regret all the damage he has done and for Elisa, Isaac is on it, he has a piece of information, and we have confirmed them, but I have other information for you. I will tell you later when I am in your office."

"Okay, see you later."

Now the evil trio will know why they should fear me. They wanted me to be the bad guy, well I'm going to be. As for Angel, he better behave because he knows that if he's cheating on me, I won't make it easy for him.

If Angel is the devil, then I am his hell.