Breaking Point

The days following their tense family dinner brought no relief. If anything, the tension only intensified, leaving Bobby and Sophia feeling like strangers passing in the same house. Sophia had approached her father, asking him to lighten her workload a bit, but Henry, while sympathetic, insisted that sometimes the business demanded her attention and he's already lightened once. Despite Sophia's protests, the weight of expectations continued pressing heavily upon her.

One evening, Bobby found himself alone again with the triplets. Lily sat nearby, focused intently on her crayons and paper, her eyes serious and thoughtful, exactly like Sophia's when deep in thought. Isabella was exploring nearby, her curious little fingers grasping at everything, giggling as she waved a soft toy in triumph. Caleb was nestled comfortably in Bobby's lap, his tiny hands gripping his father's shirt tightly, quietly observing everything around him with wide, calm eyes.

Bobby smiled softly, savoring this moment, but his heart felt heavy. He adored every second with the kids, but he missed having Sophia beside him, sharing these memories. Just then, his phone vibrated—a message from Sophia, short and apologetic:

Late client dinner again. So sorry. Don't wait up.

Bobby stared at the message for a moment, his frustration slowly building. The same old story repeated night after night. He replied with a short, emotionless text:

Understood.

Sighing heavily, he put down the phone and leaned forward to softly kiss Caleb's head, refusing to let his disappointment ruin his evening.

On the other side of town, Sophia sat at the fancy restaurant, the ambiance swirling around her. Though there was a din of chatter and laughter, she felt hollow. Her client had finally departed, and now she sat alone at the table, drained.

"Difficult night?" a familiar voice spoke from behind her, and she stiffened immediately.

She turned around slowly to discover Daniel behind her, his suit giving him a sharp look, his confident grin friendly yet disturbing.

"What are you doing here?" Sophia asked, trying to hide her surprise and irritation.

"I was meeting an associate," Daniel replied smoothly, pulling out a chair and sitting down without waiting for her invitation. "Saw you sitting alone. Thought I'd say hello."

Sophia sighed softly. "I was just leaving."

Daniel studied her, noticing the tiredness in her eyes. "You're pushing yourself too hard, Sophia. I've seen it every day at work. When was the last time you took a break?"

She rubbed her temples gently. "I can't afford a break right now."

Daniel leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice. "Listen, I know we have our... history. But as a friend, let me just tell you—you look like you're about to break. Take care of yourself. Don't lose yourself trying to be everything to everyone."

Sophia felt a pang in her chest. "It's not that easy."

Daniel stood up slowly, giving her a last look. "Just think about it. And if you ever want to talk to someone, you know where to find me."

Sophia watched him go, his words unsettling her. Daniel had always had the ability to say something to unsettle her, but she ignored the feeling. She wanted to just head home, but she knew what she'd find there wouldn't be good either.

Hours later, Sophia arrived home, visibly exhausted, slipping into their bedroom quietly, careful not to wake Bobby. However, as she approached the bed, he stirred, turning toward her.

"You're home late again," he whispered, voice flat.

Sophia hesitated, hearing the unmistakable hurt behind his words. "I know. I'm sorry—Dad said this client—"

"Your dad," Bobby interrupted bitterly, sitting up slowly. "Always your dad. Always clients. Always excuses."

Sophia flinched at his tone, suddenly defensive. "You think I want this? Do you think I prefer client dinners over being home with my family?"

Bobby's eyes flashed with frustration. "Honestly, Sophia, I don't know anymore."

Sophia's voice trembled, tears filling her eyes. "Bobby, Like I said last time I'm doing this for us—"

"For us?" Bobby snapped, standing now, voice rising with uncharacteristic anger. "You're barely home! You haven't seen the kids awake in days. How is this helping our family?"

Sophia stared at him, stunned by his intensity. "I know I'm struggling, but I'm trying to balance everything—"

"You're not balancing anything," Bobby retorted sharply. "I'm carrying everything our family alone, Sophia. our home, our children—where are you in all this? Knight Industries is just as busy and yet I still make time!"

Her eyes widened, hurt deeply. "I can't believe you'd say that."

"I can't believe you don't see it!" he shot back, voice shaking. "I feel alone, Sophia! I feel abandoned. Is this family just an obligation to you now?"

Sophia stared at him, utterly shattered. "How can you ask me that? I love you. But I have responsibilities—"

"You're my wife and a mother first!" Bobby shouted desperately, immediately regretting the outburst as silence filled the room.

Sophia's tears streamed down her face, voice barely audible. "I'm doing my best."

Bobby took a deep breath, softening slightly. "I know you are. But I cannot keep going on like this. Something has to give, Sophia, or we won't survive."

She stood frozen to the spot, listening to his words, her heart breaking. Bobby sighed deeply, shaking his head.

"I need some air," he said, walking past her without another glance.

As he left, Sophia fell onto the bed, weeping silently, completely overwhelmed. Daniel's earlier words echoed uncomfortably in her mind, making her doubt everything even more.

Bobby drove aimlessly, his thoughts racing. He finally pulled over into an empty parking lot, resting his forehead on the steering wheel, gasping for breath. How did things get this out of control? How did he and Sophia, who had been inseparable, become apart so fast?

His phone beeped suddenly, breaking the silence. He glared at it, half-wishing to find Sophia's name, but saw Lena's.

"Hey, how are you?" Lena's soft voice rang over the phone once he picked up.

He exhaled shakily, his voice strained. "Honestly, Lena? Im not doing to well right now."

"What happened?" she asked gently, sensing his turmoil.

"Things with Sophia are unraveling," he admitted painfully. "We just had a huge fight. I lost my temper—I said things I shouldn't have."

Lena paused thoughtfully. "Bobby, you both love each other. You're both exhausted, frustrated, and under too much pressure. Maybe you both just need a reset. Take a step back—focus on your family for a while."

"That's all I want," he whispered. "But she won't slow down."

Lena sighed softly. "Just don't give up yet. Talk to her again, calmly. And Bobby—don't forget, she's struggling too."

Bobby closed his eyes, Lena's words hitting home. "Thanks, Lena. I'll try."

Returning home late, Bobby quietly entered the house, expecting to find Sophia asleep. Instead, he discovered her sitting in the living room, waiting, her eyes red and puffy.

"Bobby," she whispered, getting up slowly. "Don't leave again."

He walked slowly toward her, speaking softly now. "I'm not going anywhere. I had to clear my head."

Sophia appeared hesitantly, desperation etched on her face. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for disappointing you."

Bobby sighed deeply, holding her hands in his. "Sophia, I'm sorry too. I didn't mean to hurt you before—I was angry, frustrated. But I meant what I said. Something has to change."

She nodded slowly, tears slipping down her cheeks. "I'll talk to my dad again, I'll find a way. I swear to you, Bobby—I can't lose our family."

He cupped her face gently, gazing deeply into her eyes. "I don't want to lose you either."

They held each other tightly, desperately trying to repair the fractures, clinging to the love they knew was still there beneath the weight of expectations and stress.

As Sophia closed her eyes, Daniel's advice echoed once more. A part of her resented him, yet another part wondered if perhaps, in some twisted way, he was right. She needed to find balance before she lost everything.

But tonight wasn't for solutions. Tonight was simply about surviving.