Sophia Williams was picked up by Alexander Grant when she was seven.

On her college entrance exam day, she rescued Alexander from kidnappers, and got stabbed multiple times.

As soon as she hit legal age, he dragged her to get their marriage certificate. He whispered in her ear, "Sophia, I'll love you for ten thousand years."

Her body was covered in terrible scars, but every night he held her tight in his arms.

His warm lips brushed every scar, and murmured during their embraces:

"Sophia, you're the purest. Never leave me."

She once believed it,

until discovering the "mistress" he kept outside.

He thought he'd kept it a secret, but he didn't know Sophia had already enrolled in college—and the girl he doted on so much was her closest classmate.

...

The day she limped back to school with her injured leg, Sophia ran into a huge proposal.

The road from the school gate to the dorm area was covered in white roses, and the turquoise carpet shone like Alpine Lake's waves.

Olivia Smith stood at the end of the carpet in a white dress, like an elegant white swan.

The man kneeling before her was Alexander. He said he was going on a business trip in Europe.

Sophia wore a mask and hid in the crowd. She watched them kiss deeply, and their heads pressed together. The sight before her made her upset.

The man who'd whispered "I'll love you forever" last night now confesses to another woman with passionate devotion.

That's when she realized: Alexander never planned to confess their romantic relationship in public.

Their dates always happened after midnight, their relationship never acknowledged.

Three years ago, she'd left.

The Grant family and their circle claimed this orphan without college education didn't deserve the heir in Seattle.

Alexander used his connections, searched nonstop for seven days, and finally brought her back.

She still remembered he was dead quiet, but there was so much pain in his eyes. His voice shook as he said: "Sophia, Where you want to leave for? Taking my life with you?"

He even ordered his men to whip him ninety-nine times, gazing at her with shining eyes:

"Sophia, it's my fault for making you insecure. I deserve this."

Seeing his bloody back, Sophia cried from heartache.

That's when Alexander gave her the permanent residence permit and private jet route authorization.

"Sophia, I'm banned from British for life.

If I betray you, please punish me with eternal separation."

As she took them, he pulled her hard into his arms—like he wanted to melt her into his own bones: "Sophia, I'll never let you use these."

But now, betrayal glared before her eyes.

She'd been the fool all along.

Sophia walked to Alexander's office villa in a daze. Before confronting him, she heard his buddies toast: "Congrats, Alexander, you got the beauty."

Alexander's drunken gaze turned razor-sharp.

"Don't say a word about it. If Sophia finds out..."

He slammed his glass down. A buddy hesitated, then whispered: "Alexander, Robert Grant keeps pushing marriage. How about getting the real certificate with Sophia?"

Sophia's blood ran backward, breath freezing.

Alexander smirked, and tossed out a marriage certificate: "Robert adores Olivia. He even gave her the heirloom jewelry."

Sophia froze. Her ears started ringing, and everything went fuzzy.

Alexander and Olivia got married?

Then what was this marriage certificate in her hand?

His buddy was stunned too. He picked up the certificate and flipped through it: "What about Sophia?"

Alexander locked the marriage certificate in the safe. He swirled the wine glass for a while before speaking:

"When I got the certificate with Sophia years ago, Grandpa had already tampered with my documents. We couldn't get a real one at all."

He said it casually, "I had to fake one to win her heart.

Sophia's too fiery to be the lady of the Grant family. It's enough I spoil her privately."

A complex look flashed in his buddy's eyes.

"Alexander, Sophia's got her ways. If she finds out... what if she leaves again?"

Alexander's eyes turned icy: "Then make sure she never finds out.

Tell Marcus Wright to keep a close eye on Sophia."

Sophia smiled bitterly, her throat tight with bitterness.

So all those times Marcus provoked and hurt her—it was Alexander's doing.

No wonder Marcus had blocked her like a madman on the way to campus today. That's why her leg was worse now.

He just didn't want her stumbling upon his proposal at school.

Before she could process the heart-wrenching truth, his buddy asked the question burning in her mind too: "Alexander, who do you really love?"

Alexander's gaze softened as if remembering something: "Sophia, of course.

But for the next three years, I'll give Olivia my all too."

His brushed the rim of the wine glass, "Olivia's so pure, like Sophia at eighteen.

If not for that night she stormed the Foster family for me, Sophia would've stayed that way."

"I can't remake Sophia, so I'll remake Olivia. At least Sophia won't feel regret."

His buddy gulped his drink silently, then asked, "Be honest, Alexander. Do you still resent Sophia for those three days and nights at the Foster family to save you?"

Sophia's heart sank deeper.

Those three days and nights at the Foster family were indeed a nightmare.

