Sophia was scrolling through her phone when it buzzed with an incoming call from her younger brother.
"Hello Ethan, is Mom okay?" She asked, worried. "Hey, Soph, Mom is okay for now, but the doctor said the surgery can't be delayed any longer. What should we do?" Her brother's voice came, and she could tell how worried he was. Sophia panicked too, but still managed to compose herself. "How many days do we have to schedule for the surgery?" She asked. "We have 3 days, or Mom can't make it past that. Soph is Marcus not going to help Mom?" he asked, his voice hopeful. "I'll try to talk to him again. Don't worry Ethan, we will find a way." She comforted her brother even if she didn't know how they could raise the money. After ending the call, she stood at the massive window of Marcus’ villa, looking out over gardens so pristine and endless they looked surreal. The perfectly trimmed hedges and the sparkling marble walkway all screamed of wealth and power. But to her, it was all just a beautiful cage, mocking her emptiness. This was Marcus’ house, not hers. Three years of marriage, and yet she felt like little more than a fixture, as untouched as the pricey paintings on the wall. Their marriage had never even been consummated. Marcus, once eager and affectionate, now hardly even looked at her. Back when they were dating, he had tried to be close, to get intimate. But Sophia, raised with strict values, had always insisted on waiting until marriage. Now, after three cold years, she couldn’t help but wonder if that choice had cost her everything. Pushing aside her thoughts, she went to look for him. She wanted to try again to ask for his help with her mother's surgery. She knocked on his study door, trying to brace herself for what she knew would be a difficult conversation. “Marcus, can we talk?” Her voice was tentative, but there was a thread of hope in it. He looked up from his laptop, his expression already irritated. “What is it, Sophia? I’m busy. If it's about your mother, I already said I don't have the money. Our company is undertaking a very important project and we can't afford to withdraw a large amount of money” Sophia swallowed hard, trying to suppress the pain she felt in her heart. It was clear that whether her mother survived or died didn't matter to him at all. She bit her lower lip before changing the topic. “Then can we talk about our marriage? It’s falling apart, Marcus.” She held onto the doorframe to keep herself steady. He scoffed, barely sparing her a glance. “Sophia, I don’t have time for this right now. We’ll talk later.” “Later?” Her voice rose, frustration spilling over. “It’s always ‘later’ with you! I can’t do this anymore. You’re never here, and when you are, it’s like I don’t even exist.” He turned back to his screen with a dismissive wave. “Enough. This conversation is over.” Her heart sank, but she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing her cry. She turned and closed the door behind her quietly, retreating to her bedroom. Dinner time came and went; he didn’t bother to show up, just like every other night. She left for the kitchen. She needed something to eat despite everything. She stood in the kitchen, her gaze distant as she poured a packet of noodles into the pot. Steam rose, filling the air with a faint, savory aroma that hardly registered. She absently stirred the simple, repetitive motion offering a kind of solace in her whirlwind of thoughts. Was this marriage worth fighting for? She’d asked herself that question countless times, and each time, her heart twisted painfully, reminding her of all the hopes and promises that had brought her to this point. She thought back to those early days with Marcus, back when everything felt so… possible. She’d been so young and sure of the life they would build together, one that would be filled with love, trust, and a genuine partnership. But now, she couldn’t remember the last time Marcus had smiled at her, looked at her with any spark in his eyes, let alone touched her. As she absently stirred the noodles, Sophia felt a pang deep inside, an ache that wouldn’t go away. Her friends would always say she was the strong one, the one who could handle anything. But, standing there alone in the kitchen, she wasn’t sure how much longer she could hold on. Am I not good enough for Marcus? The question stung. She’d given up so much to be his wife, including her career, tried her best to fit into his world, to be the perfect partner, and even endured his family's cruel treatment. Yet, every effort seemed wasted, ignored, as if she were invisible in her own home. There was a loneliness that had seeped into her bones, one that a simple meal in an empty kitchen seemed to amplify. The noodles were done. She strained them, watching the water swirl away, disappearing down the drain. It reminded her of how she felt, pouring all of herself into a void, hoping for something in return that never came. Maybe it’s time to stop fighting, a quiet voice whispered in her mind. She took a deep breath, set the bowl of noodles on the counter, and stared at it for a long moment. If her marriage was meant to be a partnership, it was painfully clear she was the only one showing up. Around 10 p.m., after finishing her meal, she checked his study. Empty, as usual. With a sigh, she went back to her room. Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, and she didn’t realize her hands were shaking until she reached to pick it up. For a second, she hoped it was him, but as soon as she saw the caller ID, her heart skipped a beat and her face lit up. It was indeed him. He never calls. Curiosity and a faint, ridiculous hope flared up as she answered. “Marcus?” A woman's laugh echoed from the other end. “Oh, Sophia, don’t be so naive.” Sophia’s stomach twisted. She recognized that voice. Lila. Her old college rival, the woman who’d once fought for Marcus’ attention, back when she was just another girl with a crush. “Lila?” Her voice was barely a whisper, disbelief and shock gripping her. Lila chuckled, the sound sharp and cold. Then, Sophia heard voices on the other end, her heart pounding as she listened in. “Marcus,” Lila’s voice purred. “Aren’t you worried Sophia will catch you one of these days?” “Don’t bring her up while we’re together,” he replied with a sneer. Sophia felt her chest tighten, her whole body going numb. Every word felt like a dagger, twisting deeper and deeper. “Oh, come on,” Lila teased. “She’s never even been to bed with you, has she?” A pause, then his voice, cold and dismissive. “Sophia? She’s so… reserved. I tried when we were dating, but she wanted to wait. So now, I’m making her wait.” Sophia’s face crumpled as the tears came. This was her husband, the man she’d trusted with her heart. “And you’re the one I want, Lila,” Marcus murmured. “But Marcus you know….mmmhhh” Marcus sealed her lips before she could continue, “Shhh enough of her, don't spoil the moment.” What followed was their soft breathing and moaning as their bodies intertwined together. Sophia had soaked her nightgown with her tears. She didn't realize when her tears started pouring like a waterfall. The picture of her husband in bed with another woman, her love rival at that? Silence fell as soft sounds of their intimacy filled the line. Sophia couldn’t listen any longer. She hung up, choking on her tears. This was it. This was her wake-up call. She’d been a fool. Wordlessly, she pulled out her suitcase and began to pack, taking only the things that were hers. Each item she folded felt like reclaiming a part of herself that had been lost in this gilded cage. This was her escape, her path to freedom, and she wouldn’t let anything stop her. Just as she finished packing, the doorbell rang. Her heart skipped. She had planned to leave quietly, like a shadow in the night, but it seemed fate had other plans. Opening the door, she found Evelyn, Marcus’ mother, and Lauren, his sister, standing there in their designer dresses and smug expressions. Cold air seeped into the room as they brushed past her, barely acknowledging her presence. Evelyn barely glanced at her as she walked in. “Where’s Marcus?” she asked, her tone impatient. “He’s not here,” Sophia replied, her voice clipped. Lauren rolled her eyes, an amused smirk on her lips. “Someone’s got an attitude tonight. Is there a problem, Sophia?” Sophia forced herself to stay calm. “What do you want?” Evelyn gave a short, dismissive laugh. “We came by to drop off some clothes. We expect you to have them laundered tomorrow. After all, appearances are everything.” Sophia felt her control slipping, her voice going cold. “I’m not your servant anymore, Evelyn. Take your clothes and leave.” They stared at her in shock. “What did you just say?” Lauren asked with disbelief in her voice. Sophia’s eyes narrowed. “I said, take your clothes and go.” Evelyn’s face hardened. “Marcus could divorce you for this kind of disrespect, Sophia.” Sophia met her gaze without flinching. “I’m the one divorcing him. Now, get out.” Evelyn’s eyes turned icy, her tone full of venom. “If you walk away from this, don’t expect us to welcome you back.” Sophia picked up her suitcase, her heart racing, yet a strange calm washed over her. “Don’t worry, Evelyn. I’m not coming back.” Without looking back, she brushed past them, stepping out into the chilly night. She heard Evelyn’s last, seething words follow her. “You’ll regret this, Sophia.” Pausing at the gate, she looked back just once, her voice steady. “The only regret I have… is not leaving sooner.” Turning, she closed the door to her past. As she reached the street, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She considered ignoring it but something made her check. It was an unknown number. Against her better judgment, she picked up. “Mrs. Hawthorne?” a man’s voice said on the other end. “This is the family butler. Old Master Hawthorne would like you to visit the family house tomorrow morning.” Before she could respond, the line went dead.As the sun cast its rays into the sterile hospital room that was filled with the smell of medicine, Sophia woke up by her mother's side. She came here last night with the excuse of taking care of her mother. She didn't want to be alone as her heart was shattering into pieces and only by being with people who mattered to her could make her feel better. She couldn't look back to that cold lifeless house She had been in for 3 years. Not after the decision she had made. Every corner of that house reminded her of the marriage that never existed and she couldn't go back there again. With this thought, she exhaled sadly, before looking at her mom, who was sleeping peacefully, her face pale and weak. She had been sick for a while now and her surgery was postponed since they didn't have enough money for it. Her mother opened her eyes slightly as if feeling her emotional turmoil. The surgery was very important yet the funds seemed impossible to gather. Her mom, Catherine, pinned her hope on
“I have sent you some pictures, it's not much, but they clearly show them entering hotel rooms,” Maya replied calmly. Sophia checked her phone and saw the photos. She thought she would react to them, but her heart was calmer. Maybe the phone call from Lila gave her the last blow. She stuffed her phone back in her bag, stood up, and said, “Thank you for this information; I'll know what to do with it.” Maya nodded as Sophia turned to leave. Sophia checked the phone, it was almost the time they agreed to meet with Marcus. She headed towards the Cafe opposite the hospital, her decision now clear. It's time to end this once and for all. When she arrived at the cafe, she found Marcus sitting at the corner scrolling his phone and a cup of coffee on the table. It seems he had been waiting for a while. When he saw her, he stood up like a gentleman pulling a chair for her, “Sophia, here you are.” Sophia looked at him with doubt. This behavior of his was way back before they got married.
