Sophia, I Like You

Robert’s warm breath brushed against Sophia’s neck, making her tense up and resist.

“No.”

She didn’t know if Uncle Mark did it on purpose, but he made her dress like that, and now Robert misunderstood her again.

The dress she was wearing tonight was definitely appropriate. She couldn’t be misunderstood again, could she?

“Um… Master Miller… no…”

As soon as she spoke, Robert had already pulled away.

“Get some rest.” His phoenix eyes burned hotly, filled with restrained desire as he looked at Sophia before leaving.

Sophia lay in bed, her heart pounding. In a daze, she could still feel Robert’s breath lingering in her ears, making it impossible to fall asleep.

She walked out into the courtyard, feeling uneasy in the unfamiliar environment.

The cool breeze blew, making her shiver, but a small white figure by the lake caught her eye.

Startled, her heart raced. Sophia hurried over and picked up the small figure in her arms.

“Baby, you’re not allowed to come to the lake alone.” She held Anthony tightly in her arms and returned to her bedroom.

Anthony’s small body was tense. His pale lips were pursed, and his big black eyes were filled with fear as he looked at her.

Sophia knew about Anthony’s illness.

She smiled brightly and spoke gently. “Baby, why are you still awake so late?”

Anthony just stared at her without speaking.

“You’re too cold.” Sophia didn’t mind that Anthony wasn’t talking.

She just held him in her arms, using her body heat to warm him up. Then, she softly sang a lullaby.

Anthony seemed to feel her warmth, and he slowly relaxed in her embrace.

“Daddy…” His voice was soft and childish.

Sophia was startled and quickly turned toward the door, but Robert wasn’t back yet.

She was surprised and delighted, this was the first time Anthony had spoken to her.

“Your daddy isn’t here,” she soothed. “I don’t know where he’s sleeping, but it’s too late to search for him. Why don’t you sleep with me tonight? You’ll see him tomorrow, okay?”

Anthony looked up at Sophia with his big eyes and nodded after a moment.

Sophia hugged Anthony and lay back in the warm bed. The little boy curled up in her arms.

She tightened her grip on his small hands, giving him a sense of security that was important for a child with autism.

“Aren’t you afraid of me?” Anthony asked cautiously, tilting his head to look at her.

“Why would I be afraid of my baby?”

Sophia kissed his forehead gently. “You are the cutest person in the world, and I like you very much.”

Anthony’s calm eyes rippled slightly at Sophia’s kiss.

“You are warm and gentle, different from others. They say I’m a monster, and they all laugh at me,” he said.

Sophia was stunned, then softly told him, “You are not a monster. You are my cutest baby. Don’t listen to what others say. They only say mean things because they’re jealous of you.”

“What is cute?” Anthony asked, puzzled. “And what is jealousy?”

“Cute means something that I like.” Sophia patiently explained. “Jealousy… jealousy is a negative emotion.”

“Negative emotion…” Anthony looked confused at first, then a hint of understanding appeared in his eyes. “Cute is when you like me.”

“Yes, I like you, baby,” Sophia affirmed.

“Really?” Anthony asked timidly. “Are you saying that on purpose?”

“I really like you.” Sophia’s voice was sincere. “You are my favorite baby.”

A faint smile appeared on Anthony’s small face. He snuggled closer and rested his head on Sophia’s shoulder, closing his eyes.

“Can you sing that song again? I really like listening to it.”

“Sure.” Sophia sang softly.

The next morning, when Robert entered the bedroom, his eyes widened in surprise.

There were two people lying on the bed—his son, Anthony, with his little arms wrapped around Sophia’s neck, and his furrowed brow relaxed in sleep.

Sophia’s white arms held Anthony tightly, and she slept with a soft smile on her lips.

They looked as close as a real mother and son.

Robert walked over, bent down, and kissed Anthony’s forehead. Then, he lightly kissed Sophia’s lips.

When Sophia woke up, the first thing she saw was Anthony staring at her blankly. She paused for a moment, then smiled sweetly.

“Good morning, baby,” she greeted him with a bright smile.

Anthony blushed and stuttered, “G-g-good morning.”

“Madam, besides the young master, this is the first time he has been so close to someone,” Uncle Mark said happily. “Even Madam hasn’t received this treatment.”

Sophia didn’t have a good impression of Uncle Mark. After all, because of him, she had been misunderstood by Robert on the first night. But since she was a guest here, she couldn’t say anything.

“I like Anthony,” she said, looking at the little boy holding her hand tightly. “Does Anthony like me?”

Anthony nodded.

“Master is in the dining room. Please come this way,” Uncle Mark said happily.

To everyone’s surprise, Anthony didn’t run toward Robert when they reached the dining room. Instead, he held Sophia’s hand tightly and refused to let go.

“Anthony, this makes it difficult for your mother to serve breakfast,” Robert said softly.

“It’s okay, I can eat with one hand,” Sophia said. She glanced at Robert before playfully winking at Anthony. “Baby, can I feed you breakfast?”

Anthony nodded again.

Robert watched as Sophia carefully fed Anthony.

Meanwhile, outside the dining room, a few servants were whispering.

“The young master let her sleep with the little master last night. I don’t think this woman is a real wife—she can’t even be considered a lover.”

Sophia stopped in her tracks when she heard them talking about her.

“Whether she’s a wife or a lover, she’s definitely not the woman the young master truly likes. Otherwise, why hasn’t he married for so many years? I bet she’s just a nanny hired to take care of the little master.”

“I think so too. I heard the young master was deeply in love with Anthony’s mother. He’d rather die than marry someone else. Imagine how deep that love must have been! How could he possibly accept Sophia so easily?”

“Anyway, when the young master’s real wife returns, Sophia will have to leave. There can’t be two mistresses in the house.”

“And look at the little master… he looks like a monster. So scary. He’s like an evil spirit. He probably won’t live long anyway.”

“That kid… it’d be better if he died early. He’s always appearing out of nowhere like a ghost. Sometimes he shows up in the middle of the night, scaring people. If he dies early, at least he won’t scare me anymore!”

“Ma… Ma… Madam…” One of the maids turned pale when she saw Sophia standing there. “Madam, what are you doing here?”