No one believed she came out untouched—only Alexander claimed he trusted her.

Later, on countless nights, he'd kissed her tears away and whispered "my Sophia's the purest."

This time Alexander stayed silent, draining his glass in one go.

That silence was the most brutal confirmation.

Sophia squeezed her eyes shut, letting tears fall.

He never believed her. He even despised her...

Alexander's hoarse voice cut through again: "The wedding in seven days must be kept secret from Sophia. Make sure she has an ‘accident'—keep her hospitalized a while."

The last thread holding Sophia together snapped.

Alexander's words stabbed like a knife into her heart.

Her pain was just a tool to him—a means to control her.

Buzz—

Three messages popped up on her phone.

One from Olivia, with a marriage certificate photo and cheerful emojis:

【Sophia! My crush finally became mine!

See how perfect this certificate looks～】

One from Alexander: 【Miss you, Sophia. I'll be back with you once I wrap things up here.】

One from her advisor: 【Sophia, are you really turning down the offer from British Conservatory?

Your talent shouldn't be wasted. Please reconsider.】

Sophia stared at the Marriage Certificate. Paired with his "Miss you," it felt like a stinging slap across her face, mocking all her foolishness.

She suddenly remembered—that "Via" Alexander had murmured in bed was Olivia's name.

Prickling pain spread through her chest, making her fingers tremble.

She tapped open the chat window slowly and began typing...

Her reply to Olivia was just one word: ["Congratulations."]

Her response to her advisor followed right after: ["Mr. Hillton, I accept the offer."]

Olivia's reply arrived swiftly—a photo of two clasped hands, diamond rings glaring on ring fingers.

Her caption bubbled with unrestrained excitement: ["He called me his white swan!"]

Her advisor responded almost instantly:

["Fantastic!

The orchestra will return soon. They'll arrange your flight. Remember to report in seven days.Go get 'em!"]

Sophia let out a long sigh while staring at the screen.

She stuffed the hidden diploma into her backpack. This certificate, once meant to be a seventh-anniversary surprise for him, had now become her ticket to freedom.

The dark web page still glowed on her screen as she hit the send button on her post seeking her biological family.

Through dense sycamore leaves, she glimpsed the man's profile in the villa—still radiating calculated control.

Alexander, this time I'm truly leaving.

If someone who claimed to be family could betray her, she'd find real family instead.

Her steps faltered as she returned to her apartment.

Unsurprisingly, Alexander didn't return that night.

At 3 a.m., her phone buzzed.

His message flashed: ["Sophia, I have an urgent business trip. Stay home and be good. Wait for me. Love you."]

Near dawn, Olivia's message popped up with a video:

["Hey Sophia, I'm in New York!

He built me an Enchanted Castle!

I'm so happy!"]

The video showed a colossal crystal swan at the center of a sprawling musical fountain. Sunlight shattered against it, blindingly bright.

Alexander's partial face appeared, voice dripping sweetness: ["Who're you messaging, Olivia?"]

["Of course Sophia!"]

Olivia cooed, looping her arms around his neck. ["What's wrong, Mr. Grant?

She's my closest classmate!"]

The camera suddenly panned, revealing Alexander’s full expression..

Sophia saw his pupils constrict sharply, then slowly relax again.

Of course. In his eyes, she could never have stepped foot on campus.

In the past, he'd always hold her tight, stroking her hair gently with crazy possessiveness:

["Sophia, don’t go to college, okay?

I can't stand others watching what's mine."]

His lips brushed her ear. ["You're so pretty—what if some boys lures you away?"]

But she'd had a music dream, so she still applied to college secretly.

She wore masks daily, avoided all male contact—classmates thought her a reclusive oddity.

But she didn't care.

On graduation day, she'd secretly practiced a proud little tone several times, planning to wave her diploma:

["See? Nobody stole me!"]

She'd imagined dragging him to the graduation ceremony.

Now she knew—Alexander was the stolen one.

Olivia had approached her first. Sophia always sensed excessive eagerness, like hidden motives.

But they'd bonded over shared passions:

horseback riding, archery, ivory-white everything, piano keys beneath their fingers.

Once, Olivia even whispered girlish secrets:

["Sophia, my crush says he likes me and wants to sponsor me. I'm so confused."]

Back then, Sophia was drowning in the sweetness of her love with Alexander. She'd smiled and told Olivia, “Just follow your heart.”

Had she not witnessed that proposal, she might never have known that the "crush" Olivia kept gushing about was Alexander—the one whispered "I love you" to her every day.

Tears streamed down her face, bitterness spreading through her veins.

The video kept playing.

Alexander had already lifted Olivia into his arms, his voice dripping with tenderness.

"Honey, what did you just call me?"

