Poof! Wife Status, ERASED

Chapter 2: Sister and Brother-in-Law

Sophia Roberts tossed and turned in bed, her mind racing as she stared at the ceiling. Finally, she reached for her phone.

Isabella Thompson had sent her a string of messages—each one colder than the last.

[1]

[2]

...

[6]

"Six times tonight, and not a single precaution taken~ Since Sister Sophia can't conceive, the Vanderbilt heir will come from my womb~"

Sophia felt like a blade had been driven into her chest. Her heart burned as if it were dipped in boiling oil, and her pillow quickly soaked with tears.

When Ethan Vanderbilt came home later that night, he found her hunched over the bar counter, drunk and broken. His heart clenched as he rushed to her, pulling her into his arms without a second thought. "Why did you drink so much? Have you been crying? Sweetheart, come on, let me take you to bed."

Sophia recoiled. His touch felt like filth.

But no matter how hard she pushed, he wouldn't let go. The alcohol clouded her thoughts, and she passed out in his arms.

The next morning, Ethan had already made breakfast. He sat beside her, watching with a tenderness that made her stomach churn. His devotion was suffocating, like he was afraid she might vanish at any moment.

"Sweetheart, promise me you won't drink like that again, okay? It broke my heart seeing you like that last night."

Sophia forced a smile. "It's nothing. I just... I suddenly missed my father."

After her father's death, her mother had remarried, leaving Sophia to grow up in her uncle's home. Ethan's constant support over the years had been the only thing to keep her grounded.

But now...

Ethan, the one who had broken her heart, was sitting beside her.

He quickly dressed her, brushed her hair, and fed her like she was a fragile doll. Then he took her back to the Song family home.

"If you're homesick, we can visit," he said. "But promise me, no more crying alone, okay?"

Ethan, the one who hurt me, was now trying to play the dutiful husband.

At the Song residence, Elizabeth Song had prepared an extravagant spread to win Ethan's favor. Robert Song greeted her warmly, his face full of affection. "Sophia, you're finally back! Your aunt and I have missed you so much. Look, this table is full of your and Ethan's favorite dishes. Come, let's toast!"

But Ethan didn't budge from Sophia's side. He silently peeled a shrimp and placed the tender meat on her plate.

He couldn't stand anyone who had hurt her—family included.

"Oh, Ethan's too busy peeling shrimp for Sophia to toast with you!" Elizabeth said quickly, trying to cover up the awkwardness. "You know how it is—Sophia's his treasure."

"I heard he searched all over Oceanview City for pearls to build her that Ferris Manor. He'd move heaven and earth for her."

When Sophia's name was mentioned, Ethan's expression softened just slightly. He peeled the last tiger shrimp and held it up to her lips.

"I've never been a man of principles. I'd even fight my own father if I had to. But Sophia—she's my heart. No one touches what's mine."

His words made Sophia's stomach turn. She pushed the shrimp away.

"You can have it. I'm full."

Just then, the doorbell rang.

The housekeeper answered, and Robert and Elizabeth stood, eager smiles on their faces.

Sophia didn't need to look up to know who had arrived. Ethan's grip on his chopsticks tightened.

Sure enough, Isabella Thompson walked in, wearing a sweet, innocent schoolgirl outfit, and took the seat directly across from Ethan.

"Oh? Sister and Brother-in-Law are here too?" Isabella said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.