The quiet man’s eyes burned with intensity, though his lips remained sealed. An underlying storm was brewing just below his carefully crafted facade, each unspoken word thickening the tension that hung heavily in the air.His assistant broke the silence again, visibly rattled. “Sir, what should we do? You know your grandfather’s will. The deadline for submitting the marriage certificate is today, or the company falls into someone else’s hands. Your uncle Gerald won’t waste a second exploiting this opportunity.”The mention of Gerald sparked something within him; a flash of barely contained anger hardened his face as his jaw tightened. But he said nothing, eyes distant as if weighing options that only he could see.Unbeknownst to them, Sophia was nearby and had caught every word. She hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but the urgency in their voices drew her in. "Marriage certificate?" The phrase echoed in her mind, a strange spark of desperation flickering to life. What if…?An idea—reckless
Sophia stared at her phone, watching it buzz repeatedly on the table. A wave of exhaustion washed over her, the weight of everything pressing down hard on her shoulders. The last thing she wanted was to deal with the Hawthornes, but she couldn’t ignore the call. With a heavy sigh, she answered. "Mrs. Hawthorne, this is the butler. Old Master Hawthorne requests your presence at the family house immediately," came the familiar voice, so stiff and formal. Sophia winced. I can't deal with them today. She rubbed her temples, trying to muster the energy for one more interaction. “Please tell Mr. Hawthorne I’m sorry, but I can’t make it today. I’m very tired.” There was a brief silence, then the butler’s voice returned, softer but insistent. "Mrs. Hawthorne... I must insist. Old Master... well, he won’t take it well." Sophia leaned back against the couch, closing her eyes, letting the quiet of the room settle around her. I don’t owe him anything. I don’t owe any of them anything anymo
Mark stepped out in a black suit and a professional expression addressing her politely. “Good morning, Miss Blackwell. Mr Evans sent me to pick you up. He wants you to go to his Villa where you will be staying.” Sophia nodded, turning back to her apartment to get her suitcase. She came back and Mark escorted her towards the waiting car. Before she got in, she turned back, glancing at her small apartment. She had no idea what kind of life awaited her on the other side. Taking a deep breath, she got into the car comforting herself. She made the deal herself and now it was her responsibility to honor it. The drive took longer than Sophia expected as she watched the city gradually fade into the distance. As the landscape continued to change, Sophia got more nervous and she could feel the tension in her body just by looking at her sweating hands. The car finally stopped in front of a grand estate. It hid in a quiet corner of the world, surrounded by a serene lake and thick woods. Th
Alexander raised his eyebrows slightly, putting his hands in his pants pocket as if waiting for her to continue. Sophia's heartbeat increased, knowing he would not take it well, and she was ready for him to react or even divorce her. Divorce? Her heart sank at the thought of another divorce. She bit her lower lip, avoiding his eyes, but she could feel his sharp eyes focused on her face. He didn't say anything, and his silence didn't make Sophia's heart calm, so she continued. "I was together with Marcus Hawthorne for 3 years but we never did….I mean we were never close." She said with her face blushing. "It was just complicated." Alexander's lips curved slightly, "how efficient." "Huh?" Sophia was surprised. She expected him to be annoyed or maybe not show any interest. "You dropped a fish and hooked another on the same day?" his neutral voice came again but there was no humor in his eyes. Sophia's face flushed deeper. His words stung but it was the truth anyway. "I-I d
Sophia stood at the door to her mother's hospital room, taking a last look at her resting figure. Ethan had left a few minutes ago, promising to check in later, but she lingered a moment longer, watching her mother's chest rise and fall with every breath. Relief washed over her, knowing the worst of the surgery was behind them."Goodbye, Mom," she whispered, as though the words could reach her. She glanced back one last time and then quietly stepped out, her heart still heavy from the news she hadn't yet shared. The divorce was a chapter she'd managed to keep quiet, not out of shame, but out of the desire to protect her mother from more worry than she could bear. Sophia had lost so much, but now, in her mother's recovery, she felt a small piece of herself begin to mend.Outside the hospital, the air was warm with a gentle breeze, and for the first time in a while, she felt like she could breathe. As she walked down the busy street, her mind wandered to Alexander. Their arrangement was