"Mr. Grant?"

"You're getting bold, huh…"

"Now hubby needs to properly 'punish' you."

The video abruptly ended.

Sophia's phone slipped from her grasp, tumbling into the sofa cushions.

She squeezed her eyes shut, curling into a tight ball as her shoulders trembled uncontrollably.

Alexander had never called her with such intimate names.

She'd always assumed he was just reserved—bad at sweet talk.

Now she understood. He simply hadn't wanted to give her that affection.

Olivia's messages kept flooding in:

[Sophia, he's amazing in bed! I hit the jackpot, teehee~]

[The lingerie you gave me got torn up by him, boohoo…]

[Sophia, you said your hubby's always all over you too! Teach me some tricks, okay? I can barely keep up～!]

It felt like a gash had been torn open in Sophia's heart, and cold wind was pouring right in.

She remembered the "newlywed gift" Olivia had begged for—that lace lingerie she'd hunted through three stores to find.

She closed her eyes in agony. A wave of nausea rose from her numb heart, choking her until she could barely breathe.

Her most trusted friend. The man she'd loved with every fiber of her being. Together, they'd shredded her soul.

Could this really just be coincidence?

Alexander's custom notification tone suddenly chimed.

His text showed him signing contracts with clients—impeccable suit, effortless smile. The caption oozed his usual sweetness:

[Sophia, the meeting's over. I'll make it back for dinner—and I have a surprise for you.]

His performance remained flawless.

Had she not seen Olivia's video, his smooth words would've swept her right back into his lies.

At six, Alexander pushed through the door on time.

His tailored suit showed not a single crease. Her fir perfume clung to him. No telltale marks graced his neck or wrists.

Warmth still filled his eyes as he placed white roses in a vase, then handed her favorite chocolates. He brushed a kiss on her forehead:

"Sophia, I'm home."

Sophia watched him coldly as he skillfully put the flowers into a vase, then turned to change his clothes.

Dinner was at a piano lounge. Outside the window, the harbor lay quiet in the night—serene and calm.

Amidst gentle piano music, Alexander slid sliced lamb toward her, brow furrowed.

"Sophia, you're upset with me."

It wasn't a question. It was a statement.

"You ignored three of my messages."

He captured her hand, gaze intent. "Is this about me missing our anniversary?"

Sophia's fingers trembled. It felt like a needle had stabbed her heart hard.

He remembered everything. But on that very anniversary, he'd knelt before Olivia.

Now, bringing up anniversaries feels like a bitter irony.

There was never a real marriage between them.

She lifted her gaze, weary eyes locking straight onto his, and asked deliberately, word by word: "Then. Did. You. Ever. Do. Anything. To. Betray. Me?"

Alexander gripped her hand across the dining table. His voice shook as he said. "Sophie, I told you, you are my everything."

"If I ever did anything to betray you, let me lose you completely."

He stared at her, sincerity filling his eyes. "So, Sophie, I will never betray you."

Sophia lowered her eyes and laughed softly.

"Alright. I get it."

As you wish.

Soon enough, you will lose me completely.

Alexander had clearly misunderstood.

He raised his hand in a signal, and thousands of lights suddenly ignited outside the window.

Tens of thousands of drones soared into the night sky, forming silhouettes of an embracing couple.

Amid gasps and envious murmurs, Alexander pulled Sophia into his arms.

As the lights morphed into "Via, I love you," his breath brushed her ear with a tender vow: "Sophia, I'll love you forever."

Sophia gazed upward as the Via blurred into Alex Knight before fading into darkness.

Her lips curled into a bitter smile.

When she turned around, she caught Alexander's gaze—he was staring at a figure in the corner of the restaurant. It was Olivia.

Two empty wine bottles stood before Olivia, her posture slumped like rain-drenched lilies of the valley—lonely and pitiful.

Alexander's grip on Sophia's hand tightened abruptly.

Only when she cried out in pain did he snap back, stammering apologies: "Sorry, Sophia. Something urgent came up at the company. I'll have the driver take you home."

Sophia looked at the untouched food spread across the table. Her smile sharpened with irony.

She dismissed the driver at the street corner, then commandeered the car around and headed back.

From afar, she watched Alexander scooping limp Olivia into his arms, rushing frantically toward an ambulance.

She followed them to St Mary Hospital, witnessing Alexander sprint through the doors, shouting hoarsely:

"Doctor!

My wife's allergic to alcohol—save her!"

As nurses wheeled Olivia into the emergency room, Alexander collapsed to his knees.

The sight pierced Sophia's heart like a needle.

It mirrored that night years ago when she'd fled the Foster Manor—him gripping a doctor's arm, voice cracking: "Save Sophia, she's my everything..."

