#177 “I can’t Bear to Lose You.”
Sophia’s brow furrowed as she listened to Benjamin’s concerns, but her determination remained
unwavering. ” Ben, I understand your worries, but we can’t just ignore this. There’s something here,
something important that we need to uncover.”
Benjamin’s frustration boiled over, his voice rising in agitation. “But Sophia, you’re putting yourself in
harm’s way! We don’t know what kind of people we’re dealing with here. It’s not worth risking your
safety over.”
Sophia shook her head, her eyes shing with resolve. “I can’t just turn a blind eye to this, Ben. My
grandfather was a good man, and there must be a reason behind his actions. I need to know the truth,
no matter the cost.”
Benjamin clenched his fists in frustration, his anger bubbling to the surface. “You’re being reckless,
Sophia! You’re putting yourself in danger, and for what? To satisfy your curiosity?”
Sophia’s voice softened, but her resolve remained unyielding. “I need to do this, Ben. Please try to
understand.”
But Benjamin was beyond reasoning, his fear and frustration clouding his judgment. “I can’t watch you
throw your life away like this, Sophia.”
Tension hung heavy in the air as the two stared at each other, the weight of their conflicting emotions
threatening to tear them apart. But Sophia knew that she couldn’t back down, not when the truth was
within her grasp.
Benjamin sat down next to Sophia, his heart heavy with concern, and reached out to grab her hand for
reassurance. However, Sophia immediately pulled away, her actions stinging him with hurt.
“Sophia, drop that,” Benjamin urged, his tone filled with worry. “How many dangers has he been getting
into recently because of these secrets? Look what happened to your father.”
“Don’t talk about my father,” Sophia snapped, her voice rising with indignation.
“Don’t do that, Sophie,” Benjamin pleaded, hurt evident in his eyes. Come with me to Europe.”
“In Europe?” Sophia scoffed, her disbelief evident in her tone.
“Yes, leave all the fuss and run away with me to Europe. You’ll be safe there. You can open a neww
firm and…”
“I’m not going to Europe, have you lost your mind?”
“Please listen to me,” Benjamin begged, his voice tinged with desperation. “You don’t have to y
detective. Leave all this ande with me to live peacefully. We’ve known each other for years,
Sophia, and I can’t bear it if something happens to you.”
“I’m perfectly capable of managing on my own. Besides, Evelyn and Alexander are here,” Sophia
countered firmly.
“Don’t start with Alexander. He’s been neglecting you for years. How can you be with a man like that?”
Benjamin’s frustration spilled over, his wordsced with bitterness.
“And what kind of man is he, Benjamin?
“He’s a dishonest businessman who only tricks you. I can’t believe you’re buying into his hypocrisy. I’m
sure he’s aware of these deals and he’s just blindfolding you.”
“That’s not true at all.”
“Can’t you see how much trouble you’ve gotten yourself into since he is in your life?” Benjamin
implored, his concern evident in every word.
“He’s not to me for any of this. He’s always been there to help me when things got tough.”
“Things wouldn’t be so hard if it wasn’t for him. How are you so blind to see that?”
Sophia shook her head, frustration etched into her features. “You’re wrong, Benjamin. Alexander isn’t
responsible for the troubles in my life. He’s been my rock, my support through it all.”
Benjamin’s brows furrowed, his frustration mounting. “But can’t you see, Sophia? He’s a part of this
mess, whether you want to admit it or not.
And now you’re putting yourself in danger by digging into these secrets.”
“I can’t just turn a blind eye, Benjamin, “Sophia insisted, her voice firm with determination. “There’s
something bigger at y here, something my grandfather was involved in, and I need to know the
truth.”
“But at what cost?” Benjamin pressed, his tone pleading. “You could be risking your life, Sophia. Is it
worth it?”
Sophia hesitated, her gaze dropping to the documents spread out on the table before her. The weight
of Benjamin’s words bore down on her, but so too did her unwavering resolve to uncover the truth.
“I have to do this, Benjamin,” she said finally, her voice resolute. “For my father, for my grandfather, and
for myself. I can’t run away from the truth, no matter how dangerous it may be.”
Benjamin’s pacing grew more frantic, his steps echoing loudly in the tense silence of the room. His
hands clenched and unclenched at his sides, his expression wrought with a mixture of anxiety andConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
determination.
“Sophia,” he began, his voice strained, “I can’t just walk away from this. I’ll sit here until you decide to
come with me to Europe.”
Sophia watched him with a mixture of shock and concern, her brow furrowed in confusion. “Benjamin,
what are you saying?” she asked, her voice tinged with apprehension. “Why are you behaving like
this?”
“Because I love you, Sophia,” Benjamin blurted out, his words tumbling forth in a rush. “I can’t stand the
thought of something happening to you. I can’t bear to lose you.”