Traps of Deception

**Point of View: Richard**

I left the house with a heavy heart, Vanessa's words still echoing in my mind. She had planted a seed of doubt so deep that I couldn't think of anything else. Each step I took seemed to sink me further into confusion. Sophia, Vanessa, the children—everything was becoming entangled in a web of lies and manipulations that I could no longer distinguish what was real.

As I got into the car, ready to drive to the office, my phone rang again. Seeing my mother's name on the screen, a mixture of relief and apprehension washed over me. My mother had always been a strong presence in my life, but she rarely called without a significant reason.

"Mom," I answered, trying to keep my voice calm.

"Richard," she began, with that firm tone only she had. "I'm in town and will be at your house in a few minutes. We need to talk."

A pang of concern shot through me. My mother wasn't one for casual visits. If she was coming, it meant something was wrong, something she needed to discuss in person. "Okay, Mom. I'll be here."

I hung up the phone and drove back home, feeling the tension rise with each mile. When I arrived, Vanessa was still in the living room, but to my surprise, she wasn't the one who greeted me. My mother was already there, sitting with the upright posture and serious expression I knew so well.

"Richard," she said, standing to hug me as soon as I entered. "We need to talk, and it's urgent."

Vanessa was beside her, with a controlled expression, but I could see a slight smile at the corner of her lips. Something inside me stirred. What was going on? Why did Vanessa seem so comfortable with my mother's presence?

"Mom, what's going on?" I asked, looking from one to the other, a chill running down my spine.

"Richard, sit down," my mother said, gesturing to the sofa. "We have some things to discuss, and it's better you know everything now."

I sat down, discomfort growing. Vanessa moved closer and sat beside me, placing a reassuring hand on my knee, but the tension between us was undeniable.

"Richard," my mother began, her voice firm and unwavering. "I came here to tell you that I fully support Vanessa. She's acting in your best interest, and it's time for you to stop letting Sophia deceive you."

Her words hit me like an unexpected blow. I had never imagined that my mother would side with Vanessa, especially on such a delicate matter.

"Mom, what are you saying? Do you think Sophia is lying to me?"

"Absolutely," she replied without hesitation. "Vanessa came to me because she was worried about you, and I agreed she was right to do so. I've seen some of the evidence she's gathered, and it's very convincing, Richard. Sophia is manipulating you, and it's time you see that."

I looked at Vanessa, who maintained the expression of someone who knew exactly what they were doing. My stomach churned, and the doubts I had been trying to push away returned with full force.

"I don't know what to think," I murmured, feeling crushed by the weight of the situation.

Vanessa squeezed my hand tighter. "Richard, we're here to help you. Both your mother and I want what's best for you. Sophia is just trying to trap you in a cycle of lies and manipulation."

My mother nodded, endorsing Vanessa's words. "You need to make a decision, Richard. If you keep going like this, you'll lose everything you've built, including the trust of the people who truly care about you."

Their words were like poison slowly seeping into my mind. I wanted to believe my mother was telling the truth, that Vanessa was acting in my best interest, but part of me still resisted. Sophia had always been a complex figure in my life, but to use her as an excuse to justify what was happening... that was hard to swallow.

"I just want to protect my children," I said, my voice low.

"And that's exactly what we're trying to do," Vanessa responded, her voice full of compassion. "Sophia knows the children are your weakness, and she's using that against you. But you can stop her from continuing this game, Richard. We're here to support you, but you need to act before it's too late."

My mother stood up, walking over to me and placing her hands on my shoulders. "Richard, I know this is difficult for you, but think about what's at stake. Think about your children, your family. Vanessa and I only want what's best for everyone."

The pressure on me was becoming unbearable. Everything I knew was being challenged, and I was being forced to make a decision that could change everything.

"I'll... think about it," I said, trying to buy some time. "But I need to do this alone."

Vanessa and my mother exchanged a quick glance, but both nodded.

"Of course, Richard," my mother said softly. "But don't take too long. The longer you hesitate, the more power Sophia will have over you."