The Sophia I Never Knew
Collins Evuleocha@collinsevuleocha717109
2 months ago
Sophia Lee says, "Let's divorce, James. You're not worthy of me anymore."James Cook asks in return, "Are you sure about this?"
"Why, Sophia? What have I done to you? We've been married for five years. Haven't I treated you well enough? Why did you cheat on me, who is this guy you have being seeing?"
A few photos of Sophia Lee walking into a hotel with a man were on the table before them, as they both sat face to face to each other. The man had his arm around her slender waist.
"Have you been stalking me, James?" Sophia frowned at the photos. There wasn't a trace of guilt on her face. Instead, she looked cold and distant. " Alright If that's the case, let's get divorced." She spilled it out!
"Divorced?" James mind buzzed. He stumbled. All he wanted was for Sophia to give him an explanation, to tell him that this was a misunderstanding, even if it was just a lie. But on the contrary he was dazed by her demand to divorce.
"Yes, a divorce. Here are the papers. Sign them." Sophia pulled out a divorce agreement from her Fendi designers bag and slapped it onto the table.
James eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at the divorce agreement—it had obviously been prepared beforehand. Then, he looked up at Sophia, "How long have you been thinking of divorcing me?" James asked as he tries to make his voice coherent.
"You forced me into doing this. I hate it when people stalk me." Sophia's tone was icy. "So, this is all my fault?"
"Don't look at me like that, James. You've been leeching off me for the past five years. It's none of your business who I want to be with."
"None of my business? You're my wife, My lawfully-wedded wife!
James clenched his fists so tightly that his nails were digging into the palms of his hands.
"So what?" Sophia looked uncaring. "If you can't live with it, let's just get divorced. And let me make clear to you, though—you're the one who can't stand my actions, you're gonna leave this marriage without a penny to your name."
James eyes widened even more. He stared at Sophia incredulously. Before today, he never would've imagined she could say such words. Was she still the kind woman he'd met at emergency unit? Who has inevitable been so kind and nice to him while taking care of her best friend also who had an accident.
"Look, stop wasting my time. Just sign the papers, Sophia grine with a squeezed face.
He returned to his senses and gazed at her. She was such a heartless, selfish woman. He knew people would change as time passed—but Sophia's appearance had changed, but would her personality change so thoroughly as well? James could no longer see the guileless light in Sophia's eyes nor the kindness she'd displayed all those years ago. His gaze became disappointed. "You've changed so much, Sophia. Sometimes, I even wonder if you're really the girl from my memories."
"What are you talking about? If you're just trying to delay the inevitable, I'd advise you to cut the crap," Sophia snapped.
James looked up with a cold eyes gazing right into her eyes, didn't answer her, he made a final confirmation. "Do you really want a divorce?"
"Absolutely," Sophia said resolutely.
"Okay." Sean took a deep breath, shifted his gaze and reach for pen hanging on his breast pocket. This took Sophia aback. For a split second, she thought James had changed into a completely different person. But when she returned to her self acclaimed reality, she realized he was still the same man she knew. He was still the useless man who tottered around the house in an apron, always in the kitchen and taking most of the chores without complaints.
Her cold tone took on a hint of condescendence as she looked at him. "Actually, you should've long since realized that we're from two different worlds." "Yeah, you're right."
This time, James didn't refute her. "You're a high and mighty CEO now and one of Hoblots top ten outstanding CEOs. On the other hand, I am nothing but a useless man who only knows how to cook and clean. At least, that's what you think." She smiled haughtily. "It looks like you've finally seen the light; you know how worthless you are. You're not worthy of me, you know." "Is that so?" James chuckled, but it was filled with mockery and self-deprecation.
Sophia Lee didn't know for sure who she married, James had taken some time off the CEO hectic lifestyle after his last case of Dementia, he has called a board meeting and signed five years off his working career, their wedding was a low key wedding that was carefully managed off the media with less than twenty IVs.
"To be honest, I have to thank you for this. Thank you for showing me your true colors today." "What do you mean by that?" Sophia frowned.