The same desperation, but the woman in his arms, the name on his lips—both changed.

His "forever love" vows had vanished like popped bubbles.

When Olivia emerged, Alexander seized her hand, face pale: "Honey, I'll do anything you want. Just don't scare me like that."

Olivia turned away weakly. "Go to be with her... I'm just an outsider. Didn't you say you loved her? Why care if I live or die?"

Alexander pressed a hand over her mouth, urgency blazing in his eyes—an intensity Sophia had never seen before:

"Olivia, she's the outsider between us. Promise me you won't hurt yourself again."

Sophia stood frozen behind him, heart sawed by a dull knife, breath strangled by pain.

She remembered the Grant Manor—Robert raising a cane to punish her, Alexander shielding her body, roaring with bloodshot eyes:

"Sophia is my everything!

Compared to her, you're nothing!

Who gave an outsider the right to touch her?"

"Hit me instead!"

How ridiculous. So soon, she'd become the "outsider" in his story.

It felt like a heavy hammer had smashed her heart, limbs locking in place.

Just then, a commotion erupted down the hall—a nurse's tray clattering to the floor.

Alexander kicked it aside lightning-fast, shielding Olivia completely.

But the glass vials shattered against Sophia's calf.

She stumbled and fell, shards of glass piercing her palm as blood instantly snaked into lines.

The crowd gasped in shock. Alexander glanced back without so much as a furrowed brow. He merely pulled a check from his wallet and tossed it at her feet before shielding Olivia as they walked away.

Finally, the tears in Sophia's eyes spilled over.

Everything happened in the blink of an eye.

The young nurse snapped back to reality, hastily helping her up to treat the wound.

Inside the treatment room, nurses' whispers drifted to her ears:

"Alexander's wife is too lucky—he's handsome and devoted."

"Don't you know? That wasn't an allergic reaction!

She told us in the emergency room she faked it to test her husband. Never expected she'd scare him so badly."

One of the nurses looked at Sophia's left hand, wrapped up like a puff. Her face was full of sympathy:

"Poor thing, such senseless suffering.

Luckily, your face wasn't hurt... But then again, It's just that you didn't get a good husband like hers. Fate plays favorites."

Sophia listened numbly. Her whole body felt cold, and the stinging pain in her palm pierced straight to her heart.

She silently tucked the check away, then her eyes fell on the tray.

The bloodstained crystal bracelets lay there motionless.

Those were what Alexander had begged for. He prayed devoutly in church, reading Bibles for a longtime, then the Pastor gave them to her.

His vow echoed in her memory: "Sophia, as long as my love remains, these bracelets will shield you forever."

The words still lingered, but his heart had long changed. Even these bracelets refused her protection now.

If so, she wanted none of it.

Sophia had just left when Alexander returned, summoning nurses to change Olivia's bandages.

His peripheral vision caught the bracelets on the tray—his pupils abruptly contracted.

He was about to step closer when his phone rang.

The screen flashed "Olivia," and her soft, sweet voice came through: "Honey, my head hurts."

He glanced at the bracelet on the tray again. His fingers curled slightly at his side, but in the end, he turned and followed the nurse away.

Night fell, and rain began to patter.

Old injuries throbbed dully as Sophia curled under the blankets, trembling uncontrollably.

Every rainy night before, Alexander had always held her close, his warmth chasing away the chill.

He'd whisper tenderly, "Sophia, you took these wounds for me. I'll be with you every stormy night."

Now, he'd broken that promise.

Her phone buzzed—Olivia had sent another message:

[Sophia, there's some ugly woman at his place. He says he’s keeping her around to repay a debt.

How's that? I made him stand in the storm as the symbol of marital devotion!]

The attached video showed Alexander drenched in torrential downpour, no umbrella in sight. His designer suit clung to his lean frame, outlining sharp angles.

Occasional lightning flashes illuminated his pale, stubborn face.

Sophia stared at that familiar face and suddenly laughed—laughter that dissolved into rolling tears.

Repay a debt?

If it was just repaying a debt, why cage her with love instead of lifting her toward the sky? Why shatter her wings?

His evening text still glowed on her screen: [Sophia, I have an international meeting tonight. No need to wait up.]

How ridiculous. His "international meeting" was soothing another woman.

She shut her eyes in agony, tears soaking the pillowcase.

Morning light filtered in as the bedroom door eased open.

Alexander entered in loungewear, eyes bloodshot.

He approached the bed, gently taking Sophia's bandaged hand. "Sophia, who hurt you?

Was Marcus causing trouble again?

I specifically warned—"

He caught himself mid-sentence, kissing her forehead. "Sophia, I'll take you riding later.

