A New Obsession

**Richard's POV**

The morning felt heavy, the air thick with the sense that something was about to change. I sat alone in my office, my eyes fixed on the pile of documents in front of me, though I wasn't really seeing them. The routine had become a constant, a way to keep my mind occupied, to avoid the thoughts that kept returning, always centered on Charlotte—or rather, Sophia, as I had just discovered.

Over the past few years, I had maintained the facade of a successful and fulfilled man. Vanessa was always by my side, playing her role with a dedication that bordered on desperation, but for me, everything felt colorless, lifeless. I was operating on autopilot, fulfilling my obligations without any real interest. The only thing that still drove me was the idea of finding her.

My phone rang, interrupting my dark thoughts. I glanced at the screen and recognized the number immediately. It was an unknown number, but something in me knew that this call was important. I answered, hoping for some news, maybe a lead, but what I heard changed everything.

"Mr. Anderson," the voice on the other end was firm, professional, but carried a weight I hadn't expected. "I am the attorney representing Charlotte... I mean, Sophia Carson. She has filed for divorce. The papers were filed this morning."

For a moment, the world around me stopped. The attorney's words echoed in my mind, each one cutting like a cold blade. Divorce. She was finally severing the last tie that bound us. Charlotte—or Sophia—had taken full control, and now, she was trying to erase what was left of our life together.

"Divorce?" I repeated, the anger beginning to bubble beneath the surface of my calm exterior. "Does she really think she can just erase me from her life like that?"

"I understand this may come as a shock, Mr. Anderson," the attorney continued, his voice maintaining its neutral tone. "But my client is determined to move on. The request is clear, and all legal matters have been carefully prepared. Mrs. Carson is willing to reach an amicable agreement, but she has made it clear that she wants to close this chapter as quickly as possible."

The word "amicable" made me laugh, a bitter sound that held no humor. Amicable? How could she expect me to treat this as something amicable? She had run away, taken my children, vanished without a trace, and now she wanted me to simply sign papers and move on?

"I'll need time to review these documents," I replied, my tone icy. "But know that it won't be as simple as she thinks. Tell your client that this is far from over."

"I understand, Mr. Anderson. I’ll be available to discuss any terms," the attorney said before hanging up.

I stood there with the phone in my hand, my mind racing in a thousand directions. Charlotte had returned, not in the way I expected, but as a woman who had not only survived—she had thrived. Sophia Carson, a strong, independent woman, was now trying to sever the last connection she had with me.

The fact that she had returned to the city without my knowledge, without my investigators picking up even a whisper, was an affront in itself. She was smarter, more cautious. But that also meant she was making a mistake by underestimating how far I was willing to go to not lose what was left.

As I reflected on the call, I began to formulate a new plan in my mind. I needed to understand who she had become, what drove her now. The divorce was just the first step toward what she wanted—complete freedom. But I couldn’t allow her to obtain that so easily.

There was much more at stake now. It wasn’t just a matter of pride or control, but of reclaiming what I believed to be mine by right. Charlotte may have transformed into Sophia, but deep down, she was still the woman who betrayed me, who tried to escape the consequences of her choices. And I, Richard Anderson, was not someone who left things unresolved.

Vanessa walked into the office shortly after, her expression cautious, as always. She sensed the tension in the air and hesitated at the door, her eyes searching for some sign of what might be happening.

"Richard, you seem upset. Did something happen?" she asked, her voice tinged with superficial concern.

I looked at her, pondering for a brief moment whether I should share the news. But what could she do? Vanessa, despite all her efforts, would never be someone I could share what truly mattered with.

"I'm fine," I replied curtly. "Just some issues to resolve."

She nodded, clearly dissatisfied with the lack of detail, but knew that pressing further would only lead to frustration. "If you need anything, I'll be in the garden."

When she left, my mind returned to the problem at hand. The divorce filing had changed everything. It wasn’t just a formality; it was a declaration of war. And if Charlotte thought she could win, she was gravely mistaken.

I stood up, walking to the window of the office, looking out over the city below. The battle was just beginning. Sophia Carson had no idea what was coming, but I was more than ready to remind her of who I was and what I was capable of.

The anger I felt was fuel, and my determination was an unbreakable fortress. I would not let her disappear again, I would not let her sever all ties without facing the consequences. This time, she would have to confront the past she tried to leave behind.

With one last look out the window, I returned to my desk. The next steps needed to be calculated with precision. Charlotte—no, Sophia—had delivered the first blow, but I would ensure that the final strike would be mine.