Sophia's POV

I wiped my eyes and slowly began to feel ease. My stomach growled reminding me that I hadn't had something to eat. I wonder who is to blame for that.

I was about stepping out when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror.. My eyes were puffy and my hair was a mess. I need to shower first. I can't go down looking like this.

The thought of taking a shower sounded alluring to me. I took off my clothes and stumbled into the bathroom. I shivered a bit as my feet collided with the cold tiled floor. I feel for the shower handle, I turn the handle to the left and adjust it to the perfect temperature

The sound of the water pouring down gives me new strength. It invigorated me, the first few drops are utterly cold but quickly become warm to the touch and soon warm steam fills the room and moistens my skin.

I step in, the water flowing down, my body soaking in the warmth like a sponge, and for some reason, it gave me such a satisfying sensation. The pitty-patter of the water on my skin felt like a warm cozy hug.

In the square of white rock the shower water runs free and easy. I wish I could stay there all day in its cocoon, but the day awaits.

I'd have stayed longer if my stomach would just let me. After about twenty minutes, I stepped out reluctantly. I applied my body cream and perfume, wore one of my sexy night gown before stepping out of the room.

I thought it'd be quiet since it was quite late but I was surprised to hear voices as I climbed down the stairs. Ava couldn't possibly still be around. Doesn't she have a house of her own?

Just before I could reach the end of the stairs, Lucas came into view. He was on the phone but it didn't matter at the moment. Something else caught my attention.

His eyes!

One of the first thing that captivated me when we first met. It felt as though he was pulling me in. "Get a grip of yourself Soph!" I told myself looking away.

I put one foot on the floor, followed by the other. I can't understand why I'm suddenly nervous. As I walked down, I pulled down my nightgown to cover my thighs. I was tempted to look over at Lucas, but i knew that if i did, I'd see the hunger in his eyes, and I 'd lose my nerve.

With head held high, I made to walk past him but he pulled me back.

"You don't ignore me in my house" Were the words that came out of his mouth.

We were standing close to each other, so close that I could feel the heat of his body. My heart raced as our eyes met and held.

I'm trying to be indifferent. It doesn't do to let someone with an ego like his know how much power he has.

I don't lean in, don't make it easy or seem too keen. I acted like his actions did not have an effect on me.

"Let go."

He didn't really. All things being equal, he grinned then he brushes my hair back from my shoulder and moves in so close I can feel his rest body squeezed against me. I could feel the warmth of his body and already my brain has put our lips together. But instead of letting go, he moves closer to stroke my neck, slow and delicate.

He knows that once he kisses my neck my obstruction will disintegrate. After only a couple sensitive touches of his warm lips my hands will begin to do his offering. They will tumble down his back as my head swims, all past contemplations halted abruptly. Presently there is just a single craving, one wish, and we both know it's inevitable before it happens.

"What is wrong with you? Don't let your guard down. It's a trap." I warned myself.

With the last will I could mutter I pushed him away. "I said let go you bastard"

Fortunately, he didn't come closer. He just stood-his eyes all over me.

"I still affect you. Don't I?"

"I don't get what you mean." I said fidgeting

"You're a bad liar Sophia. You tried to hide it under all the anger but I saw it."

"Saw what? You know what?" I said waving "Don't even answer That. You're a waste of my time." I Said turning away.

"You were jealous, weren't you?"

I stopped in my tracks when I heard what he said. Did I hear him right?

"Jealous? Of whom?"

"Ava of course. You were jealous that I was giving her attention. That even the kids ignored you."

That struck a nerve but there is no way in hell I was going to let him see or perceive any form of weakness from me. I couldn't help but give a sarcastic laugh.

"Me? Jealous! Of her? You must have lost a screw or two. Why would I be jealous of a homewrecker?"

Lucas' face became unpleasant. He must not have expected that reaction from me.

"Mind how you talk about her."

"Woah! Defending your mistress now, are we?"

Lucas took a deep breath and rested his eyes on me, like he was trying to read my mind or something.

"For how long do you think your defense against me will stand? How long do you intend to go?"

"Till I get my kids back." I said with confidence.

"Only in your dreams. Give it up Sophia. You won't win against me. Stop this now and save yourself the heart Break later. Do you think I'll let someone like you raise my kids?"

"Someone like me? You're the one who cheated with your so called best friend." I was starting to loose it again. Doesn't he feel guilty for hurting me? For ruining us?

"I will not have you bad mouth Ava."

"Or what?"

He started to walk menacingly towards me. All my insides had turned into a puddle but I wouldn't let it show. I will not give him that satisfaction.

Luckily for me, his phone rang. It seemed like it was important because he instantly left.

I immediately rushed into the kitchen panting and gasping for air.

"Atta girl. You did good" I told myself as I inhaled and exhaled.

But how on earth does he still have this effect on me? And what gave him the idea that I was jealous. He must be going insane.

My stomach growled again interrupting my line of thought.

"Calm down. I'll feed you." I said patting my stomach.

***

After I was done eating, I went back to my room and tried to sleep but sleep wasn't coming. Today had been one hell of a day and I couldn't stop thinking of ways to get my kids to love me again.

I took out my phone and file through looking for something to distract myself with but who was I kidding. The fact that I was in the same house with my kids and couldn't talk to them broke my heart.

I gathered enough courage and went to their room. I stood before their door contemplating if to go in or not. They didn't take to me so well earlier on. I wonder what they'd do if I were to go. Into their room.

Damn it! The worse that could happen is them chasing me out of the room. At least I tried. And even if they chased me out I'd still come back.

I knocked on the door and heard Claire's voice

"Who is it?"

"It's me. It's mom" I Said slowly. "can I come in?"

After about three minutes, I heard her mutter a weak 'yeah'

There was no or minimal changes in the room. It was large and had been split in two - each person's end was painted with their favorite colors.

Claire's end was painted pink while Aiden's was blue. There was a bookshelf which served as their library, where they kept their school books as well as story books.

I remembered when i used to tuck them in, in this very room.

"Hey kids."

"We were just about to sleep." Claire said coldly.

"Oh! I-ummm. I guess I'll just go then. Goodnight." I turned toeave when I heard Aiden's voice.

"You left us mom! Why did you leave us?"

I rushed to his side in tears.

"I didn't want to. I swear I wanted to take you with me. And you too Claire but I couldn't."

"Then you should have stayed. You should have stayed." Claire cried.

I shook as I cried. "It's very complicated. But there is no day that I didn't think of you both. I missed you two every day. I'm sorry, I am so sorry for leaving like that. I was being selfish."

"I missed you mom." Aiden confessed.

"And I you." I pulled him into my arms hugging him tightly as if he disappear the next minute. I ft Claire wrap her arms around me from behind.

"I also missed you."

I pulled both of them in and held unto them tightly.

"I'll never leave you again. I promise."

"Does it mean you and dad are back together?"Aiden asked.

I couldn't give him an answer. I just kissed him on the forehead.

" It's late and you have school tomorrow. Go to bed. "

I tucked them in and was about leaving when Aiden asked that I read them a bed time story.

"Come on Aiden. We're not kids anymore."Claire said.

"You'll always be my babies." I said "Which one do you want?"

"Let love lead." Aiden said. It had always been his favorite.

"Once upon a time, in a city in the sky. There lived a.........

I smiled as I watched them drift off to sleep listening to my voice. The feeling was beautiful.

"Goodnight my babies."

I returned to my room filled with joy.