Whoever did this, I'll make them pay."

Sophia whispered, "No need. I'll handle it myself."

In the hours that followed, he attended to her meticulously—

carrying her to wash, feeding her breakfast spoon by spoon, applying premium ointment.

Sophia stared blankly at the red marks on his neck, compliant as a soulless puppet.

The Grant family's equestrian grounds blended into a golf course.

Upon arrival, a flash of white caught their eyes—Olivia in a golf skirt, forcing a smile beside a male client.

Alexander halted, glancing sideways at Sophia with feigned casualness:

"That's the new assistant. She signed a sponsorship deal—fresh graduate this year."

Sophia gave a light laugh. "Aren't you going over?"

His gaze locked onto hers, solemn as an oath: "Sophia, you're my wife. Everyone else means nothing."

Sophia stayed silent, tightening her reins and mounting her horse before riding decisively in the opposite direction.

Alexander followed on his steed, but his eyes kept drifting toward the golf course, distracted and utterly lost.

Until he saw the male client's hand about to touch Olivia's waist, Alexander abruptly reined in his horse:

"Sophia, I just remembered I forgot to return a client's call. I'll have staff come accompany you."

Sophia snorted and spurred her horse forward.

Riding into a secluded thicket, faint feminine gasps drifted through the air.

Followed by a man's low, amused voice: "Honey, where did he touch you?

Tell me, honey, I'll wash it away."

"Don't... don't touch there..."

The woman's voice, laced with shyness, pierced her eardrums like needles.

Sophia halted her horse, peering through sparse leaves.

Two figures entwined—Olivia and Alexander.

Rage, disgust, despair... emotions churned within her chest before settling into hollow stillness.

She turned her horse to leave when it suddenly spooked, bolting uncontrollably.

Sophia gripped the reins, struggling to steady the animal, but the entire herd panicked, plunging the scene into chaos.

Staff rushed over in panic, but none dared approach recklessly.

Just as she nearly calmed the frantic horse, the reins snapped with a sharp crack.

Brutal momentum hurled her through the air before her body slammed onto the ground.

As consciousness faded into darkness, she glimpsed Alexander's ashen face, heard his anguished shout: "Sophia!"

Yet his arms remained tightly wrapped around the trembling Olivia...

Between sleep and wakefulness, Sophia heard voices talking.

"Alexander, the horse farm investigation's done. Someone swapped in worn-out reins.

That day, only Olivia touched the horse Sophia usually rides."

After a long pause, Alexander's warning tone cut through: "Drop this matter. Don't let anyone else know."

He paused before adding, "Have signature dishes delivered."

The assistant hesitated. "But Mr. Alexander, you always insisted on cooking for Sophia yourself—"

Catching Alexander's stormy expression, he backtracked, "My fault. I spoke out of turn."

As footsteps faded, a woman's sobs pierced the silence:

"It's all my fault. I never meant for this to happen.

If I hadn't gone to the golf course, you wouldn't have been distracted. You could've protected Sophia."

A thermos lid clicked open. "I simmered this soup all night. Let it be my apology to Sophia."

Alexander suddenly seized her wrist, frowning at the red marks. "Honey, who told you to hurt yourself?

Come on, hubby'll put ointment on it. And punish you for neglecting yourself."

He scooped her into his arms.

Olivia whimpered, "But what about Sophia—"

"Darling, your husband's furious right now. Can't spare a thought for others."

When silence finally fell, Sophia opened her eyes. A tear traced her temple.

She flexed her limbs. Thankfully, the injuries weren't severe.

A nurse bustled in, beaming. "Your husband's so devoted! Hired specialists just for you, booked them at the hospital's hotel too.

He knelt outside the exam room the whole time. Wouldn't rise till you were cleared."

Sophia's gaze remained placid. "He's not my husband."

The nurse gaped just as Alexander burst through the door:

"Sophia! You're awake?

I went to buy food for you. Are you hungry?"

Sophia eyed the Dingsheng takeout bag, then the lipstick smudge on his collar. Without comment, she lifted her chin:

"Did you investigate the horse farm?"

Alexander handed her water, voice steady:

"Done. Old tack and bad feed caused the accident.

I have fired the staff responsible."

He stared at his thumb rubbing his index finger—his tell when lying.

"Sophia, Olivia needed work advice right then. That's why I couldn't shield you.

She feels awful. Let's just... drop this, okay?"

Sophia shut her eyes.

Memory surfaced: in high school, a boy jabbed her hand with a pen. Within days, his family vanished from Seattle after Alexander found out.

Now Olivia schemed to harm her, and he breezily said "drop it."

Her chest tightened like cotton stuffing—suffocating but numb, the sharp pain gone.

