The Decisive Meeting

**Sophia’s POV (formerly Charlotte)**

The morning was clear, but the sky seemed heavy with the anticipation of what was to come. The meeting I had both feared and awaited had finally arrived. It was time to face Richard again, this time in a formal setting, surrounded by lawyers and legal documents. But deep down, I knew this meeting would be much more than just discussing divorce terms or custody of the children. It would be a test of strength, control, and perhaps, of who we had become after everything we had been through.

I dressed carefully that morning, choosing an outfit that conveyed exactly what I wanted: strength, confidence, and the new identity I had created as Sophia. Every detail, from the cut of my dress to the discreet accessories, was designed to reinforce the image of the successful and independent woman I had become. I looked at my reflection in the mirror and saw a woman who, despite internal battles, was ready to face anything.

When I arrived at my lawyer’s office, a wave of anxiety washed over me, but I pushed it to the back of my mind. I needed to stay focused, not letting Richard detect any sign of weakness. I entered the building with firm steps, determined to show that, no matter how much the past still haunted me, I was in control.

In the meeting room, my lawyer was already waiting. He stood up when I entered, offering a reassuring smile that helped ease some of the tension. "Good morning, Sophia. Are you ready for this?"

I nodded, trying to ignore the unease growing inside me. "Yes, I’m ready."

We sat at the table, and he began to review the points we would discuss with Richard and his lawyer. The strategy was clear: protect my children’s interests at all costs. I was prepared to fight, but I knew I would need to stay calm and objective, especially in front of Richard.

Time seemed to drag until I finally heard the sound of the door opening. My heart skipped a beat, but I kept my expression neutral as Richard entered the room, followed closely by his lawyer. He looked as controlled and imposing as ever, but there was something in his eyes that made me realize he was also preparing for a battle.

He gave me a piercing look before sitting across the table. For a moment, our eyes met, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. It was as if our entire past was present in that room, invisible but palpable, hanging between us. But I didn’t let it shake me. I kept my posture straight, my eyes locked on his, daring him to try to break my determination.

The meeting began tensely, with the lawyers discussing the legal aspects of the divorce and custody. I tried to focus on the technical words, but part of my mind was occupied by the fact that Richard was so close. It wasn’t just his physical presence that affected me, but also the memory of everything we had lived through together, the love I once felt for him that now seemed so distant but not entirely extinguished.

At one point, the discussion turned to the custody of our children. Richard made it clear that he wanted access to them, that he had the right to be part of their lives. Every word he said was loaded with intention, and I knew he was testing my limits, seeing how far I was willing to go to keep him away.

"Sophia," he finally said, his voice low but heavy with a gravity that couldn’t be ignored. "No matter what happened between us, they are still my children. You can’t keep me from seeing them."

I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "Richard, I understand your position, but I need to protect our children. They’re happy now, and my priority is to maintain that stability. We need to find a solution that’s best for them."

"A solution that’s best for them?" he repeated, a tone of challenge in his voice. "Or a solution that’s best for you?"

I felt the heat of anger rise within me, but I controlled the emotion. "I’m thinking of their well-being, Richard. And you should too."

There was a tense silence in the room, broken only by the sound of the lawyers whispering among themselves, reviewing the documents. I knew this was just the beginning of a long negotiation, but every word exchanged seemed to carry immense weight, as if we were playing a chess game where every move could determine our children’s future.

Finally, after a heated discussion, we reached a point where the lawyers needed to review some specific terms. My lawyer suggested we take a short break, and everyone agreed. I stood up, ready to leave the room for a few minutes, but then I heard Richard’s voice, soft yet firm, calling me.

"Sophia, can we talk for a moment? Alone."

I hesitated for a moment, knowing this conversation could be exactly what he wanted—a chance to try and rattle me, to exploit any weakness. But I also knew that if I walked away, I’d be giving him exactly what he wanted. I needed to show I wasn’t afraid.

"Of course," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady and controlled.

The lawyers left the room, leaving us alone. For a moment, there was only silence, a silence heavy with everything that hadn’t been said between us in the last three years.

"Sophia," he began, breaking the silence. "I never thought we’d get to this point. I never thought you’d actually be able to disappear like that."

"I did what I had to do," I replied, trying to maintain control over my emotions. "You didn’t leave me any other choice."

He nodded slowly, as if processing my words. "And now? Do you really think you can keep this up? Raising our children alone, without me being part of their lives?"

"I’m not alone, Richard," I responded, feeling anger mix with an unexpected sadness. "I have everything I need to give them a good life. And yes, I believe I can keep doing this if necessary."

He took a step toward me, and for a moment, I saw something different in his eyes—not the coldness or anger I expected, but something softer, more human. "Sophia, I know I made mistakes. I know I hurt you. But I also know there’s still something between us. Something you’re trying to ignore, but it hasn’t disappeared."

His words hit me hard, but I refused to let him see the impact they had. "There’s nothing between us anymore, Richard. Whatever was there, I left it behind."

He didn’t respond immediately, just kept watching me, as if trying to read my thoughts, trying to find a crack in my facade. "You can try to convince yourself of that, Sophia. But we both know it’s not that simple."

Before I could respond, the lawyers returned to the room, bringing with them the formality that had been interrupted. The meeting continued, but I knew Richard’s words would stay with me, echoing in my mind long after this was over.

He had planted a seed of doubt, and I hated the idea that he might be right. I hated the possibility that, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t simply erase him from my life, or from my heart.

As the meeting drew to a close, I realized this battle was far from over. I had won a few rounds, but the game was still in play. And regardless of what I felt, I knew I couldn’t let Richard win.

I would come out victorious in this fight, not just for myself but for my children. But at the same time, I knew I had to face the truth of what I still felt for Richard, and that was something I could no longer ignore.