Chapter 5
The Smith family mansion was hosting a birthday party.
Isabella wore a strapless gown, standing in the center of the crowd like a princess.
Meanwhile, Sophia’s hair was disheveled, her clothes covered in dust and blood, looking utterly wretched.
The guests began whispering among themselves.
“Isn’t that Sophia? How did she end up looking like this?”
“Right, I used to think she was elegant, but now she doesn’t compare to Isabella.”
“No wonder the Smith family favors the younger daughter. I’d prefer her too…”
Robert Smith’s face darkened when he saw her. “You wretched girl! Coming here dressed like this-are you deliberately
trying to embarrass our family? Get out of here!”
Once, a scraped palm from playing would break her father’s heart. Now, with her clothes soaked in blood, all he cared
about was embarrassment. Sophia’s nails dug deep into her palms.
“Don’t worry. Once I get my belongings, I’ll leave immediately.” She turned to Isabella, her voice cold. “I came as agreed.
Give me back my mother’s bracelet.”
Isabella put on an aggrieved expression. “Sis, don’t be angry. I just wanted to invite you to the party, so I used this
method. Here’s your bracelet.”
Isabella removed the bracelet and approached, extending it toward Sophia. Just as Sophia reached for it, Isabella let go.
The jade shattered against the floor, and so did Sophia’s sanity.
Sophia raised her hand and gave Isabella a hard slap.
“Isabella!” The next moment, Isabella’s mother screamed and rushed over, shoving Sophia hard.
The force sent Sophia staggering on her injured knee, crashing straight into the champagne tower. Glass shards and wine erupted everywhere. Sophia lay bleeding, her delicate skin carved with cuts, every nerve screaming in agony.
But everyone else gathered around Isabella with concern.
Robert roared, “Guards! Drag her away and lock her in the confinement room!”
Several bodyguards immediately rushed in, dragging Sophia toward the exit.
Just then, the butler walked in. “Sir! Isabella’s admirer has sent birthday gifts!”
Sophia’s blood left a trail as Ethan’s people entered carrying priceless gifts.
The latest haute couture gown-Ethan had said he wanted to dress her like the most beautiful princess.
The world’s largest ruby-Ethan loved giving her ruby jewelry because he said rubies represented faithful love.
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A private overseas island-Ethan had said that when they were old, he would take her there to live like immortal lovers.
The iron door of the confinement room was locked.
Sophia stumbled to her feet, frantically pounding on the door. “Let me out! Open the door! Don’t lock me in here! Help!”
Deliberately buried memories surged back. At ten, Isabella had led her to an abandoned building out of jealousy over test scores. The kidnappers, the garbage-filled cellar, the crude weapons, the rotting food…
She curled up in the corner, burying her head in her knees, trembling uncontrollably. “Don’t hit me, let me go, please, don’t
hit me…”
Just as she was on the verge of collapse, screams came from outside, followed by the iron door being kicked open.
Ethan rushed in and pulled her into his arms. “Baby, I’m sorry I’m late. Are you hurt?”
In her daze, Sophia thought she was still in that cellar.
She buried herself in Ethan’s embrace, her bleeding fingers clutching his sleeve. “Eth, you came to save me. I was so
scared…”
Hearing this address, Ethan’s pupils contracted sharply. He gripped her shoulders, his voice trembling. “Sophia, what did you call me? How do you know that name?”
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