Signed, Sealed, Scandalous

Chapter 12

Lily Wilson bit her lip in frustration, forcing a strained smile onto her pale face.

"I'm fine. It's okay if no one stays with me. I can manage on my own!"

"If you're busy, just go ahead. Don't let me hold you up. I'm just… just a little scared, that's all."

Yet this time, even Liam Kingsley, the most observant of the three brothers, failed to notice her silent plea for them to stay. Instead, he sighed in relief. "Glad you understand. We'll head out first."

With that, he strode away, while Ethan Kingsley had already vanished without a backward glance.

Left alone, Lily stomped her foot in frustration, helpless.

Back in the hospital room, her mother glanced repeatedly at the door upon seeing Lily return alone.

"Mom, stop looking. They all left, they had things to do."

Lily slumped onto the edge of the bed, exhaustion weighing her down.

Her mother shot her a disappointed glare. "Didn't I tell you to make sure those three stayed today? Who knows if Sophia Sterling's marriage is even real?"

Lily checked the time, 4:00 PM, and relaxed.

"Don't worry, Mom. Whether it's real or not, it's too late now."

"If it's real, they can't stop it. If it's fake, they'll still be humiliated, and sooner or later, their relationships will fall apart. Then, all three will be at my mercy. Just wait and see."

Her mother finally eased, murmuring, "I suppose you're right."

Then, she glanced at her injuries, deeming them a worthy sacrifice.

The three brothers returned home, only to freeze at the sight of the empty house.

The cobblestone path outside was strewn with fragrant petals, remnants of what should have been a joyous celebration.

Ethan's heart lurched, his face darkening instantly.

"Sophia!"

He stormed inside, abandoning all composure as he frantically searched for her.

The other two were no better.

Noah Kingsley's eyes were red-rimmed as he tore through the house, his voice raw with desperation.

"Sophia, stop joking around! If it's marriage you want, we'll go get our IDs right now, today! No more waiting!"

Liam wore his usual smile, but his gaze was icy as he faced their parents, disbelief lacing his words.

"Mom, Dad… where is she? Did you hide her to teach us a lesson?"

"This isn't funny. Stop indulging her games. Has she made her choice? It's time to give us an answer."

His laugh was hollow, a feeble attempt at denial.

Their parents stared, stunned by their sons' obsession.

With a sharp crack, their father backhanded Liam across the face.

"Fools!"

The priceless face of a celebrity swelled instantly, a brutal mark of their father's fury. Any fan would have been heartbroken at the sight.

Yet Liam barely reacted, merely wiping the blood from his lip.

"You've hit me. Now tell me, where is Sophia?"

Ethan and Noah appeared silently behind him, their gazes locked on their parents.

Their mother sneered, tossing her phone at them.

"Oh, you want to know where she is? Why don't you see for yourselves?!"