Trapped in Betrayal and Distrust

But now, he was also giving Sophia similar thing to me back then, embrace and comfort.

"Don't be afraid. I'm here, I'm here, Sophia."

He was wary of meeting my eyes. "I won't let you hurt Sophia and since you ignoring my warn, don't blame me."

On the same day, he had all his belongings moved out and took Sophia to the Caspian Island. Sophia expressed her desire for an island of her own, so he spent a lot of money to buy an island for her.

He also took Sophia to Ivyland to chase the aurora.

Sophia posted a photo of the pigeon eggs Henry bought for her on her social media, even snapped a photo of a star with the caption:

[From now on, whenever I look up, I'll see a star of mine, Sophia, a lifelong romance.]

He was passionate and never hid her love, wishing the whole world knew. I even admire his fondness for Sophia.

Looking at the half empty villa and the sterling silver ring he had ordered for 520 that year on my ring finger, I chuckled.

"Matteo."

He poured me some hot tea and I whispered. "If I'm not mistaken, the Ridley Co.'s largest supplier owes a debt of gratitude to my parents."

Matteo immediately took out the agreement and placed it in front of me.

"Please read this, Miss."

He pointed to the terms and conditions.

"Your father and mother have devoted their lives to you, paving the way for your future."

I read the content, recalling the sunset over the Caspian Island, the Ivyland aurora and that star. I called Henry, but the line was busy. I, then, made a video call on WhatsApp, but Sophia was the one appeared on screen in sexy pajamas and asked me.

"What's up?"

"Henry is showering."

Sophia turned the camera to the bathroom, the misty glass tinged with a hint of ambiguity.

"I thought you should understand his attitude very well. Why are you still persistent?" She sat on the bed, revealing the red mark on her neck. "There's actually something I shouldn't tell you, but I don't think it's a good thing to keep it a secret."

"Tatiana, why do you think Henry loves me and not you?"

I immediately clicked the "end call" button.

I sat in the living room, feeling the air tighten around my throat and noticing an irregular heartbeat, before making a second call.

Henry who brought Sophia to dinner party, went viral.

Everyone thought, Sophia finally fulfilled her wish to be with Henry and no longer dared to criticize Sophia as a mistress, instead, give her a compliment.

"Miss Hayes."

Sweet-tongued people would even smile and say, "Mr. Ridley, you're a perfect match."

In the ballroom.

Henry held Sophia in his arm to the stage, like a prince and a princess in a fairy tale under the spotlight, drew a thunderous applause just standing there.

"Today, on this occasion." He looked at Sophia tenderly. "I would like to introduce her to everyone."

"She's Sophia Hayes."

All of a sudden, the door was flung open and countless men in black filed into the ballroom. The leader, Nolan Spencer, threw the outstanding bill directly in Henry's face.

"Henry Ridley, right?"

Henry's face was full of puzzlement and his anger reached its peak. Just as he was about to call for security, he realized none of his men in the ballroom.

"The debt you owe me," Nolan said, pressing his handgun against the still-unhealed scar on Henry's brow. "You must pay it back now."