“Sophie, you have drunk.” Austin felt indescribable distress as he reached out to comfort her as she sobbed. She was a strong, tolerant woman, but she claimed that she could not take it any longer. One could imagine how badly Cedric had hurt her. “I didn’t drink too much, Cedric. I want to end our marriage. I don’t want to love you anymore.”Sophie kept shaking her head and wiping away the tears that kept falling as she spoke. He was just a man; there was no reason she had to love him.Austin wanted to persuade her to think about getting a divorce after she sobered up, but he was suddenly struck in the chest before he could say anything, rendering him rigid all over. Sophie forcefully slammed her head into his chest. The alcohol had caused her to lose consciousness. All she wanted was to use her head as a weapon to smack the chest in front of her. Her mouth was full of alcohol as she muttered, “I hate you, Cedric.”Cedric sat on the sofa in the distance and watched. There were alrea
“What nonsense are you talking about, Cedric?!” Austin was taken aback. His tone became serious as he said, “Sophia is drunk. I’m sending her back.”“Oh, so it’s my wife. In that case, you don't have to trouble yourself.”Cedric tilted his head and rubbed the corner of his lips with his finger. His eyes grew progressively colder in the darkness, but he still grinned and stretched out his hand to pull Sophie into his arms as he grinned even more menacingly and said, “I’ll send my wife home.”Sophie got chills and looked a little confused when she heard Cedric refer to her as his wife. She became aware that at some point Cedric had removed the coat that was slung over her shoulders and hung it on the partially open car door.“Drunk people tend to feel warm. Letting her wear this will make her feel hot.”Austin understood the meaning behind Cedric’s words. He suppressed his concern and smiled faintly as he said, “I’ll leave first, then. You take care of Sophie.”After saying that, Austin
She was trembling from head to toe as the icy water kept pouring. Her anger rose, and she was unable to control it any longer due to the disdainful and sarcastic voice that was audible in her ears.She grabbed his wrist, opened her pale lips, and bit his slender fingers as if she was an enraged wolf. She seized the opportunity when he was in pain to suddenly tug on his shirt and draw him in so that he was standing under the shower head as well. Cedric did not expect that Sophie, who had always been forbearing all this while, would suddenly resist. A stream of cold water hit his expensive suit, drenching most of his face. His delicately combed hairstyle was also drenched by the water and stuck to his forehead in a limp and dejected manner, making him look even more disheveled. “You’ve been tormenting me since I married you. Why? I’m much cleaner compared to you—you are so filthy!”Although Sophie was horrified by what she had done, the rage in her heart did not give her any way out.
The Carlsons were all preparing to have breakfast in the dining room downstairs. When Jeff saw that Sophie had not come down yet, he glared at Cedric, who was next to him, and said, “Why hasn’t Sophie come down yet? Go and invite her here.”“Dad, why are you asking Cedric to wake her up if she wants to sleep in?” Melissa gave the maid a look as she spoke and gestured for the maid to wake Sophie, but Jeff stopped her. “Because he did something wrong. I want him to go and get her.”Cedric stood up indifferently and went up to the second floor. When he walked to the door, he pulled out a small, exquisitely wrapped pill from his pocket. He had lost control last night and actually came inside her. He put his hand on the door handle but suddenly stopped. After a few moments of frowning and looking down at the pill in his palm, he eventually put it back in his pocket.As soon as Sophie changed and came out of the dressing room, the door was pushed open from outside. She thought that it
“Explain what you mean.” Sophie scowled at the woman who had entered without permission as she set down the clothing in her hands. She had always respected and tolerated Melissa in the past out of her love and affection for Cedric, but it did not mean she would take Melissa's insults lightly.“What do I mean? What did Cedric do wrong? Your parents and sister died in a plane crash due to their own bad luck, so what has it got to do with Cedric? You are relying on the old man’s affection for you and his remorse toward the deceased as a negotiating tool. You’re even snatching the Carlsons’ shares, pressing for a divorce and insisting on moving out. Are you attempting to embarrass Cedric on purpose?”Melissa's tone became even more harsh and oppressive, and her eyes were filled with discontent. It was truly bad luck for her to have such a daughter-in-law.Sophie’s eyes brimmed with rage as she glared at Melissa and said, “You’d better watch your words. My family would not have been in t
Austin’s usual smile returned to his face. In the following moment, he scowled and remarked, "I heard the maids saying that you are moving out when I came back today. Is this true?“Mm-hmm.” Sophie hummed in response. If she didn't have to see Cedric, time would go by more quickly. She would eventually feel glad when the divorce proceedings were over after a month.“I support your decision since you’ve decided to move out. I drove here, so I can drive you there after you’re done packing.”Austin was truly a gentleman. If it was not for his uniform that served as a constant reminder of who he was, it would be difficult for Sophie to imagine that the gentle and warmth man in front of her was a heroic and powerful man.Despite her desire to respectfully decline, Sophie could not bring herself to turn Austin’s offer down after meeting his sincere eyes. “Okay. Thank you.”After she was done packing her luggage, Austin helped her to bring her luggage down. Even though Jeff seemed hesita