"What do I mean? It's been five years. Five whole years, Sophia … Has there been a day in our marriage that I haven't cooked you a warm meal after you've had a long day at work?
"Whenever you said you were tired, I would massage your feet. Every time you rolled around in pain because of your menstrual cramps, I cared for you throughout the night. You said you wanted to be an entrepreneur, so I showed you my support by providing the capital. "Even if I were just your pet, you should've felt something for me, for the whole five years.
"Shut up! I've heard enough," Sophia interrupted him with a shrill cry. Her face was red, almost as if he'd gotten her where it hurt. "I've never asked you to do any of those things—you did them willingly! Also, didn't I get the company to where it is today through my hard work?
"I spent countless days and nights throwing myself into my work. Besides, you've been leeching off me for the past five years, after losing all your savings in your online casino addiction. I've more than repaid you for the money you gave me to start the company!"
"Is that so?" Sean looked at Tina like she was a stranger. "Do you really think you got to where you are today because of your personal capabilities?"
What else could it be?" Sophia retorted.
James didn't seem bordered anymore. Instead, he picked up a pen and signed the divorce agreement.
After signing, he put the pen down and slide the divorce agreement towards Sophia
He said coldly, "As you wish, then. I hope that you won't regret your decision now that we're divorced."
He turned to leave.
"What do you mean by that, James? Make yourself clear!" Sophia's face was red with rage. But James walked out of the villa without another look back. There was nothing in this place to hold me back anymore, he reminded himself.
As soon as James stepped out of the villa lounge, two rows of Maybachs came in his direction. They stopped before him.
Smart dressed young men in dark suits and shades got out of the cars. As James watched, they formed a neat row and saluted him respectfully. "We're here on Mr. Gig's orders to receive you, Mr. Cook.
Already lost in the freedom and laziness of an average young man with solid financial backing at his peck and call, together with the current divorce situation, Mr James had forgotten that his leave is over and he is to resume office duty the next morning, it was clearly stated in his leave papers that he will be picked up twenty four hours from resumption and be brought back to the Hoblots Garden estate.
James looked nonchalantly at the grand entourage before him. He was dawned surprised, to have forgotten.
"Good day, Mr. Cook!" the men said in unison.
James hummed in acknowledgment while nodding. Then, as he got into the car, his phone rings."Dennis, is that you?" James said. "Yes sire!, Dennis replied! Alright we are on our way.
While seating over a cup of Capachino, Denis went on to give him a break down. "While you've been away, I've been managing the 150 companies under your name as well as your assets worth 500 billion dollars. Now that you're back, I'll have everything handed over to you within a day," Dennis Igwe said.
"There's no rush. You might not know how lazy I've gotten over the past five years."
"It's all because of that woman. She's been holding you back." Dennis tone turned grim. "Should I make her company go bankrupt, sire?"
James had instructed him to secretly watch over Sophia for the past five years. If not for that, her company never would've gotten to where it was today. And she never would've become one of City's top ten outstanding entrepreneurs! What an ingrate!
"Forget it. Just leave her be," James said coolly. After all, he and Sophia used to be husband and wife. He didn't want to drive her to a dead end. Besides, now that he'd seen her true colors, he no longer felt anything for her. From this day onward, they would walk their own paths.
"Understood." Dennis asked, "Are you planning on staying in Xbox estate, sire?"
"Yeah. I haven't decided where I'm gonna go yet, so I'll stay here for now."
"I'll hand you the reins for the five companies you have within the Hoblots empire."
"Oh, you …" James shook his head with a smile. "Alright, then. Hand them to me." "Yes, sire.
For the records, you have five subsidiaries attached to the Conglomerate , including a hotel. Among them, Alpha X Corporation has the highest net worth of 30 billion dollars. It's also the mightiest company in the City presently; its net worth is double that of the company second to it."
"Alpha X, huh?" James expression shifted. "I'll check it out later, then."
"When do you intend on heading there, sire?"
"Around 3:00 pm, I guess."
"Got it. I'll inform Larry Walker to welcome you when the time comes."
"Okay." James replied.
