Sophie felt a dilemma after she found out that Nicholas was still alive. If the circumstances were different, she would be over the moon to know he survived and only lost his memory.
She would be understanding of what happened and accepted him back so easily. Her children needed their father and she needed her husband. However, it was not so easy now that she had found his 'replacement' in Leland.
No, it sounded so bad to see Leland as Nicholas' replacement. He was his own person and Sophie never had the intention to make him a replacement of her presumed-dead husband.
She agreed to marry him for convenience, but she grew to love him after she knew the real man behind his cold and distant exterior. He was kind, gentle, and warm to her.
Sophie fell in love with Leland after one year and even suggested that they become husband and wife for real, and their marriage had been bliss ever since. She was really happy and content and the children were too.
Now, Sophie couldn't just take back her words and tossed away Leland after Nicholas was back. Not only because she was NOT HEARTLESS, but also because she loved him. She loved him so deeply that she would die if he died.
On the one hand, Sophie wanted her children to know their biological father. Nicholas didn't deserve to be denied his existence. But on the other hand, she was afraid that her two children would be rejected by Nicholas and the royal family. It would definitely make her children's hearts hurt.
No. She didn't want that to happen.
Gosh... should she just really leave and pretended that her past with Nicholas didn't happen? She would spare Leland's feelings and she could also save Luciel and Jan from heartbreak if their biological father turned out rejecting them. Even if Nicholas MIGHT accept his sons... what about his family?
They had been waging war with lycans for decades. Their hatred of the lycan race was deep-rooted.
Now she remembered when she met Nicholas at the royal party. Nicholas still knew nothing even now that he was engaged and soon to be married.
Maybe... it was for the better if she kept silent and forgot Nicholas. It was better to let things go and focus on where they were now.
After days of thinking and hurting her head in the process, Sophie got to the conclusion that she really had to choose, just like what Leland asked.
If she insisted on having both men declare peace, she would end up losing both. Both men were powerful leaders of their sides. They had other people they needed to protect and care for. For Leland, it was his tribe, for Nicholas it was his kingdom.
Sophie couldn't win against the whole tribe or the whole kingdom. She was just a woman. She shouldn't think too highly of herself.
If Leland, who was always kind and heed her every word wouldn't budge from his decision to wage war with the Hannenberghs, then the same would go for Nicholas.
Sophia must show her support to one of them and beg the other to give in. If she tried to act neutral, both men would keep fighting to the death and they would probably die together. Then, she would have no one. The children would lose both fathers.
Maybe... she could find a way to check if Nicholas had regained his memory and then come to talk to him in private? She would beg him to spare the lycans because his children were part of them now.
If Nicholas agreed and withdrew himself from the war... Leland wouldn't have a worthy opponent.
Sophie remembered Nicholas' face from six years ago when they were still together. He was such a reasonable and friendly person. She thought it would be easier to talk to him than to Leland. The Alpha was more stubborn than Nicholas.
He didn't talk much and, usually, would listen to Sophie. However, when he had made up his mind to something, he was like an unmoved rock.
Fine. It looks like Sophie really had to choose.
***
Night had come, Leland came into their bedroom. He intentionally only came after really late to make sure Sophie was already asleep when he entered.
She asked to be given space while she thought about what she wanted regarding Nicholas's issue. So, Leland tried to give her what she wanted.
Though it was so hard to be away from her, he kept himself busy by training with Lucas or taking care of the pack matters.
Her comfort was paramount, especially during pregnancy, that he didn't want her to feel even the slightest additional stress by his presence during her alone time.
He was grateful that she didn't ask him to sleep in another room. He could still come and watch her sleep peacefully and made sure she was healthy.
It's been one week. He hoped she had finally made a decision.
Leland closed the door behind him and smiled at the sight of his mate sleeping. He walked to the bed and bent down a little to stroke Sophie's hair gently.
The man was startled when Sophie suddenly opened her eyes.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to disturb your sleep," he muttered awkwardly.
Sophie got up and shook her head. "I wasn't sleeping. Actually, I've been waiting for you. I wanted to talk to you about something."
Leland's heart skipped a beat. He wondered in his mind if this meant Sophie had made up her mind. This made Leland feel a little tense.
He then sat down next to Sophie and said, "If you wanted to talk to me, why didn't you get the maid to call me? I'll come right away, and you don't have to wait."
"I didn't want to interfere with your work."
Leland stroked Sophie's hair again then asked what Sophie wanted to talk to him about. "I don't have much work. I'd love to hear what you wanted to say."
"Leland, I've thought it through, and I've made my decision." Sophie stared intently into Leland's eyes.
Leland was silent as he waited for Sophie to continue. He felt uneasy, but he didn't show it.
Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m freew𝒆bnov𝒆l.c(o)m