She exhaled softly, watching clouds drift past the window.

Soon. Very soon, she'd claim her freedom.

Three days later, Sophia was discharged from the hospital.

Alexander took her for a styling session before bringing her to university campus.

"Sophia, it's graduation day here. The dean invited me, so I thought we could enjoy some fresh air."

She sat beside Alexander, watching Olivia deliver her speech as the outstanding graduate on stage.

Alexander's gaze remained fixed, his eyes overflowing with adoration and admiration.

That speaking slot should've been hers.

When her professor first offered the honor, Sophia had been overjoyed.

She'd imagined Alexander sitting in the audience, dumbfounded before swelling with pride for her.

But after witnessing that proposal, she'd declined.

She planned to leave quietly—Alexander no longer deserved the surprise she'd prepared.

Once Olivia stepped offstage, Alexander excused himself to the restroom.

Sophia slipped her newly received graduation gown over her dress and hurried to find her professor for a photo.

Her professor's eyes shone with approval as she handed over the plane tickets and documents:

"Sophia, may your future ahead be bright."

Just as Sophia turned from bidding farewell, Alexander approached.

Stunned by her appearance, he demanded: "What are you doing in a degree gown? What's that in your hand?"

Sophia lifted her gaze calmly:

"Borrowed from campus. I never went to college, so I wanted to experience it."

She waved the plane tickets and documents, her tone detached: "These were found these. Was heading to security."

Seeing the disappointment in her eyes, Alexander felt a pang of guilt.

Had it not been for his obsessive possessiveness years ago, Sophia would've graduated today, standing in a gown to applause.

He softened his voice, "I'll go with you."

Reaching for the items, he paused as the dean approached for photos. Sophia sidestepped: "You're busy. I'll handle it."

Down the path, Olivia leaned against a tree, smirking: "You know now?"

"Oh right, I sent everything."

Tilting her head, she grinned: "Did it hurt? Falling off that horse?"

"You know what he said when he first approached me?"

Olivia paused dramatically: "He said, 'Olivia, I'll provide for you as my wife for three years.'"

Sophia's lips curled coldly: "So you targeted me from the start?"

"Amusing yourself at my expense?"

Olivia laughed brightly: "I wanted to see what you looked like! Why do they all pine for you?"

"Confused? Don't worry—you'll understand soon."

Her phone rang. Glancing at the screen, she shot Sophia a triumphant look: "My husband's calling. See you tonight."

Sophia grasped the meaning of "tonight" swiftly.

Alexander had arranged a birthday cruise.

As opening fireworks prepared to ignite, he called Olivia onstage before turning: "Sophia, what luck! Olivia shares your birthday. Start together."

He added: "She's been remorseful about the stable incident. Consider this a fresh start."

Sophia's eyes fixed on Olivia's diamond-encrusted gown—last year's Valentine gift from Alexander.

He'd whispered: "Only my Sophia deserves such radiance."

Noticing her stare, Alexander stammered: "Olivia... forgot her dress. Just grabbed one from your closet."

Leaning close, he murmured: "I'll buy you better ones, darling."

Sophia pushed him away expressionlessly: "My hand's still injured. Let Olivia start alone."

Alexander immediately seated her, smoothing her hair: "Forgot with all the rush. Does it hurt?"

She withdrew her hand: "Entertain guests. I need space."

After he left, the hall's noise seemed distant.

Spotlights suddenly illuminated the grand piano.

Familiar notes of Moonlight Sonata flowed out.

Alexander and Olivia sat side-by-side at the keys, radiating unbreakable intimacy.

Their perfect harmony drew thunderous applause.

Whispers reached Sophia's ears:

"Isn't that the couples' duet?"

"Is Mr. Grant making an unofficial announcement?"

"Don't talk nonsense. I heard Mr. Grant has treasured someone like the apple of his eye since childhood—someone who saved his life..."

"Hah, you mean that 'savior' who endured three days and nights of torment with the Foster family? What man could tolerate that..."

The chill instantly swept through Sophia. She couldn't stop trembling.

Alexander parted the crowd and returned to her side. "Sophia, do you like it? I arranged this specially for you. Olivia mentioned she could play..."

Sophia stared at him, unblinking.

His voice softened as he grasped her icy, shaking hand:

"Are you jealous?

Sophia, there's nothing between us.

We've shared eighteen years together. You must believe me—you're the only one in my heart."

"She signed a sponsorship agreement with the company. Otherwise, I'd never keep her around."

Alexander led her by the hand onto the deck. Fireworks erupted in the distance, blooming across the night sky.

"Sophia, I—"

His words shattered by a jarring ringtone.