Still, he had to admit five years had passed in the blink of an eye. He'd basically given up everything in his life searching for true love, but she knew nothing about it. He didn't regret the things he'd done, though. At least he has lived the last five years of his without pressure and sleepless nights that's comes with men at the upper echelon.
Over the years, countless members of royal families around the world had reached out to him. He'd also received countless emails and post. He'd turned all his admirers down, he has seen them all as gold diggers who are all attracted to him based on his social class. This insecurity runs so deep in him that he decided to lay off the golden coat and seek for a woman who will love him for who he is and not for what he has.
Sure enough, his hard work paid off, James meet Sophia when she had nothing to her name. She was only a normal employee at a normal company. James had dropped everything to stay by her side. He hadn't told Sophia about her social class but chose to remain an average comfortable young man.
All he wanted to do was to silently observe her and also protect her.
As for the love letters that had been stored he forget them all. He didn't care if Sophia saw them and thought he was a scumbag.
They were already divorced, anyway, and probably wouldn't have any chance of running into each other in the future.
As Sophia got home, she put across call to her mother as she was busy cleaning up some things. "What's up, Mom?"
"I just wanted to update you on how the divorce with James went " do how was it? The mother responded.
"Very smoothly."
"He didn't take any money from you, did he?" Sophia's mother asked.
"Don't worry, Mom. I would never give him the chance." James had already leeched off me for long enough. If he thought he could get something from the divorce, he was wrong! She added.
"That's good. Oh, and how are you and Mr. Jones faring?"
"Great, Mom."
"Remember to invite him over for a meal soon, then. I'll cook him my best dishes, and we can take the opportunity to finalize the wedding details. After all, he's the heir to one of City's four most prestigious families. If things work out between you two, your future—and our future—will be settled."
"I know, Mom. I'll talk to Jones about it. I'm accompanying him to Alpha X Corporation later to negotiate a business deal," Sophia said.
"Alright, then. You carry on doing what you have to. I won't disturb you."
"Okay. Bye, Mom." After hanging up, Sophia thought about Wayne Jones. When she compared him to James Cook, her disgust for James deepened. She couldn't believe she'd spent five years with him!
If not for James holding her back, she and Wayne would've gotten married ages ago. She would now be the lady of the Jones household! She wanted to throw all of James things out.
She went to the bedroom and cleared out all his clothes in the wardrobe, flinging them onto the floor carelessly. When she got to the bottom of the wardrobe, she pulled the drawer open to see a big wooden box inside.
Sophia figured this probably belonged to James. She'd never seen it before, though. Her curiosity drove her to open it. Inside, she saw a thick stack of papers. She picked one up to read it and realized they were all love letters addressed to Sean
.There was one from the daughter of Merania's former president and one from Princess Eliza of Maputo.
The love letters were all from renowned female beauties and celebrities all over the world. These beauties were also extremely important figures. Among the letters was also one from the daughter of the Shongu family, which was the most prestigious family in Lake City.
Sophia's expression became steely. She didn't believe for a second that these women would write love letters to James. This could only mean one thing—for the past five years, James had fantasized about these women. Then, he'd written these love letters and pretended they were for him!
"He's such a creep!" Sophia muttered. She was thoroughly disgusted. In a fit of rage, she flung the wooden box onto the floor.
There was still some time before she needed to accompany Wayne to Alpha X Corporation. Later, they would be having dinner together. She had to primp and prepare for that.
Sophia put her phone down and headed to the bathroom.
At 2:30 pm, James arrived at the Corporation in a Mercedes AMG wagon. A familiar yet unfamiliar feeling washed over him as he took in the towering building.
It was because of this that James had arrived half an hour earlier. He wanted to see what things were like before the proper handover. He walked into the building strolling down the lobby, his was pleased with the things he saw, as shook his head with a smile, the elevator bell nearby dinged. The doors slid open to reveal a couple. They walked out while laughing and chatting with each other.
The man wore a navy blue suit and had his hair gelled back. He wore gold-rimmed glasses and looked to be about 27 or 28. The woman wore a blue pleated dress. Her hair was pulled back in an updo, and her makeup had been done flawlessly.
