"Screams and laughter provide release and relaxation, Sophie. That's exactly what you need right now," Austin asserted.Hearing this, Sophie asked, "Is that why you brought me here and helped persuade Tiffany and Darren to work for Luxford Group?"Austin didn't expect her to learn about his efforts behind the signing so soon, and a hint of embarrassment flashed across his face. "I'm sorry. I didn't know if you'd like this approach, but I hope I can help share a little bit of your burden.""There's no need to apologize. I should be the one to say thank you, Austin. I'm really happy to have you as a friend, and I hope our friendship will last forever," Sophie replied as she looked up into his eyes.No matter if it was a misunderstanding or something else, there were things she hoped Austin could understand.In this lifetime, she did not want to get involved in a romantic relationship with another man from the Carlsons.Austin naturally understood the implications in her words. A fl
When they passed the children's shooting kiosk, Sophie was drawn to a small wooden carving displayed in the prize area. It was the first time she had seen a wedding-themed wooden carving of a man and woman.There was another reason, too. The carving made her feel as if she were reliving her own wedding with Cedric more than three years ago.He had given her the loving gaze, the kiss, the diamond ring, and the consummation of their marriage on the wedding night that she had always anticipated. However, he had not given her the true love she had been expecting for a long time."Do you want that wooden carving?" Austin's gaze was gentle, and he had a unique soldier's insight.Before Sophie could respond to his question, he had already picked up the small air rifle beside him. "Hey, sir, give me 30 bullets.""Sir, you have to pay for the bullets," the kiosk owner pointed to a sign in the corner.Countless people came to challenge every day, most leaving without any prizes, so the own
"28, 29!" Sophie remained oblivious to the encroaching danger, her eyes fixed on a distant target, anticipating a miraculous moment just seconds away.Two gunshots reverberated through the shooting range almost simultaneously. The final bullet, destined for the target, veered off course, deflected by another shot.Frowning, Sophie turned her gaze toward the unexpected disruption. What she saw stunned her as if an electric shock had rendered her motionless.Cedric gripped a rifle in one hand, a smirk playing on his lips, tinted with mockery and sarcasm. His disdainful gaze swept past Sophie's pale face and locked onto Austin. "Austin, it seems that your marksmanship has regressed?"Austin was taken aback, not expecting to encounter Cedric at the amusement park. Subconsciously, he lowered his head and frowned as he noticed the child watching eagerly beside Cedric."Cedric, don't be ridiculous," Austin retorted."I'm just trying to win a new toy here. How is this a ridiculous act?"
Ricky obviously sensed that something was awry. Looking up, he clasped his tiny hands onto Vivienne's finger and asked, "Mommy, who is this lady?""She's someone Daddy doesn't want to spend any money on." Before Vivienne could respond, Cedric had already supplied the answer, a cold and sarcastic gaze accompanying it.He then extracted a thick wad of bills from his wallet, tossed it into the owner's arms, and sneered wickedly as he glanced at the wooden carving and the large teddy bear that Ricky had taken a liking to. "Is this enough to purchase that teddy bear and that wood carving?""Of course! It's more than enough!" The owner's excited face blossomed with a wide grin as he promptly handed over the two items. This transaction was even more profitable than flipping houses.Cedric toyed with the delicate wooden carving in his hand, and then, with a flick of his wrist, an oak-colored object could be seen traveling into the distance.The wooden sculpture plummeted to the ground and
"That's enough. Do you want Ricky to see you drunk?" Cedric questioned in a reprimanding tone."Ricky? Do you know, if it weren't for him, I wouldn't have known how to keep going these past few years? Cedric, the biggest regret of my life is not being brave enough over three years ago to tell everyone that I love you. I would never have left you, no matter how many people opposed us and tried to tear us apart!"Vivienne gripped the empty glass, her eyes now misty with tears streaming down her cheeks. She tried to hastily wipe them away as if she were trying to restrain her emotions, smudging the delicate makeup on her face."You should hate me. I'm the coward here. I thought that if I left you, bringing Ricky with me, you wouldn't be threatened by your family or ridiculed by others. But in the end, I couldn't hold out and resist coming back," she said.Cedric's expression subtly changed as he recalled the scene he had witnessed the night Vivienne left.-Back then."Ms. Luxford,
On the side of the street, Sophie sat in the jeep for hours. She had been helped into the car after leaving the amusement park and hadn't shed a single tear since. She remained silent, maintaining the exact same posture as she stared fixedly out the window, which only made people feel more sorry for her.Austin sat next to her, feeling the pain but unable to comfort her.Sometimes, the quieter one became, the more the heart hurt, and when the pain had reached its peak, the last thing one would want to hear was comfort.Before it got dark, numerous people started leaving the amusement park.Austin rolled down the car window and glanced up at the sky, only then realizing that the weather had changed. The once fine weather had suddenly turned overcast as if spring rain was imminent.The cold wind suddenly rushed in, causing Sophie to shiver. Her eyes, which had remained motionless for a long time, finally shifted. "I'm sorry. Can you please take me back?"She was in so much pain tha
The sky grew ominously darker as if darkness had abruptly invaded, followed by large raindrops pounding down.Sophie looked up, raindrops falling into her eyes. They resembled the tears she had held back stubbornly as she gazed at the man before her."Cedric, if I'm the woman you've used, you should also be the man I've used. So why don't you ask Vivienne if she feels violated when she gets it on with you?" Sophie asked bitterly.'Marriage is meant to be a mutual relationship. Therefore, if I'm considered dirty, then how much better is he? Why would he have the audacity to come and mock me?' She could not help but refute inwardly."If it weren't for you threatening Vivienne to leave back then, do you think I would've had the chance to occupy and use you?" Cedric stretched out his hand, grasped her by the neck, and pressed her back against a nearby sycamore tree trunk. The fury in his eyes looked more terrifying than the encroaching darkness.Sophie was at a loss for words for a se
A bitter smile played at the corners of Sophie's lips. 'It seems that if I'm not going to be bitten to death today. I'll be struck to death by lightning…'Cedric's actions came to a halt as he observed her trembling. He frowned, grabbed her arm, strode forward, and swiftly dragged Sophie to the parked car nearby.Despite the air conditioner being off, the temperature inside the car was noticeably warmer than outside. Sophie's head felt groggy, and her entire body had weakened to the point where she could no longer struggle.Cedric's fury lasted for nearly an hour before subsiding. Seeing Sophie lying flat in the seat as if she was asleep, he felt agitated for no reason. "Don't think that I'll let you off just because you've fainted."With a forceful push from Cedric on her shoulder, Sophie's head slammed heavily against the door frame, emitting a muffled thud.Cedric was stunned for a moment. His hand immediately moved to her smooth and moist forehead. His expression changed insta
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.