Villain Ch 159. Guilt And Redemption [Part 1]
Sophia watched as Allen moved ahead, his back straight and his steps resolute. Despite the anger and resentment he had displayed earlier, she couldn't help but notice a subtle transformation in his demeanor. His tense features softened, and a faint smile curved his lips as he engaged in conversation with Alice and Bella. But what made her heart sink was how Vivian's hand clasped Allen's, the touch gentle and reassuring. Sophia couldn't deny the pang of jealousy that surged within her. She had once been the one to hold his hand, to share moments of intimacy and affection.
'It should be me... You used to give it to me...' Sophia's thoughts echoed bitterly in her mind. Her heart clenched with a mix of jealousy and envy, transforming into a tangled knot of emotions within her chest. She couldn't help but reminisce about the times when Allen's attention was solely focused on her when he would shower her with affection and go above and beyond to make her feel special. But now, seeing him bestow that same level of devotion upon others left her feeling a deep ache.
Sophia fixated her gaze on Allen, unable to tear her eyes away as he walked alongside the three new women aside from the firsts. There were six of them that walk aside with him now! It made her surprised about how popular he was.
As if she was under a spell, compelled to witness the unraveling of what was once theirs. The sight of him completely engrossed in their presence stabbed at her heart, a painful reminder of the connection they once shared. She longed to chase after him, to lay claim to him as her own, but reality weighed heavily upon her—she had physically and emotionally lost him.
"Sophia," Elio's concerned voice jolted her out of her reverie, accompanied by a gentle tap on her shoulder. She turned to face Elio, his worry etched across his face, mirrored by Gilbert and the rest of their group. Their collective gaze bore into her, filled with curiosity and concern.
Forcing a smile onto her lips, Sophia attempted to alleviate the tension that hung in the air. But her smile held a bitter edge, unable to mask the turmoil within her. "Sorry, I've dragged you all into this," she muttered apologetically as she took her seat once again.
An uneasiness settled within her, stemming from both the debacle of their initial encounter and the revelation of her past with Allen. But what unsettled her the most was the knowledge that they now knew of her betrayal—a fear gripping her heart that they might come to despise her, much like Allen did.
As she settled back into her seat, Sophia couldn't help but feel the weight of their gazes upon her. They were friends who had stood by her side, offering their unwavering support. Yet, now they were privy to her past mistakes, aware of the pain she had caused Allen and the ensuing rift that had formed between them. The fear of their judgment gnawed at her, casting a shadow over the once vibrant camaraderie they shared.
"It's all good, Sophia. We're a team, remember?" Jacob, the red-haired guy who played as INeedAHotGF, chimed in, attempting to uplift her spirits. He had caught on to the fact that Sophia and Allen had a past relationship from their earlier conversation. It didn't go unnoticed by the rest of the group either, and they were determined to offer their support.
"Yeah, let's all just take a seat and try to enjoy ourselves," Elio chimed in, his voice laced with a hint of optimism. He gestured for everyone to settle back into their seats, hoping to lighten the atmosphere.
Following Elio's lead, they all resumed their places at the table. Elio caught the attention of a passing server and requested an additional menu book, ensuring that they had enough options to choose from.
"Order whatever you want, it's on me," Elio declared with a warm smile. The simple act of indulging in a satisfying meal had the power to alleviate tension and bring a sense of comfort.
"Woah, Elio's really stepping up as the leader here," Gilbert exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. It wasn't just about the free meal for him. Gilbert had his own money and could easily afford to treat himself, but there was something about this gesture that brought a sense of joy after the tense encounter.
Elio's attention shifted to Sophia, his gaze filled with compassion. "Sophia, you too. Don't hold back, order whatever you want," he urged her, his voice gentle and reassuring.
Sophia nodded, trying to comply with Elio's suggestion. She scanned the menu, her eyes moving from one dish to another, but nothing seemed to catch her interest. The words on the pages blurred together, her lack of appetite making it difficult for her to find something that appealed to her taste buds. She looked around the table, observing the boys as they deliberated over their choices, with Elio joining in the process.
Her uneasiness grew as she placed the menu book on the table. Her heart raced as she mustered up the courage to speak. The weight of her past actions loomed over her, filling her with doubts and insecurities. She needed to know where she stood with these newfound companions.
"Guys, can I ask you something?" Sophia finally spoke up, her voice trembling slightly. The group turned their attention toward her, their eyes filled with curiosity and a genuine desire to understand.
"Sure," Jacob replied, his tone light but attentive.
Sophia hesitated for a moment, her gaze fixated on the table. "You heard what Allen said... about my betrayal. Don't you... don't you hate me?" Her voice wavered with a mixture of fear and vulnerability, her eyes still avoiding direct contact with the others.
The question hung in the air, creating a moment of tension as the group exchanged glances. They seemed to understand the weight of Sophia's words and the significance behind her question. After a brief silence, one by one, they shook their heads and voiced their response.
"No," Gilbert replied, his voice filled with sincerity.
Elio chimed in, his tone reassuring, "We don't hold any hatred towards you."
Sophia dared to steal a glance at each of their faces, searching for any signs of deception or ill will. Instead, she found genuine expressions of understanding and acceptance. Their words resonated within her, gradually eroding the walls of guilt and self-doubt she had built around herself.
"We're a team," Jacob added, his voice laced with conviction. "We're here to support each other, not to dwell on the mistakes of the past."