It was Sophia. As they chat happily along the corridor, Sophia asked
"Baby do you have some time in a couple of days?"
"What's up?"
"My mom's been wanting to meet you. She wanted to invite you over for a meal," Tina said.
Jones chuckled. "Sure! She doesn't need to stand on ceremony with me."
"Okay. I'll let her know, then." Sophia smiled demurely. When she was with Jones, she displayed an enthusiasm and gentleness that James had never seen.
James saw them, but he didn't even bat an eye. At this moment, Sophia and Jones arrived at the building's entrance. They ran right into Mr Cook.
When Sophia saw him, she furrowed her brows in disgust. "What are you doing here?"
"Why can't I be here if you can?" James looked at her calmly. The world was such a small place.
"Ha!" Sophia's gaze was filled with mockery. "I'm here to accompany my fiance while he negotiates a business deal.
What about you? Are you here to interview to be a security guard, or did you come to beg me to remarry you? That's not gonna happen!"
"A remarriage?" James sneered. "You think too highly of yourself. I'm just returning to work, I'm on inspections across my companies."
Your company?" Sophia looked like she'd just heard the world's biggest joke. Her disgust was obvious as she said, "Do I really need to point this out to you? This is Alpha X Corporation, City biggest corporation. With over 30 billion dollars!"
"So?" James looked at Sophia calmly.
"So, would it kill you not to brag?" Sophia blood boiled when she saw how calm James was pretending to be.
At this moment, Jones said, "Alright, Sophia. There's no need to get mad over someone like him. Since he likes making himself seem better than he is, just let him be. You're one City's top ten outstanding entrepreneurs right now; he's just jealous of you."
He gave James a condescending look. A peasant like James was beneath him.
"It would do you good to take a leaf out of Jones's book, James. Look at what a perfect gentleman he is!" Sophia snapped.
James didn't want to waste his breath on Sophia. He sidestepped them and head into the building.
"Hold it!" Sophia stopped him.
"What now?" James frowned.
"We haven't settled the compensation for the divorce yet," Sophia said coldly.
"I don't need your compensation. Let's just get the divorce over with. Don't worry, I won't harass you after we're divorced." James turned to leave.
"Me, compensate you? Who do you think you are?" Sophia barked out an exasperated laugh at his words.
"What do you mean, then?" James stopped to look at her icily.
"You're the one who needs to compensate me! You owe me for the mental distress you've caused me over the past five years of our marriage!"
"I caused you mental distress?" James couldn't help laughing. "You're the one who had an affair, yet you want me to compensate you for mental distress. I thought we could be civil after the divorce, but you've really proven me wrong. How far are you gonna go, Sophia?"
"Be civil? How dare you say that to me!" Sophia gave him a scornful look. "The mere sight of you disgusts me now. I never would've expected you to be such a creep."
"And how am I a creep?" James frowned.
"How else would you explain those love letters?" Tina snarled.
James eyes gleamed. Though he didn't want to waste his breath on an explanation, he still said, "Those love letters that you're referring to are real."
"Oh, cut the crap," Sophia snapped. "Who do you think you are? Why would the princess of a country and a former president's daughter write you love letters? How highly do you think of yourself?"
"Wait, something like that actually happened?" Jones looked like he'd seen it all now.
"Yeah. This loser secretly forged a whole bunch of love letters?
Jones burst into laughter. He stepped forward to pat James on the shoulder. "You're really something, dude. I admire your pluck!"
James didn't say anything, but his expression darkened. He looked at Sophia. "We used to be husband and wife. Do you really have to slander me like this?"
"Slander? Why would I need to slander someone like you? Don't tell me you're afraid of people talking about the dirty things that you had the nerve to do."
"I've already explained the love letters to you."
"What, did I get you where it hurts?" Sophia disgust grew when she saw James reaction. She thought she'd guessed correctly.
"Hey, why aren't you saying anything? You had plenty to say earlier, didn't you? Stop pretending to be mute." Sophia frowned. "I can't believe I stayed married to you for five years. Listen up, James. If you don't compensate me for the mental distress you caused me today, I won't let you off the hook.
