C11 Not That Lucky..

Sonia Reed sat silently in Toby Fuller's car as they made their way to the Fuller family's ancestral home.

Nestled in the suburbs, Old Mrs. Fuller preferred the tranquility of her surroundings. A devout Buddhist, she was attended to by only a handful of maidservants.

Upon arrival, they were greeted by the old lady's coughing.

"Stand at the door," she instructed Toby with a pale, weary face, before leading Sonia inside.

"I never imagined such a turn of events would happen so soon after my departure. Sonia, you acted rashly," the old lady chided, referring to Sonia's recent divorce from Toby.

Sonia approached and took the old lady's hand with her customary warmth, offering a gentle smile. "You should be pleased for me, Old Mrs. Fuller. At last, I can be true to myself."

The old lady glanced reproachfully at Toby, still waiting outside, her voice tinged with sadness. "He's lost you, and now you address me so formally."

"Grandmother," Sonia uttered, taken aback.

The old lady caressed her hand. "I've witnessed your affection for Toby over the years. Can you truly let go?"

Sonia's heart was heavy. "I have no other choice."

Embracing her, the old lady consoled, "I understand why you and Toby divorced. I always knew this day might come."

Leaning into the old lady's embrace, Sonia found solace. Throughout her time with the Fullers, the old lady had been her sole source of kindness, a presence that made even Ruth Lee and Axel Fuller tread carefully. To Sonia, she was family.

Though she didn't regret the divorce, Sonia felt a pang of sorrow at the thought of no longer being there for her.

"Sonia, if Toby ever realizes his mistake, would you consider returning?" The old lady's voice held a note of hope, despite her reluctance to see Sonia go.

But Sonia was far from naive. She knew that only Khloe could sway Toby's stubborn heart, not her.

A sad smile flickered on Sonia's lips. "He never truly cared for me. I should've seen it five years ago."

Sensing the gravity of Sonia's words, the old lady's expression grew somber.

"Grandmother, whether or not I remain your granddaughter-in-law, I will always be the Sonia Reed who holds you in high regard," Sonia reassured her with a smile. "Please, be happy and look after your health. Leave the rest to me."

Outside, Toby Fuller stood in silence, acutely aware of the bond between Sonia and his grandmother. Despite his feelings towards Sonia, he couldn't ignore her dedication to the old lady. Even in the face of Ruth and Axel's disdain, she had been a pillar of support.

His resentment towards Sonia for Khloe's accident was palpable, yet her kindness to his grandmother couldn't be overlooked. In letting her go, he extended a final gesture of grace.

Time passed before the two women emerged.

"Sonia, do visit me when you can. I fear I don't have many years left," the old lady said, her voice weak.

"You have many years ahead, and I'll visit often," Sonia promised.

Toby stepped forward. "Let me drive you."

Sonia's response was cool and distant. "I have a ride." She walked towards the waiting Maybach, where Connor and a male model greeted her with laughter and conversation. The sight stung Toby unexpectedly.

The old lady, struggling with her breath, managed to say, "I'm too old to meddle in your affairs now, but Toby, I do hope you won't live to regret this."

Disappointment etched on her face, the old lady who had once showered Toby with affection turned away, assisted by her maid.

Left alone at the doorway, Toby Fuller's expression was unreadable, his heart resolute.

He would harbor no regrets.