Chapter 3
This ring was a j
a gift from Alexander. He had lonelt on one knee, looking up at her nervously with eyes full of love, his voice trembling. “Sophia, will you… will you date me forever? I truly love you. I’ll never marry anyone but you.”
These were actually quite empty words that any rational person shouldn’t believe.
But she had believed them.
How moved she’d been then was how much pain she felt now.
Sophia composed herself and left the hospital, her hand now empty except for a faint ring mark. A clearly expensive ring now lay abandoned on the restroom sink.
It wasn’t until 10 PM that Alexander hurriedly pushed through the door. Upon entering, he knelt on one knee before Sophia, who sat on
the sofa.
Before she could react, he produced the ring she’d discarded that day, gently sliding it back onto her finger.
Holding her hand and looking up at her, he said indulgently, “Darling, did you not notice you’d lost your ring? How careless of you. Don’t lose it again–this is proof of our commitment.”
His eyes still held the same devotion, but Sophia could no longer recapture her former feelings. This relationship now contained irreparable impurities.
Sophia didn’t answer his question. Instead, she asked. “Where were you today?”
She stared intently into his eyes, precisely catching a flash of guilt.
But it lasted only a second before he replied, “Had business at the company. When I got back to your room, you were already gone.”
Hearing this, Sophia felt deeply weary. Without a word, she turned toward the television.
Thinking she was upset about his lack of communicati okay? You’ve always wanted to try, and the doctor said
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ng tone. “Darling, let’s go horseback riding tomorrow,
Sophia remained noncommittal, too exhausted by Alexander’s lies to do anything but wait peacefully for her departure.
The next day, Alexander took her to a horse ranch up north.
Upon arrival, Sophia met Victoria for the first time and immediately saw why she and Alexander were perfectly matched–Victoria had the polished demeanor of a true socialite.
Bitterness welled up in Sophia’s heart.
She’d assumed that with the real deal present, Alexander would ignore her. Surprisingly, he kept his arm firmly around her. “Sophia, come let me teach you to ride.”
He completely ignored Victoria, focusing entirely on selecting a gentle horse for Sophia and teaching her hands–on how to ride.
She got caught up in learning to ride and forgot her earlier emotions, but after half an hour said she was tired.
Alexander immediately stopped and brought her back to rest. They’d barely sat down for two minutes when Sophia noticed Victoria leaving the area.
Two minutes later, Alexander said, “Let me get you some water.”
Sophia’s fluttering heart suddenly stilled as she quietly followed Alexander to a secluded area where Victoria was waiting. The moment Victoria saw him, she threw herself into his arms.
Alexander immediately caught her, frowning as he spoke, “Didn’t I tell you to pretend we don’t know each other until after the wedding? If Sophia makes a scene, it’ll impact both our families.”
He had indeed told her this before.
Chapter 3
But Victoria immediately began acting coquettish. “The baby missed you. Besides, she didn’t notice.”
The “she” naturally referred to Sophia.
After this comment, Sophia watched Alexander’s frown melt into helpless affection before they kissed passionately, their tongues intertwining
Watching this scene, Sophia felt her heart being torn apart. Her hands clenched into fists, nails nearly drawing blood, yet she felt nothing.
Unable to bear the torturous sounds any longer, Sophia fled on unsteady legs back to the rest area.
Half an hour later, Alexander returned with water, his voice apologetic. “Darling, I had to take a call–that’s why I was gone so long. Were you waiting anxiously?”
Hearing this endearment while remembering their kiss made Sophia feel nauseous. She took a sip of water to suppress the feeling. Alexander’s sharp eyes noticed her bruised palms. He nervously took her hands. “What happened to these?“!
Only then did Sophia realize her palms were bruised from her nails. Startled, she casually deflected. “Must have gripped the reins too tightly.”
Concerned, Alexander reached to help her seek treatment, but Sophia recoiled from his touch and pulled away.. “It’s fine. I want to ride.”
Sering Alexander about to follow, she quickly added, “I want to ride alone.”
Hearing this and seeing Sophia’s expression, he didn’t follow.
