Because I Was an and He Threw Away 86

Chapter 86 Sophia’s Lie 

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Emily heard the sounds outside. She instinctively reached out, wanting to pull Sophia into her arms–but hesitated and quietly withdrew her hand. 

She lowered her gaze, staring at her daughter, a bitter ache rising in her heart. “No,” she said softly. 

Sophia blinked, puzzled. “Then why are you dressed like that?” 

Emily opened her mouth to explain, but the words felt pointless the moment they arrived. 

So she casually brushed it off. “For nothing.” 

Though puzzled, Sophia didn’t press further. She wrapped her arms around her mom, her heart swelling with pride. 

She thought her mom was really beautiful–maybe even as beautiful as Nancy. 

Emily took a moment to steady her emotions, then crouched down, gently wrapping her fingers around Sophia’s small, cold hand. “Are you feeling any better now?” she asked. 

Sophia looked stunned. “Huh?” 

Emily reached up and softly stroked her hair. “If you’re not feeling well, you should go to bed early. Why sit down here all by 

yourself?” 

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Sophia froze, not knowing what to say. She couldn’t possibly tell Emily she was actually waiting for Nancy. 

Seeing her silence, Emily continued, “Want me to walk you upstairs and keep you company? 

Just as Sophia was about to reply Ethan’s voice came from 

the entrance, deep and commanding. “Sophia, listen to your mother.” 

The overwhelming authority in his tone deflated her instantly. She sighed in resignation. “Oh, fine.” 

Emily could already tell. Sophia hadn’t been sitting here because she felt sick–she’d been waiting for Nancy. 

But it didn’t matter; she didn’t let it bother her. 

Emily took Sophia’s hand and led her upstairs, chatting softly as they went. “Sophie, have you brushed your teeth and washed up yet?” 

Sophia shook her head. “Not yet. 

Her voice was subdued, clearly unhappy. 

Emily didn’t want her dwelling in that gloom, so she suggested warmly, “How about I help you get ready? Okay?” 

Sophia mumbled a soft “Mm–hmm“. 

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Back in Sophia’s room, Emily headed to the closet to fetch her pajamas. 

As soon as she swung open the door, she froze. 

Sophia glanced at her mother, puzzled by her sudden silence. Then she followed her gaze and saw that inside the wardrobe hung several of Nancy’s pajamas. 

“Mommy,” Sophia quickly explained, “when you weren’t here, Nancy was worried I’d have nightmares, so she’d sometimes stay and sleep with me.” 

Emily eyed the several pieces of Nancy’s nightwear in the closet 

and fell silent. This didn’t look like “sometimes“—it screamed 

“often“. 

It dawned on her quickly that Sophia was fibbing. 

She hadn’t expected her own daughter to lie to her for another 

woman. 

A sharp pang stabbed at Emily’s heart, but she swallowed it down. 

Her grip tightened on the closet door handle as she fought to rein in her feelings. 

Sophia padded over and stood beside her, tilting her face up. “Mommy, are you staying over tonight?” 

Emily looked down at Sophie. She didn’t register the tangled 3/6 

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emotions flickering in her eyes and simply replied, “Yes, you’re not feeling well, so I’ll stay and keep you company.” 

Sophia’s little face scrunched up. “Mommy, did Daddy tell you I wasn’t feeling well?” 

Emily pulled out Sophia’s pajamas from the closet and handed them over. “Yeah.” 

Hearing that it was Ethan who said it, Sophia didn’t dare say anything more. 

After a beat, as if something had just occurred to her, she said to Emily, “Okay, Mommy, wait for me a sec. I’m going downstairs to get some milk. I’ll be right back.” 

Sophia did have a habit of drinking milk before bed, but usually Emily brought it up to her. 

When Emily wasn’t at Joy Gardens, Rebecca would deliver it straight to her room; there was never any need for Sophia to run all the way downstairs herself. 

So, Emily had a pretty good idea what Sophia was really up to. 

After she left, Emily sat quietly on the sofa, holding Sophia’s pajamas in her arms. 

She was still in her evening gown, which wasn’t the most comfortable for moving around, so she rummaged through the closet for her own nightwear. 

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It took her ages to find an old slip from way back; its once soft yellow had faded to a creamy off–white from years of wear. 

If she were Nancy, someone would have replaced that worn–out thing for her ages ago. 

But she was Emily, so no one bothered with such details. 

After changing out of the gown, Emily slipped into the familiar old nightdress. She folded the evening dress neatly and tucked it carefully into a bag. 

It was Alexander’s gift—she’d have to find a way to return it to him later. 

Sophia still hadn’t returned, so Emily decided to wash up first. She was very quick, finishing her shower in less than ten 

minutes. 

Emerging from the bathroom, she found the room still empty. 

A slight unease settled over Emily, and she left the room to check. 

She reached the top of the staircase and saw Sophia sitting in the living room–with Nancy. 

Sophia was perched on Nancy’s lap, holding onto her arm and sweetly coaxing her, “Nancy, dont be mad, okay? I had no idea my mom was coming back tonight. Next time, I’ll sleep with you. Pretty please?” 

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Nancy pretended to sulk, turning her face away without a word. 

When Nancy ignored her, Sophia straightened up, nuzzling her cheek against Nancy’s, her voice laced with sweet persuasion. “Nancy, don’t ignore me, pleeease? Come on? 

“Nancy, smile for me! Look at this!” Sophia pulled funny faces, going to great lengths to try and win her over. 

Sophia was trying every trick in the book, desperately trying to elicit a smile from Nancy. 

Seeing this scene, Emily felt a deep, uncomfortable churn in her heart. 

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