Olivia's voice trembled through the phone:

"Mr. Grant, do you know where Ms. Williams is?

She asked to meet me at the Waterfront to get her gown back... I've changed out of it..."

"It's so dark here... Ah—who are you?!"

A thud echoed—phone hitting ground—intertwined with a woman's shrieks and male laughter:

"Who delivered this little lamb to Foster family?

Guys, let's enjoy this..."

"Help... Help! Don't touch me!

Ms. Williams, where—get away from me!"

The line went dead amid the sound of ripping fabric.

Alexander clutched the phone, knuckles white, and whirled toward Sophia.

"It wasn't me."

Sophia took out her phone to prove it, "I never spoke to her."

Alexander suddenly laughed, pulling her tightly into his arms, "Sophia, what are you afraid of?

How could I distrust you over an outsider?"

Sophia stared blankly at his face, twisted with restraint, unable to read his thoughts.

"Sophia, I'll investigate this."

He released her, fingertips brushing her cheek, "It's dangerous tonight. I'll have bodyguards take you to the villa first.

When you wake up, everything will be fine."

He summoned bodyguards and personally watched them escort Sophia into the car.

As the car door shut, thunder cracked overhead. Raindrops pelted down like stones, instantly becoming a deluge.

Fireworks blazing on the yacht were drenched to mere sparks, mirroring her eighteen-year bond with Alexander—snuffed out without warning.

Through the rain curtain, Sophia glimpsed the man standing in the storm before mist swallowed his silhouette.

A black cloth yanked over her head. Pungent chemicals flooded her nostrils. Consciousness plunged into darkness.

Before blacking out, she remembered Alexander's icy eyes before she entered the car.

He'd planned this—lulling her with false tenderness to drop her guard.

She awoke in casual clothes, limbs bound with coarse ropes, mouth taped shut.

Alexander's figure entered her vision.

He cast one frigid glance her way before turning away.

She strained to scream, to demand answers, but her body refused.

Dragged past him by bodyguards, his words sliced like blades: "Sophia, don't drag Olivia down just because the Foster family ruined you."

Sophia's tears burst forth like a dam.

He'd finally said it. He never believed she'd left the Foster family with her innocence intact.

Of course—when she'd discovered her pregnancy, that "accidental" car crash took their child.

It was not an accident.

He'd doubted the honey was his.

Regret consumed her.

Regret saving him at all costs, only to earn his disgust and betrayal. Regret letting him kill their child.

"Deliver her to the Foster family. Bring Olivia back."

Those merciless words made Sophia thrash wildly. No—not back to that hell!

But her limbs were pinned, resistance impossible.

As her sanity frayed, Alexander's tone abruptly softened: "Sophia, wait. I'll rescue you soon."

She shut her eyes, tears falling unchecked.

Watching her receding figure, Alexander's heart lurched. He barked: "Stop! Push up her sleeve!"

Bodyguards obeyed, revealing her bare left wrist—no jewelry.

Alexander's tension dissolved.

No crystal bracelet.

Not Sophia.

This substitute resembled her uncannily—enough to fool him.

Robert had said the Grant family compensated her family. She volunteered.

He ordered bodyguards to replay villa surveillance: Sophia sat unharmed on screen. Only then did he let the "substitute" enter the Foster family.

Sophia knew nothing of this when she was sent as a substitute into the Foster family.

She watched Olivia emerge covered in bruises, her clothes torn to shreds.

As she passed by, the woman flashed Sophia a smug smile and silently mouthed "Drop dead" before staggering into Alexander's arms.

"Honey, don't be afraid. I'm here for you."

Alexander murmured soothingly while wrapping his coat around Olivia. He carefully lifted her horizontally, then drove away without a backward glance.

Behind them, the heavy iron gate crashed shut with a metallic clang, sealing Sophia inside the Foster family's hell.

Before she could catch her breath from suffocating despair, an iron collar snapped around her neck.

The chain's other end coiled in the grasp of Benjamin Foster, the family's patriarch.

Adjusting his gold-rimmed glasses, he languidly rattled the chain. "Miss Williams, we meet again."

"You refused to spend one night with me years ago, guarding your purity for Alexander. Even dared gamble by trespassing through my infernal trial."

He chuckled coldly. "Pity Alexander still believed I'd defiled you—enough to kill his own unborn child."

"This time it's more amusing. He personally delivered you back to me... for another woman."

Benjamin leaned down, his breath hot against her ear. "Sophia, you won't escape this time."

He ripped the duct tape from her mouth, tearing skin raw with its adhesive grip.

Then his hand clamped her jaw, forcing an icy pill down her throat.

Dragging her into a sterile room containing only a large bed, Benjamin tossed her phone:

"The drug takes effect in ten minutes."