She was Cedric’s girlfriend while they were still students in university, and she was the woman he genuinely loved.Cedric had always been perceptive. Sophie was sitting in a conspicuous position, so he saw her as soon as he entered the door. His unruly gaze swept across Austin’s face, causing him to scowl a little before snapping back to his previous state. He looked away, lowered his head, and squeezed the delicate hand in his arm as he said, “You don’t have to think about it anymore. If you like, I can come here with you every day.”He had a tender tone and a doting expression in his eyes, as if he did not see Sophie at all.Vivienne, who was aside, already noticed the momentary shift in his feelings. A trace of shyness flashed through her eyes as she smiled. She then looked in Sophie’s direction, and her delicate red lips opened in surprise as she exclaimed, “Austin, you’re here too. What a coincidence.”“It’s truly a coincidence, Vivienne. We haven’t seen each other in a lon
Cedric grinned, almost as if he had anticipated her response, then he scooped up the menu from the table and said, “We won’t hold back, then. By the way, you will earn enough to pay for the meal if you reach the upper trading limit after buying more of Carlson Group’s shares.”Sophie knew that he was mocking her for accepting the equity transfer from Jeff. She clenched her fists tighter but kept her temper in check and remained silent. “Give us one of each of the most expensive dishes here.” Cedric skimmed the menu a couple of times and impatiently passed it to the waitress, who was standing aside. The smile on Vivienne’s face froze for a moment before she returned to her former serene expression. Sophie felt as if she was living a posh life during this meal, but she could not help but scowl when she saw the four-digit figure when she paid the bill.Even if the price of Carlson Group's shares reached the trading limit, she would not be able to sell the shares, so she had to use h
Tristan looked up in surprise. As if struck by a sudden thought, he glanced at Cherry, who was writhing in pain, and timidly asked, "Can I go to the hospital to help?""You need to stay home and help Cherry get a leave from school tomorrow. Be good and stay here. Trust Daddy. Cherry will be fine." Cedric's words seemed to soothe Tristan's anxiety.Avoiding Cedric’s gaze, Tristan obediently nodded. 'Cherry will surely be fine.'-The Bentley sped along the road and soon arrived at the hospital.Cedric held Cherry the entire time, while Sophie handled the paperwork. Their seamless cooperation made them seem like a perfectly ordinary married couple."Mr. Carlson, Mrs. Carlson, the child has gastritis and needs to be hospitalized for treatment," the emergency physician explained after examining Cherry, jotting down the diagnosis in the medical record.Sophie's face turned pale. 'Gastritis? How could it be so severe?'"Can she recover?" Cedric asked with a frown, his sudden intimida
In Imperium, hardly anyone else would dare yell at Cedric like this. Cedric's eyes narrowed dangerously, his shoulders radiating a cold aura. However, traces of helplessness and doting affection softened his expression. Despite his reluctance, he eventually turned aside cooperatively.Sophie couldn't help but smile. 'It's no wonder some people believe that daughters are their fathers' lovers from a previous life. If it were anyone else, Cedric would have likely thrown them out the window by now.'She lifted Cherry's clothes to reveal her round belly and gently massaged it in circles with her fingers. Taking the opportunity, she also gave Cherry a gentle reminder, "How many times has Mommy told you not to eat so much? But you never listen. Now you know how it feels when you overeat, huh?""Mommy, could you not rub salt in my wounds?" Cherry's face was scrunched up in pain. Her pitiful and aggrieved expression instantly silenced Sophie, who decided to save the scolding for when Cherry
Cedric kissed Sophie’s rosy cheeks, preparing to take things to the next level, when a knock on the door interrupted them at a crucial moment.His expression darkened immediately. No man liked being interrupted at such a time, and it had happened repeatedly."Who is it?" Sophie grabbed the blanket beside her to cover her exposed chest, her hoarse voice betraying her recent passion."Ms. Luxford... It's me." Tristan's low voice came from the other side of the door.'Tristan?' Sophie looked at the man beside her, surprised. She had assumed it was Cherry again, but unexpectedly...Gathering her scattered clothes from the floor, Sophie dressed quickly. Ensuring there was nothing inappropriate between her and Cedric, she got out of bed and walked toward the door.Tristan stood there, head down, fingers fidgeting, indicating urgency. As soon as the door opened, he looked up anxiously and said, "Ms. Luxford, could you go check on Cherry? She seems unwell.""Cherry is unwell?" The flush
