Chapter 3

"Fine," I said, nodding as my gaze swept over each of their faces. "Since none of you want me here, I'll leave."

I grabbed my bag from the couch and turned to go, without a hint of regret.

"Sophia!" Edward called out from behind me, his voice tinged with surprise. He clearly hadn't expected me to leave so decisively. "Stop!"

I ignored him and kept walking. Suddenly, a strong hand clamped down on my arm.

Edward caught up, grabbing my wrist so hard it felt like he might crush it. "I told you to stop. Didn't you hear me?"

His eyes were bloodshot, wild like an animal pushed to the edge. "Are you going to walk out on me like that? How am I supposed to save face?"

I let out a bitter laugh. "Your face? Edward, do you even have any shame left?"

I tried to yank my arm free, but he wouldn't let go. "Let go!"

"I'm not letting go!" Edward shot back, locking eyes with me. "Sophia, you owe Olivia an apology."

"Dream on."

We were tugging at each other right at the entrance of the event hall, and everyone was staring at us.

Olivia came over, her eyes red and shimmering with unshed tears, looking like she could break down any second. "Edward, please let Ms. James go. This is all my fault. I shouldn't have come"

The more Olivia said that, the more Edward blamed me.

He tightened his grip on my wrist. "Did you hear that? Even Olivia admits it. What else are you dissatisfied with?

"Sophia, I'm telling you for the last time. Apologize!"

A sharp pain shot through my wrist, and my face darkened. "Edward, I'm counting to three. If you don't let go, don't blame me if I get rough."

"One.

"Two."

Edward snorted, his face full of disdain. "Get rough? I'd like to see you try. What could a weakling like you possibly do to me?"

"Three." The moment I finished, I raised my other hand and, without hesitation, splashed the rest of the warm water straight into his face.

It was quick and merciless, all in one smooth move.

Edward was completely stunned. He stood there, water dripping down his handsome face, looking like a total mess.

The whole place went dead silent. Everyone was stunned by my sudden move. Even Olivia was too shocked to cry.

While he was still frozen, I took the chance to wrench my hand free and quickly stepped back, putting space between us.

I shot Edward a cold, steely look and said, word by word, "This splash is for the love you killed.

"From now on, we're over."

Without another glance, I turned and walked out of the event hall with my head held high.

Behind me, Edward's furious roar echoed through the hall, while Olivia's voice rang out, dripping with fake concern.

"Sophia, get back here!" Edward shouted.

"Edward, are you okay? Someone, get a towel," Olivia called out.

I didn't even look back. As I stepped out of the hotel, the night breeze hit me, and I suddenly felt a chill all over.

Turns out, my back was soaked in cold sweat, and I hadn't even noticed.

Inside, I'd put on a tough front, but honestly, I was scared out of my mind.

I was terrified I'd lose it and break down right there.

I was afraid I'd go crazy and claw at those two homewreckers' faces like a lunatic.

Luckily, I held it together. And I even managed to turn the tables on them.

I pulled out my phone, wanting to call my driver.

But before I could, a new message popped up on the screen. It was from my grandpa. [Sophia, come home early when you're back. I've made some bird's nest soup for you.]

Seeing that message, my nose stung, and I almost cried.

There really was someone in this world who truly cared about me.

I sniffled and sent a quick reply. [Grandpa, I'm on my way home.]

Putting my phone away, I hailed a cab and headed straight for the James family estate.

*****

Half an hour later, the cab pulled up in front of a traditional villa halfway up the mountain. I paid the driver and got out.

Sam, the butler, was already waiting at the door. "Ms. James, you're back." He took my bag, his face lighting up with genuine happiness.

"Sam, I'm back." I smiled at him and followed him inside.

The lights were all on in the living room. My grandpa was sitting on the couch, with his reading glasses perched on his nose, totally engrossed in his book.

He was wearing a jacket, his hair mostly gray, but he looked lively and full of spirit.

When he heard footsteps, he looked up, saw me, and immediately set his book aside, his face lighting up with a warm, loving smile. "Sophia, you're back! Come here and let me take a good look at you."

I walked over and sat down beside him. "Grandpa."

My grandpa took off his glasses and looked me over carefully, his eyes full of worry and affection. "You've gotten thinner, and your skin's darker.

"Did you go through a lot in Grerianland?"

I shook my head and leaned against his shoulder, like when I was little. "No, it was beautiful there, and the air was so fresh. I really liked it."

"Silly girl, still trying to fool me." My grandpa sighed and patted my back gently. "You think you can hide anything from me? I can see right through you.

"I already know what happened at the welcome party."

I was startled and looked up at him. "Grandpa, you..."

"Emily called me," my grandpa said, his face darkening and a flash of anger in his eyes. "That Edward is getting more and more out of line.

"And that Lucas, looks like all the care I gave him was a waste."

"Grandpa, please don't get upset. They're not worth it," I said hurriedly, trying to calm him down.

I didn't want him to make himself sick because of me.

"I'm not angry." My grandpa looked at me, his eyes turning deep and thoughtful. "Sophia, tell me. What are you going to do next?"