Alexander nodded, his gaze fixed on his plate. "It changes you. It hardens you, in ways you don't realize until it's too late." They fell into a comfortable silence after that, each lost in their own memories, their own thoughts. The meal went on in silence as Alexander was enjoying his meal and Sophia didn't know what to say. She ate quietly watching him from the side. When they were done, Alexander stood up glancing at her, his usual guarded expression softened. "Thank you… for the dinner." She looked up, surprised, "It's nothing." She watched as he turned around heading to his study. A soft smile formed on her lips as she cleaned up the table. Back at the Hawthorne estate, Marcus pulled up to the family mansion, an imposing structure with high stone walls and ivy snaking along its aging facade. Though grand, its muted elegance couldn't rival the timeless opulence of Alexander's Valmere. It was a place rooted in tradition, every corner laden with Hawthorne pride and a rigid
Back in Sadrova restaurant, Alexander emerged from the bathroom after several knocks on the door.He wrapped a towel around his waist and opened the door.Tim hurried in with his bag. He looked just like any other thirty-year-old guy who happened to be on duty. His white doctor’s coat was slightly creased like he’d rushed out of the hospital without a second thought. Underneath, he had on a black T-shirt and jeans, just something comfortable for a long shift. A stethoscope still hung around his neck, probably out of habit more than anything. His glasses gave him a smart, slightly serious look, but there was an easygoing air about him.“What took you so long?” Alexander asked, masking the discomfort in his body."I left my patients waiting just to come here, and you're complaining?" Tim asked casually, placing his bag on the couch.Alexander just snorted, glaring at him before making his way to the couch.Tim didn’t waste time once he saw Alexander’s condition. He quickly prepared a s
Alexander closed his eyes tightly, unwilling to look at her. Images of Sophia flooded his mind.“No, I can’t let this happen. I won’t,” he muttered, biting his lower lip hard as if the pain would fight off the drug’s effect.He struggled to wake up again, pushing Jessica away. She tried to resist but this time, Alexander shoved her harder, and she fell from the bed.He didn't even spare her a glance; he quickly bent toward the bedside table, grabbed his phone, and staggered out of the room.He struggled to walk in the hallway, holding on to the wall for support.When he reached the next suite, he found a couple holding each other as they were about to make their way in.The man opened the door with a gentlemanly smile, signaling to the lady to get in first.Before the woman could react, Alexander snatched the room card and staggered inside leaving the words, “Sorry, I need to use the room.”Before the man could react, he had already locked the door from the inside.“Damn it!” The man
Meanwhile, back in Hawthorne's ancestral home, Marcus knocked on his grandpa's bedroom, casually tucking his other hand into his pants pocket.After Raphael murmured from inside, he pushed the door open and walked inside. The room was dimly lit, with a bedside lamp casting a soft amber glow over the space. The air held a comforting mix of lavender and woody from the old oak furniture.A large, neatly made bed stood against the far wall, its thick duvet turned down slightly, perhaps he was ready for bedtime.An antique clock ticked quietly on the wall, and a pair of slippers sat perfectly aligned by the edge of a plush rug.Raphael was seated on a couch near the window with a steaming cup of tea on the small table in front of him. Despite the warmth in the room, he had a shawl draped over his shoulders, and the lines on his face seemed deeper under the soft light.He seemed to have aged more since the last time Marcus saw him. “Grandpa,” he greeted.“Sit,” Raphael said, pointing at t
Chapter 124: Alexander's Helpless Alexander’s jaw clenched and his eyes darkened. The tension in the room grew so thick that it felt like the air itself was pressing down on everyone. Mark turned to him apologetically, “Sorry, boss, I will...” “It's okay. You can go.” Alexander cut him off coldly. Then he added, “Mark, you can take your leave. You will be rewarded for today." He had just remembered it was supposed to be Mark's off day. “Thank you, boss.” Mark nodded happily before walking out, knowing that his boss didn't blame him. Bullock swallowed hard as he stood up to face Jessica. “Miss Jason, whatever deal we had with your father is being handled by my secretary. Please go speak to her,” he said politely. “I just did that but she couldn't give me any substantial explanation. That's why I came to look for you,” Jessica said with a righteous voice, sounding offended. “I'll look for Mr Jason myself and give him an explanation,” Bruno said, trying to send Jessica aw