"Could you shut up?" James returned to his senses and gave Sophia a dark look.
Sophia was taken aback. Had he actually yelled at her? Throughout their marriage, James had always gone along with everything she said. The more she thought about it, the angrier she got.
She screamed, "What right do you have to shout at me when you've been leeching off me for the past five years, you loser?"
"Shut up! Do you know how noisy you are?" James was starting to get angry now.
"How dare you?. "So, this is how you treat me after the divorce, huh? I must've been blind to have married you in the first place. Not only are you a bloodsucker, but you're also insane in the membrane. You're so disgusting!
"If you don't compensate me for the mental distress you've caused me over the years, I'll—"
"How much do you want? I'll pay you," James cut her off darkly. He wasn't in the mood to listen to her useless complaints and threats.
James brusqueness caught Sophia off guard. Still, she knew what James was capable of. Her gaze turned scornful. "One million dollars. I want you to compensate me a million dollars for mental distress!"
To her, a million dollars was nothing. But she knew it was an astronomical sum to James. He'd left the marriage without a penny to his name; he probably didn't even have a thousand dollars, let alone a million dollars.
She was only demanding the money because she wanted to humiliate and shame him. This was what he deserved for having the nerve to show her such attitude! How dare he!
"Fine, I'll pay you." James didn't mince words.
"Are you sure you heard me properly? I want a million dollars," Sophia said sourly.
"I'm not deaf." James replied. It was too bad she still thought he was the Sean she had known.
"Fine, then. Hurry up and get the money ready. I want it right now!" Sophia snapped when she saw how obnoxious James was being. She wanted to see where he would get the money from.
James pulled out his phone calmly and called Dennis. "Deny have someone deliver a million dollars to the company now. I need it urgently."
"Yes, sire. I'll have Larry prepare the money right now!" Dennis said.
After hanging up, James looked at Sophia. "Give me two minutes. Someone's bringing the money now."
"Ha!" Sophia looked at him condescendingly. "Will someone really come running with the money just because you've made a call? Who do you think you are, the wealthiest man in City or the scion of some affluent family?
"Also, I'm hoping I didn't hear you wrongly. Did you just call Dennis Igwe? Do you even know who he is? He's the richest man in the world! Next time, come up with a name that we haven't heard of before. Don't make a fool of yourself!"
James ignored her. It made her gnash her teeth angrily. How dare a peasant like him act so high and mighty before her!
The seconds ticked. Soon, more than a minute had passed, yet there was no sign of the money. No one in the company seemed to be coming.
Sophia was running out of patience. She snapped, "It's been two minutes. Where's your guy?"
James didn't say anything. He was counting down in his mind. There was half a minute to go before it was two minutes.
"Pretending to be mute again, are we?" Sophia sneered.
Jones had been watching them this whole time. He couldn't help snorting and shaking his head. "Forget it, baby. You know he can't cough up the money, so let's stop wasting time on him. Don't forget that we have a date."
He turned to James. "I'll pay her money on your behalf. Take it as me compensating you for caring for Sophia for me for so long. Remember this—don't act like you're a big deal when you're not capable of anything."
With that, Jones wrapped an arm around Sophia's waist as James watched. The former looked victorious.
"Sweetie, you're so generous." Sophia clung to him affectionately. Then, seemingly wanting to aggravate James further, she planted a kiss on Jones cheek.
James watched them coolly.
"You're lucky that you got off easy this time, James. You should really thank Jones for this!" Sophia knew nothing of James thoughts. After saying her part, she and Jones turned to leave, looking pleased with themselves.
Shortly after they left, the elevator dinged. The doors slid open. It had been two minutes.
A middle-aged man with a beer belly was in the elevator. He wore a dark suit. His forehead was damp with sweat as he urged his subordinates, "Hurry up, you two. We'll be dead meat if we delay Mr. Cook from using the money!"
"Yes, sir!" The man's two subordinates dragged a huge bag each. It was hard for them to move.
As soon as the middle-aged man stepped out of the elevator, he looked up to see James standing at the entrance. He jogged over to him, crying, "Mr. Cook!"
