Chapter 188: Scars of the Past, Bonds of Love

Sophia sat quietly for a moment before speaking. "You know, Mariana, I wasn't always this composed. As a child, I had a dominant and stubborn personality. I wanted everything my way." Mariana raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You remind me of my ex-husband, Tiago. He is a lot like that—always needing control. It could be tiring to deal with." Sophia gave a small, rueful smile. "I suppose it can be exhausting. But back then, I didn't see it that way. I just wanted what I thought was best." Laura's apparent happiness with Hailey sparked a question in Mariana's mind. "Laura seems so happy with Hailey. Do you think she might be uncomfortable with you sometimes, Sophia?" Sophia sighed, her eyes clouding with memories. "When we first adopted Laura, I wanted complete control over her. I refused to share her with anyone else. I even insisted that she attend the same school and be in the same class as me, despite our age difference." Mariana listened intently, sensing the depth of Sophia's co