"You're not Sofia…" Mami's voice was soft.
Sofia paused her peeling. For a moment, she did nothing, but admire the designs on the tiles.
Then she sighed, setting the knife down as she leaned back against the pillow.
She looked at Mami for a long time, studying her face, wondering if she should tell her the truth.
But trust was a luxury she could not afford. Not in this house, not in this world, and not even with herself.
"I think you're tired, Mami" Sofia said softly, tilting her head. "You're asking strange questions. If I'm not Sofia, then who else could I be?"
Mami hesitated. "I know it sounds crazy. But something's different about you. Since you came out of that room after locking yourself in for days, dear"
Sofia offered a small, sad smile. "I spent that time thinking. About my life. About everything. I decided I'm done being weak. I wanna fight back." She shrugged. "That's all."
Mami's shoulders relaxed. Her expression softened. "I'm sorry, my dear. I shouldn't have doubted you. It's just… seeing you with that knife, I was so shocked."
Sofia nodded, squeezing her hand. "I understand."
She had escaped suspicion again. But for how long?
She made a mental note to reread the book once she got discharged. She needed to stay in character as best as she could.
A knock interrupted the moment. Mami opened the door to reveal Brooke Bubley, dressed in a crisp white blouse and tailored pants.
Sofia sat up straighter. "Mrs. Bubley, you came?"
"I came to see how you're doing, dear" Brooke said gently. She looked like she hadn't slept well.
Sofia's heart warmed. "Aw, thanks ma'am. I'm well, and will hopefully be getting discharged today."
Mami excused herself. "I'll be outside if you need me."
The moment the door shut, Brooke's expression shifted. Her smile faded, replaced with a more serious look.
"I've been having this bad feeling. Is all well at home?" she asked quietly, as she came closer.
Sofia widened her eyes slightly, feigning surprise. "Why would you say that?" she whispered.
Brooke sat on the edge of the bed. "I've seen enough to know when a child isn't happy. That look in your eyes last night… it wasn't just fear from an allergy."
Sofia lowered her gaze, letting her voice tremble just enough. "My mother died few months after dad divorced her. And after that… things changed…"
She paused, wiping a fake tear, then added "I can't talk about it… now..."
Brooke immediately hugged her. "Shh. You don't have to tell me. I understand."
Sofia sobbed some more on her expensive blouse, and Brooke let her, stroking her hair gently.
"You know" Brooke started, her voice thick with emotion "what happened last night reminded me of a close friend. Her girl died from a food allergy."
Sofia raised her head, wiping her tears. "The doctor said I almost died…" She laughed softly. "I guess you can say I was kinda lucky"
Brooke reached into her purse and handed Sofia a card. "If you ever need anything—and I mean ANYTHING, call me."
Sofia accepted it with gratitude. She had achieved everything she wanted: Judith and John humiliated, a full medical checkup completed for free, and now a direct connection to the future governor of New York. And as a bonus, she had saved an innocent girl from marrying Matt.
Later that evening, her father arrived to pick her up. As he entered the ward, his eyes landed on Brooke's card sitting on the bedside table.
Sofia watched with glee as the color drained from his face. She didn't need to say much, cause he understood perfectly.
Brooke would be watching Sofia closely. So If they wanted to salvage their relationship with the Bubleys, they'd have to treat her better.
Little by little, Elise. She thought with a smile.
The ride home was quiet. Once there, Mami helped her to her room. But before she could rest, they were summoned to the living room for an 'urgent' family meeting.
Judith sat at the head chair, frowning, while John stood, tensed, with arms folded. Ashley was glued to her iPhone, while Rachel and Matt sat expressionless. The atmosphere was tense.
Sofia felt giddy. She knew what was coming.
Once they sat down, John began. "Last night's dinner was one of the most humiliating moments of my life. Someone is trying to sabotage this family."
Judith turned to Sofia, eyes cold. "Why would you accuse me in front of everyone when you knew I didn't cook the food??"
Oh, now she wanted to speak to her.