"Mr. Ciok, here's the money you wanted!" Larry skidded to a stop before Sean.
"You must be Mr. Walker, the general manager." James expression softened as he looked at Larry.
"You can just call me Walker, Mr. Cook" Larry wiped the sweat from his brow, looking flustered. "You should've informed me before coming, sire I'm so sorry that you had to wait outside the company like this!"
"You don't need to be so nervous, Mr. Walker. Besides, you weren't late or anything. I'm the one who arrived early." James smiled.
Larry's eyes widened at James attitude. He thought James would be a cold, heartless person. It turned out James was not only friendly but also humble.
"Thank you, Mr. Cook," Larry said gratefully. "This is the money you wanted."
"You can take it back. I don't need it for the time being." Sean shook his head. "I'm sorry for making you waste time on this."
"There's nothing to be sorry about!" Larry said fearfully. "May I ask what happened earlier, sir?"
"Nothing much, really. It was just a little nuisance. Oh, right. Do you know a man named Wayne Jones?"
"Wayne Jones?" Larry blinked. "He's the scion of the Jones family, which is one of City's four most prestigious families. His father, Uriah Jones, has some business dealings with our company, he oversees Ariks global enterprise.
"He will be here on his father's behalf earlier to discuss a cooperation on a project. He even took the initiative to say that he could give us an additional profit margin of 30%. Do you know him, Mr. Cook"?
"No, I was just asking." James shook his head.
Larry didn't take this literally, though. The fact that he could gain Dennis acknowledgment and end up as Alpha X Corporation's general manager was enough to prove that he wasn't a regular Joe. He could immediately tell something was wrong from the way James had mentioned Wayne.
He said, seemingly casually, "I actually think the Jones family isn't really serious about working with us on this project, Mr. James. It's better to leave this opportunity to other more worthy companies."
James nodded. "Okay."
Larry secretly sagged in relief. It looked like he hadn't made the wrong call. He said respectfully, "Allow me to show you around the company, Mr.Cook." just call me James.
"I understand. You can contact me whenever you have the time. This is my business card." Larry held out his business card with both hands.
James accepted and said with a smile, "Thanks. I'm gonna have to trouble you to continue managing the company for me in the future."
"It's my honor to be able to contribute to the company's success, sir!" Larry declared his loyalty to the company.
"Alright then.
James nodded and turned to leave, sorry Sir, Larry hurriedly said " I have just been informed that the three representatives bidding for the Clicksense deal are waiting at the conference room , if you wouldn't mind Sir I will appreciate you join me Sir, we could use your prime experience. Is okay James replied.
Seating round the fine polished oat luxurious table are the representatives from Geneva Primes, Slumberger and Ariks global which Mr Jones represents.
Sophia was not only surprised but her amazement was filled with a scornful face as Mr James had Larry Walker walked into the conference room, before she could have display her usual insolence, Mr Larry cut in with a wonderful oratory introduction
;
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my distinct honor to introduce to you a leader who has truly exemplified the meaning of success and innovation in the world of business. Mr. James, the esteemed CEO of Alpha X Conglomerate, a standing towering giant in today's global marketplace. With a staggering net worth of thirty billion dollars, Mr. James is not just a titan of industry, but a visionary who has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible. For the past five years Mr James took an equivocal Leave and today we are happy to have him back with us.
Today, as we gather here, we are privileged to share from his wealth of experience and insight continue to shape the future of our global business. Please join me in welcoming Mr. James, CEO of Alpha X Conglomerate.
The men at the table all stood in respect and applauded Mr James with a clap, but the bewilderment on Jones face was more than obvious as he stares in lost, Sophia buried her face in an unavoidably dismay, hoping that someone would wake her up from this dream but this is a point blank reality playing out right before her. Regrettably Mr Jones looked at Sophia in disbelief, a feeling of contempt grew inside him, Mr Jones excused himself from the conference walking towards the door, Sophia knowing Jones too well to know that that was a walk away, Sophia followed suit behind him covering her face in shame with her black muffler, they both made it together to the elevator descending in horrible silence, but to the exit there separate ways they went.
#NircleStories