“You're the pride of the Hawthornes, my dear. That Sophia was our bad luck; Look at how we're prospering now that she's gone. My son is more accomplished now that she isn't here to drag him behind.” Evelyn clapped like a child who just won a prize, her eyes glowing with pride. She walked over to Marcus and patted his shoulder like he’d just won a major award. “I’m so proud of you, son.” “Marcus, I hope you're not still dreaming of bringing her back,” Lauren scoffed, tilting her chin up in distaste. Marcus leaned back lazily, his arms spread across the back of the couch. He smirked, brushing invisible dust from his shirt like a king making a declaration. “Sophia will be mine sooner or later..." “Marcus, you're just digging your own grave. Go see your grandpa now.” His father's angry voice came from upstairs interrupting them. “So it's true you don't believe in me, Dad. Is that why you stepped down?” Marcus turned to him with his face full of disappointment. His fathe
“Wait… why are you so quick to defend yourself?” Sophia laughed out, amused.“Well, that's because I hate slander. But you know I'm not lying, right?” he asked, shrugging his shoulders. “Yes. You two are gentlemen. The girl who ends up with you will be the luckiest,” she said, winking at Amelia.“Did you hear that?” Michael turned to Amelia proudly. “You two are impossible.” Amelia stomped her foot and walked away to hide her flushing face.***Meanwhile, Alexander watched silently as his phone disconnected. “I need to deal with Jessica quickly or it will affect my relationship with Sophia,” he muttered before walking back to the coffee shop with a resolute face. “Have you made up your mind?” he asked as he sat down. “You said you can fulfill any of my wishes, right?” Jessica asked, putting her phone on the table. “Anything within my capability,” Alexander said, leaning on his seat. “Then divorce Sophia and marry me.” She dared him. The moment the last word left her mouth, the
Back at the Eldridge International Airport, the final boarding call echoed through the terminal: “Final boarding for Flight 782 to Geniva. All remaining passengers, please proceed to Gate 14 immediately.” Jessica stood up calmly, composed, like everything was going exactly as she had planned. She picked up her handbag, adjusted her blazer slightly, and started walking toward the gate. Her assistant, clearly more nervous, hurried after her. “Miss Jason, are we boarding now? I thought …” “Just follow me and stop asking questions,” Jessica cut her coldly and walked ahead. Her heels clicked confidently against the polished floor without any hint of panic. When they reached the gate, she handed over her passport and boarding pass with a small, polite smile. The attendant scanned them and gave a quick nod. “You may proceed.” She and her assistant began walking down the jet bridge. They were only a few steps away from the plane's door when a sudden urgent voice cal
Back in Eldridge, in the backyard of Jason's estate, Rachel knelt by her flowerbed, humming a tune as she worked.She wore a flowing cream-colored dress that fluttered slightly with the breeze. A wide straw hat shielded her face, but even then, the grace in her every movement showed. Her hands, though elegant, weren’t afraid of dirt. She held a small pruning shear and gently snipped away a dried leaf from one of her prized roses.The garden was in full bloom, with roses in shades of blush and deep red, lilies standing tall and proud, and dainty white daisies dancing in the wind. It was her happy place. Every weekend, she spent at least an hour here. It was one of the few things that grounded her and made her feel like everything would be okay.She wiped her forehead with the back of her glove, smiling faintly at the progress she had made. Her flowerbed looked perfect.Just then, a servant came rushing out from the house, breathless.“Madam, Mr. Evans is here. He doesn’t look like he c
Meanwhile, back in Averia, Alexander’s car rolled to a stop outside a modest building nestled between tall sycamore trees. The sign above the gate read Happy Orphanage in faded blue paint. The walls were worn and the compound was quiet and solemn. A woman in her mid-fifties stepped out to meet him. Her hair was tied in a tight bun, streaked with gray, and her eyes held both kindness and years of experience. She wore a plain beige dress and clutched a manila folder to her chest like it held secrets. “Welcome to Happy Orphanage, Mr. Evans. We’re at your service,” she greeted warmly, with a practiced tone like someone used to formalities and farewells. Alexander nodded and followed her inside. In her office, she showed Alexander all the files related to the person he was looking for. “According to your description, this is the person who was at the orphanage and later rescued by her parents that same year,” she explained, handing over the file. Alexander took the document and fli