“You got what you wanted.”
He shook his head.
“No.”
“What did you want?”
“You.”
Sophia looked away.
“You had me.”
“I know.”
“You didn’t choose me.”
“I was weak.”
“That was your choice too.”
She walked toward the exit.
Maxwell followed.
“Sophia.”
She stopped.
He stood several feet behind her.
“I don’t expect you to forgive me.”
“Good.”
“I don’t expect you to come back.”
“Good.”
“But I want to be their father.”
Sophia slowly turned.
“You don’t get to decide that tonight.”
“I know.”
“You need to earn it.”
“I will.”
She studied his face.
For the first time in six months, she believed he meant it.
But believing someone was not the same as trusting them.
Sophia left the estate that night without singing the third song.
She also left without the five thousand dollars.
Catherine found her outside.
“You should take the payment.”
Sophia shook her head.
“I didn’t finish.”
Catherine looked at her.
“You gave everyone something tonight.”
Sophia almost smiled.
“Not what they paid for.”
“Maybe not.”
Catherine handed her an envelope.
Sophia opened it.
Five thousand dollars.
She looked up.
“What’s this?”
“Your full fee.”
“I didn’t finish.”
Catherine smiled.
“Neither did the wedding.”