"This birthday brings me a lot of happiness."Sophie grasped the deeper implications of his words. The blush on her cheeks faded slightly, and the initial flutter of excitement mingled with a touch of sadness. No one could predict what Jeff's condition would be like by her next birthday.Cedric shifted the topic, pouring the already decanted red wine into a tall glass and handing it to her. "Just one glass. This is for your private birthday celebration. Happy birthday."The intoxicating aroma of the wine was irresistible. She stopped resisting and held her glass up to gently clink against his, producing a clear, melodious sound that resonated beautifully in the quiet room.The rich wine slid down her throat, soothing her tense nerves. Her tightly held shoulders relaxed, and her racing heart found a semblance of peace. She had once believed she would never fall for Cedric again, but looking back, she realized that all her hatred had been rooted in love.He had transformed love into
Cedric seemed to know exactly what Sophie was nervous about. He raised his eyebrows suggestively, causing her to blush and quickly look away.What had happened between them lingered in the air, irrevocable.Jeff squinted, watching their subtle gestures with satisfaction. Smiling contentedly, he struggled to his feet with the help of his cane. These two had already reached a natural conclusion, and there was no need for him to exaggerate his illness any longer."Mommy, I still have homework to do. I'm heading to my room," Cherry announced, her bright eyes glancing at Tristan. She couldn't beat him at Taekwondo, but she was determined to outshine him in the midterm exams!"I’m going upstairs too," Tristan added, surprised by her sudden focus. He hesitated for a moment before quickly following her up the stairs.Melissa had long lost her patience. Without a word, she dragged Matthew upstairs, letting out a disdainful snort as they left.What had been a lively living room now left So
"Okay."Understanding Cherry’s impatience, Sophie smiled and gently pulled away from Cedric’s embrace. She clasped her hands together, closed her eyes, and made a wish.She hoped for her family's safety, health, and happiness. She wished that her parents and sister were living comfortably in another world. And she wished that she and Cedric would have a happy ending, free from past mistakes.After silently making her wishes, she blew out the flickering candles in one breath.The room filled with the faint scent of melted wax."We can eat the cake now!" Cherry beamed with joy, eagerly carrying the cake to the dining table.Her impatience made Jeff laugh heartily, his eyes crinkling with delight as he stroked his beard. "Alright, let’s start eating before this little girl drools all over the table."Sophie took her seat, glancing at Cedric, who still held her hand tightly. Her smile widened as she playfully scolded him, "Why didn’t you tell me on the way here?""If I told you, ho
Although Sophie's mind was brimming with questions, she couldn’t help but smile at Cedric's words. She looked down at their intertwined hands, feeling the warmth of his palm. Whether it was a perfect match or a union made in heaven, it all required two hearts in love. With love, even amidst turbulence, they would find the courage to move forward together.Before long, the Bentley smoothly pulled into the Carlson residence.Jeff immediately smiled and waved upon their arrival. "Soph, come over here."Sophie approached, noticing that Mrs. Carrie had prepared a table full of dishes. She couldn’t help but feel puzzled. "Grandpa, what has made you so happy? Why did you ask Mrs. Carrie to make so much delicious food?""Silly girl, did you forget what day it is today?"Jeff's loving yet mischievous smile left her momentarily bewildered. Then her eyes widened in surprise. With everything going on with Linda, she had completely forgotten her own birthday!"Happy birthday." Cedric had quie
Fearing that staying any longer would only worsen the situation, Linda quickly opened the door and walked out.Fenix stood there, confusion gradually replacing the determination in his eyes."What’s wrong with marrying me?" he asked Sophie, genuinely puzzled.'I’m the CEO of Cheshire Group. I’m not unattractive, and marrying me would make her legally protected as Mrs. Cheshire. Why am I being rejected?'Sophie coughed awkwardly, gaining a deeper understanding of Fenix. Sean had navigated the world of romance with ease, but Fenix seemed as naive in matters of the heart as a child."Am I really that bad?"Seeing that Fenix was still fixated on why he was rejected, Sophie shook her head. "Feelings are different from business. It’s not about racing against time or weighing benefits. You can’t apply business tactics to relationships. Spending a lifetime together requires a foundation of love.""Foundation of love? You and Cedric grew up together. You had a good foundation, but it was
Sophie's suspicion was right. Fenix was not one to easily abandon his target. After Linda ignored countless calls, he took the initiative to find her."Mr. Cheshire, Linda really isn't in the office right now," the secretary tried to block him, but it was futile against a determined man, especially one exuding an intimidating chill."Then I’ll find Sophie.""But Ms. Luxford, she—" Before the secretary could finish, Fenix's long legs had already taken him to Sophie's office door.He knocked twice before pushing it open. The secretary looked like she was about to cry. "Ms. Luxford, I’m sorry, I couldn’t stop Mr. Cheshire.""It’s fine. Go make Mr. Cheshire a cup of coffee," Sophie said.Seeing Fenix barge in, she raised an eyebrow, smiled, and glanced at Linda, who was hiding in her office. "Have a seat and let's talk.""No need. I have to catch a flight soon." Fenix cut straight to the point, his determined eyes fixed on Linda as he said firmly, "I need an answer from you.""Mr.