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Hearing them had broken her heart.
Sophia was such a good girl, yet the Thompsons treated her like a criminal this past year.
Leaving was her only choice after heartbreak and despair.
"If she wants to leave, we’re not stopping her!"
Mrs Thompson snapped, masking her distress.
"But sneaking off without a word? How childish! Let her go! She’ll realize how good she had it here once she tastes hardship! She’ll know how much I loved her! How good the Thompsons were to her!"
Thinking of the Harrisons’ supposed poverty, Mrs Thompson convinced herself Sophia, accustomed to luxury, wouldn’t last long.
She’d be back after winter break.
She just had to wait.
Lucian received Ethan’s call during a meeting.
He canceled it immediately – unprecedented for the diligent executive.
"You said her boyfriend helped move her things? You’re sure it’s the Harrisons? Not her moving in with the boyfriend?"
Lucian suspected the latter.
"I’m sure she’s gone for good. Where she went? I don’t know."
Ethan was worried despite his anger.
He called Lucian hoping he could bring Sophia back.
He couldn’t swallow his pride.
"Understood. I’ll find her."
Lucian pictured Sophia choosing her boyfriend over family.
Ending the call with Ethan, he dialed Sophia.
"I thought you’d block me like you did Ethan!"
His voice was tense.
"Why keep my number? Sophia Thompson, you’ve got guts! Send me your address! Now!"
Lucian called, expecting a block, but the line connected.
Furious, he took the elevator down, determined to drag Sophia back.
She was naive, inexperienced.
She’d be cheated.
He couldn’t let that happen.
"I’m not coming back. The Thompsons don’t need me; my staying is pointless."
Sophia wasn’t playing hard to get.
She’d felt the Harrisons’ love this past year.
She wanted to embrace her new family.
The Thompsons weren’t her blood.
She was done with the emotional drain.
"For some guy, you abandon us all? Sophia, is your boyfriend that wonderful? That important?"
Lucian’s voice dripped sarcasm.
"Don’t make me ask twice! Send me the address NOW!"
Lucian was certain Sophia feared he’d break them up.
The thought of his carefully protected flower being plucked by someone else enraged him.
Only he could bully Sophia!
"I’ll send the address. But I won’t go with you. Never."
Sophia knew Lucian’s stubbornness.
She sent the Harrison address, then shut off her phone.
Finals were over.
She wanted no more Thompson interference.
Her winter break would be dedicated to painting.
Mr and Mrs Harrison said she had talent; they’d hold an exhibition once she had enough pieces.
James had even arranged lessons with a renowned artist she idolized.
She was thrilled.
She had no time for the Thompsons.
"Mom and Dad have your room ready. Your favorite foods, clothes from your preferred brands, the jewelry Mom’s been collecting for you… try it all when you get back. Keep what you like; if you don’t, Mom will get you new pieces."
James had bought Sophia bubble tea on the way, seeing girls queuing for it.
He handed her the warm cup, watching her sip it, his eyes soft with affection.
He gently tucked a stray hair behind her ear.
The family had longed for her return.
Their situation differed from the Thompsons’.
The Thompsons discovered the switch later.
The Harrisons had known their daughter was stolen from day one.
To find Sophia, Mr and Mrs Harrison had traveled across many cities, taking various jobs.
Hoping to work while searching, they’d unexpectedly built a significant business.
No matter how large the business grew, Mr Harrison dedicated one month yearly solely to finding his daughter.
The Harrison home always had a room waiting for Sophia.
They lived in constant anticipation.