Sofia looked back with a wounded expression. "I'm sorry, mom. I truly didn't know. I thought you just forgot I was allergic to peach."
Matt scoffed. "Don't believe her fake tears. She's crazy."
Sofia's voice rose, trembling with emotion. "Crazy? Is that why you tried to touch me again in the hospital? When I was at my weakest? Mami had to pull you off me!" Her voice cracked perfectly.
Gasps filled the room. All eyes turned to Matt.
Mami stepped forward. "It's true. I had to separate them."
Matt stammered. "She's lying-"
John exploded, slapping Matt across the face. "So you haven't changed?! If this gets out and ruins my reputation, you'll pay!"
Matt stormed out, face red with fury.
Sofia knew her father wasn't defending her out of love. He was scared. Someone's favor had changed the game.
Brooke was the power behind her husband. Her father had once been the Attorney General of the country, and her uncle founded the biggest law firm in America and Asia. One call from her could make or break anyone.
The room erupted in arguments. Everyone tried to guess who had poisoned Sofia.
Rachel, who had been quiet until now, raised a hand. "Calm down guys. I think Sofia did it herself."
Sofia gasped. "Why would I poison myself? I almost died."
Rachel leaned forward. "Using your logic… why would mom do it? Especially on such an important night? If she wanted to hurt you, she'd have done it discreetly"
Judith looked at Rachel proudly. "Finally, someone with sense!"
Sofia nodded slowly. "You're right. I honestly don't think it was mom either. But I don't know who else would want to hurt me…"
Mami's eyes narrowed. She turned to Ashley, who was still scrolling on her phone.
Ashley looked up, irritated. "Why are you looking at me like that, old face?"
Everyone turned to her.
Mami spoke calmly. "Since they were kids, Ashley sometimes liked to put peach flakes in Sofia's food."
Ashley rolled her eyes. "Are you freaking serious?! They were pranks, and I never used enough to actually hurt her! I didn't do th-"
John cut her off, his face red with rage. "You immature brat! Harmless? Do you understand the damage you've caused?"
Ashley tried to speak "But I di-" but was cut off by Judith.
Sofia smiled. Guess even her own mother is happy for her to take the fall.
"You're grounded for two weeks!" Was the verdict from her father. "And no allowance for the next three months"
Ashley stood up. "You can't ground me. I'm an adult!"
"Then move out" John retorted. "You live in my house, you follow my goddamn rules"
Ashley stormed out, slamming the door.
Sofia watched with delight. This was better than Kdrama.
John turned to her. "Sorry for what Ashley did."
Then he looked at everyone else. "From today, Sofia eats at the table with us. She'll receive a monthly allowance of fifty dollars. And she's allowed to go out with the family."
Sofia nearly laughed. Fifty dollars? Ashley used to get a thousand. Rachel and Matt got three thousand each. All stolen from her inheritance.
Was this man high on fentanyl?
But she hid her contempt, and smiled sweetly. "Thanks, Dad."
Judith added, begrudgingly, "The cleaners will prepare a better room for you"
"I'd like it to be near Mami's, please" Sofia requested sweetly.
Judith gave her a cold look, then nodded.
Mami dragged Sofia to the kitchen as soon as the meeting ended. After eating, Sofia returned to her room.
As soon as she opened the door and flicked on the light, she froze.
Someone was sitting in her rocking chair, calmly flipping through a book.
Looking closely, it was Rachel.
Rachel looked up with a smirk. "Why would you buy an empty book?"
Sofia's heart skipped. Had she found the novel?
But she feigned confusion. "What book?"
Rachel held it up. It was blank. No graphics. No words. Just paper. Even the covers showed nothing.
Sofia's mind raced. Had the book's contents vanished because Rachel touched it?
Rachel scoffed. "Weirdo." And dismissively tossed the book to the floor. Then she picked up something from the rickety table.
It was the coated backup spoon. The one she had hidden in a little grove under the dining table.
Rachel twirled it. "Care to explain?"