novelnext Chapter 22: Marry Me
Chapter 22: Marry Me
Sophia sensed his turmoil and cupped his face. Acting on impulse, she rose onto her toes and pressed her lips to his.
The moment their lips met, Lucas Harrison pulled her close without hesitation, deepening the kiss with a fervor that threatened to consume her.
In the days that followed, Lucas became inseparable from her. For the first time, Sophia realized that someone other than Ethan Foster could cherish her as if she were a priceless treasure.
Lucas went as far as spending millions to acquire a royal ring, proposing to her in a grand gesture that made headlines across the city. Though her face remained hidden from the public, everyone knew Lucas had found the love of his life.
Their love story eclipsed even the past she had shared with Ethan.
Hospital
Ethan smashed the television, his face contorted in agony as he collapsed onto the floor. His mother watched his breakdown with dwindling patience.
"Enough!" she snapped. "How much longer will you wallow in this? Do you want to ruin the Foster family with your self-destruction?"
Ethan covered his face. "She's not coming back… She's gone…"
Emily's words from half a year ago had come true. Sophia had moved on, loved by another man, while he remained trapped in his torment. He wished he could lose his mind, anything to escape the pain of watching her happiness with someone else.
His mother stood. "Sophia is never coming back! You pushed her away long ago!" She pointed at him. "Once you're discharged, you will arrange a marriage meeting. Have a child, and then you can lose your mind all you want!"
Ethan ignored her.
He knew, he couldn't live without Sophia. If she was truly gone, he would die.
After his discharge, he discreetly contacted a buyer and acquired the second most valuable necklace from the same auction where Lucas had purchased the ring. The next day, it was delivered to the Harrison residence.
Sophia glanced at the extravagant jewelry and didn't hesitate.
"Return it. And tell the sender, if he regrets anything, he should stay out of my life."
After that, no more gifts arrived.
But photographs did.
Images of Sophia and Lucas shopping, kissing, even intimate moments in their home, each one was delivered straight to Ethan.
His vision burned red as agony tore through him. Only now did he truly understand the pain Sophia had endured. Watching the person he loved belong to another, helpless to stop it, it was unbearable.
He was certain he'd go mad.
Sophia remained unaware.
She had just discovered she was pregnant.
Her hand rested on her stomach, warmth blooming beneath her palm. Though the life inside her was still smaller than a pea, she could already feel its presence.
The time after losing Noah had been the darkest of her life. She had sworn never to endure that pain again, yet now, faced with the possibility, she couldn't bring herself to let go.
A hand covered hers.
Lucas embraced her from behind, understanding her hesitation. "Whatever you choose, I'll respect it. If you don't want this, we don't have to keep it."
Sophia squeezed his hand, emotions swirling.
"No… Lucas, this time, I want to try."
She had made up her mind. The past was the past, this time, luck would be on her side.
Lucas froze. "Really?"
She nodded.
Turning, she threw her arms around his neck, holding him tightly.
"Lucas, let's get married."
His body stiffened before joy overtook his expression. His voice trembled despite his efforts to steady it.
"Are you sure? Sophia, you really want to marry me?"
She laughed. "Yes. The sooner the better, I refuse to wear a wedding dress while pregnant. It wouldn't look good."
Lucas lifted her into the air, elated. "We're getting married!"
Sophia's laughter filled the room.
The wedding was set for the end of the month.
Lucas planned their honeymoon before winter, pushing his company's affairs into overdrive to free up time for her. He worked late nights, determined to accompany her for every step.
On the last day of the month, they visited the bridal boutique.
The gown was exquisite. Lucas knelt before her, pressing a reverent kiss to her hand.
"Marrying you is the greatest happiness of my life."
After finalizing the dress, his phone rang. Regretfully, he kissed her cheek.
"I have a meeting. Go home first, I'll cook for you tonight."
She smiled. "Alright."
Watching him leave, Sophia decided to stop by a nearby mall to buy him a gift.
As she passed an alleyway, a hand clamped over her mouth.
Darkness swallowed her.
When she opened her eyes again, she was in an unfamiliar room.