"You get ten calls to Alexander. If he arrives within ten minutes, you walk free."

"No tricks. Call only him."

His smile turned glacial. "Otherwise, you stay here... permanently."

Feeling flushed warmth surge through her abdomen, Sophia's trembling fingers dialed the memorized number.

The first call yielded only monotonous beeps.

The second, third... until the ninth call—still no answer.

Benjamin stood nearby, arms crossed, a triumphant smirk playing on his lips.

Sophia's heart sank deeper and deeper.

On the tenth attempt, the call finally connected.

She nearly screamed: "Alex, save me!

Benjamin drugged me..."

That word "Alex" was their secret code.

They'd agreed: if she called him Alex, he'd know it was urgent and rush to her rescue.

But instead of frantic concern, Alexander's voice crackled with excitement:

"Darling, you're pregnant?

This is wonderful!"

Then Olivia's tearful whimper followed: "Honey, I was terrified! My stomach hurts so bad..."

"Don't panic. I'm taking you to St Mary Hospital now."

His voice tightened with worry.

"But what about Sophia..."

"Darling, you and our honey matter most. Forget the rest.

Be good."

"Our wedding then..."

"Proceeds as planned."

"Oops, slipped and hung up. Bye!"

The dial tone returned, slicing through Sophia's last hope like a dull rusty knife.

Benjamin snorted, dialing Alexander on his own phone.

Alexander answered instantly, voice icy: "Benjamin, she's yours now. Stop bothering me!"

Benjamin cranked the speaker volume, chuckling: "Oh?

Then I'll handle her however I please."

"Play her to death for all I care!"

Alexander's roar mingled with Olivia's shriek: "Olivia!

What's wrong—"

The call cut off with a sharp click.

Benjamin's clammy hand grazed Sophia's cheek. She jerked away, trembling with revulsion.

"Heard that?

Time to give up completely."

She snatched her phone and redialed, one thought consuming her: Alexander, answer.

When the robotic voice announced "The number you dialed is powered off," Sophia's heart plunged into an abyss.

He'd switched it off.

Staring at the darkened screen, Sophia laughed until tears streaked her face.

So this was Alexander's love.

While she fought through hell, he celebrated new life with another woman.

Faintly, she recalled seven-year-old Alexander rescuing her from wild dogs.

His star-bright eyes held hers as he shoved warm buns into her hands: "Eat up. Fight them off, and I'll take you home."

Then sixteen-year-old Alexander, scowling at her suitors: "Who dares chase what's mine?"

The memory shattered. Now the man who'd sworn eternal love knelt, offering a diamond ring to another.

All resistance drained away.

Heat surged through her veins, even Benjamin's smug face seeming oddly alluring.

She bit her arm hard—pain sharpening her mind.

Benjamin clicked a stopwatch.

Its mechanical voice counted down: 10, 9, … , 1.

Bang—

The door burst open.

A man in black rushed in and knocked Benjamin out with one punch.

Sophia squinted toward the faint light source, spotting a tall, lean man leading the group.

As he approached, his striking features came into focus.

Strangely familiar.

His voice seemed to drift from afar.

"Sophia, I'm your fiancé. Your brother sent me to bring you home.

Sophia?"

"Sophia, are you alright?"

"Boss, if we don't administer this medication soon... severe side effects could follow."

His subordinate's tone grew urgent.

Something cold pressed into Sophia's palm.

The man before her kept murmuring, "Sophia, I'm your fiancé We'll marry once we're back. Now, I'm here to save you—"

Scorching heat flooded her senses, drowning his words. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around him.

What followed felt inevitable.

In her last shred of clarity, Sophia thought: Alexander, we can never go back.

When consciousness flickered again, scenery raced past her blurred vision.

Slowly, she realized someone was carrying her through the night.

Seeing her eyes open, the man looked down and placed a remote in her hand. "Press it, Sophia. Everything here ends tonight."

She stared numbly at the device. Under his expectant gaze, her finger pressed down.

A low chuckle rumbled from his chest. "Done."

He tossed the remote aside and patted her head. "Don't worry. I packed everything you need."

"Your phone's already mailed to him."

He paused meaningfully. "It contains all he deserves to know."

Sophia nodded, throat burning too much for questions.

She never saw the twin infernos erupting behind them—

One consuming the Foster family's stronghold.

One devouring the villa she once shared with Alexander.

Nor did she witness the private jet on Alexander's arranged route plunge into the ocean ten minutes later, bound for British.

As the man settled her onto his private jet, his whisper grazed her ear: "There, there. We're going home."

Sophia closed her eyes.

Alexander, marry whoever you want. Have children. None of it concerns Sophia anymore.