Chapter 2
"Sophie? What are you thinking about? Take your medicine," Madeline said, turning her head.
Madeline's face, puffed up from fillers, was all fake concern as she pretended to care.
I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to swallow my hatred.
After being back, I knew if I exposed her now, she'd destroy the evidence and probably call Alexander to frame me instead.
My 204-pound body was real, and her beauty now was as undeniable.
I couldn't risk tipping her off until I was absolutely sure.
"Thanks, Maddie," I said, forcing a touched smile.
I reached for the bottle, slipped the pink "vitamin" into my mouth right in front of her.
Madeline's eyes flashed with smug contempt and excitement as she turned back to her lipstick.
But she didn't see me tuck the pill under my tongue the moment she looked away. When I got up to use the bathroom, feeling disgusted, I spit it out into the toilet and flushed it away.
Madeline, you owed me. This time, I would make you pay back tenfold.
After spitting out the pill, I scrubbed my face hard with cold water.
Looking in the mirror at my bloated face, my eyes barely visible, just thin lines, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.
The heaviness of my body and the strain on my heart were real, but beneath it all was a soul that had died once already, frozen over and numb.
Alexander, there were three months left.
In three months, I would stand before you with dignity and a spark in my eyes, proud and unstoppable.
Back in bed, I grabbed my phone and tapped on the pinned fox avatar.
In my previous life, I was so insecure and anxious that I was always looking to him for comfort, right up until we finally met in real life.
But this time, I was taking the initiative.
I knew Alexander's personality inside out. He might be the Prince of the Capital Circle, always cool and aloof in public, but online, since he'd never really had a family, he was super clingy and soft-hearted with his soulmate.
Sometimes he was a bit needy and pouty.
I took a deep breath and typed out a message.
Sophie: [Baby, can we postpone our meeting tomorrow? I'm sorry. I'm not ready yet.]
Alexander replied almost instantly.
Alexander: [What's wrong, Soph? Are you feeling sick? Did I do something to make you upset?
[I've already booked the flight and the restaurant, and I must have tried on a dozen suits for tomorrow. Is it that you don't want to see me?]
Even through the screen, I could picture that 6'2" man, usually so ruthless in business, now looking like a giant puppy who got left out in the rain.
My heart softened, and all the regrets from my previous life washed over me, making everything feel so much clearer.
Sophie: [No, I really do want to see you. It's lately my body's been acting up, and I feel pretty awful. I want you to meet the best, healthiest me, not the mess I am right now.
[Baby, can you give me three more months? I swear, in three months, I'll show up happy and healthy, as I promised. I won't let you down.]
He went quiet for a few minutes. I knew he was holding back his little tantrum.
Sure enough, a second later, a voice message popped up. His deep, magnetic voice was laced with obvious pouting and a clear note of being wronged.
Alexander: [Alright, I'll listen to you, Soph. But three months is way too long. Every day's gonna feel like forever.
[You have to make it up to me with a voice call tonight. You need to soothe me to sleep, or I won't be able to sleep.]
Hearing Alexander's familiar voice, my eyes stung with unshed tears. I replied in a low voice: [Alright, I promise I'll make it up to you tonight.]
After sorting things out with Alexander, I closed the chat.
I turned and saw Madeline with her back to me, fingers tapping away furiously on her phone, a smug, scheming grin spreading across her face.
I knew exactly what she was up to.
Too bad I'd already canceled the meeting with Alexander. This time, she didn't stand a chance.
I let out a cold, mocking laugh in my heart and pulled the bed curtains shut.
Madeline, tonight, kept living your fantasy of being a trophy wife.