Unexpected Visits

**Sophia's Point of View (formerly Charlotte)**

The next day dawned with a sense of lightness I hadn’t expected to feel after the confrontation with Vanessa. The meeting with the investor had been a success, despite all the tension hanging over me. My fashion line was about to be launched, marking an important milestone in the new life I had built. It was confirmation that all my effort, all the sacrifices, were paying off.

As I dressed that morning, I reflected on how much had changed. The frightened and lost girl who ran away years ago had transformed into a confident and accomplished woman. Sophia Carson was now a well-known name in the fashion world, and soon, my new collection would be on the shelves of the most exclusive stores. This success, this new identity, was proof that I had overcome the past—or at least, that’s what I kept telling myself.

But despite all the professional victories, there was a shadow I couldn’t ignore. The meeting with Vanessa had made it clear that the battle for my children and control over their lives was far from over. And I knew Richard wouldn’t stay out of this fight.

I went downstairs for breakfast, trying to stay calm and prepare myself for what might come next. I took a sip of coffee, feeling the warmth spread through my body as I watched the morning news on television. But before I could fully relax, I heard a knock on the door of my room.

I walked to the door, trying not to let the anxiety show on my face. When I opened it, I was face to face with Richard. He stood there, at the entrance, with a determined expression that made me realize that what I had feared had become a reality—he was here to see the children.

"Richard," I said, trying to keep my voice steady, but feeling the knot of tension tighten in my stomach.

"Sophia," he replied, his voice firm and controlled. "I came to see my children."

I knew this moment would come, but I hadn’t expected it so soon. As much as I wanted to deny him that right, I knew the legal battle would be long and complicated, and that, in the end, he had rights as a father.

"The children are still sleeping," I informed him, trying to buy time, trying to process what I should do next.

He wasn’t deterred. "I can wait," he said, stepping into the room without a formal invitation.

I closed the door behind him, feeling his presence fill the space. The air seemed heavier, loaded with everything we weren’t saying. Richard looked around, his eyes lingering for a moment on the toys scattered across the floor, on the small mess the children had made before going to bed.

"Sophia," he began, breaking the silence, "I know this isn’t easy for you, but I’m not going to stay out of their lives."

I stared at him, trying to understand his intentions, but also trying to maintain my firm stance. "I never said you’d be kept out, Richard. But I need to ensure they’re safe, that they’re not affected by our... history."

He looked at me, his eyes searching for something in mine. "I don’t want to fight with you, Sophia. But I’m also not going to be pushed out of my children’s lives."

I sighed, feeling the weight of the situation. I knew he was serious, that he was willing to fight for them just as I was. And that meant we’d need to find a way to coexist, at least until everything was resolved.

"I understand, Richard," I finally replied, my voice softer. "But we need to do this the right way, without rushing. The children are still adjusting to this new life, and I need to ensure everything is done at the right pace."

He nodded, though I could see he wasn’t entirely satisfied. "I know you want what’s best for them, Sophia. And I do too. But I’m not going to wait forever."

Before I could respond, I heard soft footsteps in the hallway. I turned and saw a small figure standing at the bedroom door, rubbing sleepy eyes.

"Mama?" my son’s soft, sleepy voice echoed through the room.

Richard turned immediately, his face softening at the sight of his son. He took a step towards the child, and my heart tightened. I knew I couldn’t stop this moment, no matter how difficult it was for me.

"Hey, buddy," Richard said, kneeling to be at his son’s level. "I was waiting to see you."

But my son didn’t respond with the enthusiasm Richard expected. Instead, he looked at me with a confused expression, as if asking who this man was in front of him. My heart tightened even more.

"Who is he, Mama?" my son asked, his small voice full of uncertainty.

The simple question hit like a punch to the stomach. Richard blinked, as if the reality of the situation had finally hit him. He looked at me, his eyes filled with a mixture of surprise and pain. I knew he was realizing, at that moment, the price he paid for being absent from their lives.

"This is your father," I replied, my voice trembling slightly. "Remember Mama talked about him?"

My son looked at Richard again, his expression still hesitant. He didn’t recognize his own father, and that was something none of us were prepared to face.

Richard slowly stood up, the pain evident on his face. "I... I’m your father, yes," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "I know we haven’t met before, but I’m here now."

The situation was unsustainable. I couldn’t allow my children to be exposed to this confusion, this mix of emotions and uncertainties. But I also knew I couldn’t simply push Richard away.

"Maybe it’s better to give them some time to get used to the idea," I suggested gently. "This is all very new to them."

Richard nodded, his gaze lost as he tried to process everything that was happening. "I just want to know them, Sophia. I just want to be part of their lives."

I knew that was the truth. As much as I wanted to protect my children, I also knew that Richard had the right to know them. But that didn’t change the fact that this process would be painful for all of us.

"We’ll do this together," I responded, trying to find a middle ground. "But we need to go slow, Richard. They need time to understand who you are."

He looked into my eyes, and for a moment, there was a silent understanding between us. This battle would be long and full of obstacles, but for now, we needed to take it one step at a time.

Richard slowly approached his son, who still watched him cautiously. "Can I tell you a story?" he asked, trying to create a connection.

My son hesitated but finally nodded, still not fully approaching. It was a small step, but it was a beginning.

As I watched them, sitting on the edge of the bed, I felt a mix of emotions that was hard to define. I knew this was the beginning of a new phase, and that as much as I wanted to protect my children, I also needed to find a way to allow Richard to be present.

But that didn’t mean I wasn’t ready to fight for what I believed was best for them. The road ahead would be difficult, but I was determined to face it with all the strength I had within me.