Signed, Sealed, Scandalous

Chapter 2

Sophia Sterling gathered the torn pieces of her marriage certificate from the floor and flagged down a cab to take her back to the Kingsley estate.

The moment she walked through the front door, she saw Ethan, Liam, and Noah Kingsley hovering around Lily Wilson's bedroom. The three tall, broad-shouldered men nearly blocked the doorway with their presence, making the spacious room feel cramped.

Sophia stood quietly, watching them fuss over Lily with tender concern. Her lips curled into a cold, bitter smile.

That room used to be hers, the best one in the house, closest to theirs. They'd poured their hearts into designing it for her, turning it into a fairy-tale dream. Every luxury, every little detail, had been handpicked with care.

Back then, they used to say with such warmth, "Sophia is our princess. She deserves only the best."

And she had believed them.

But everything changed after the accident, when Lily got hurt protecting them. Suddenly, they said Lily needed peace and care, and just like that, Sophia was moved to a guest room.

That was when she knew: she wasn't their princess anymore.

Without a word, she turned and walked to her temporary room.

The next morning, loud bursts of fireworks jolted her awake. Still half-asleep, she made her way downstairs, only to stop dead in her tracks.

The living room was overflowing with luxury gift boxes wrapped in ribbons and gold foil. In the middle stood Lily, dressed like a princess, surrounded by Ethan, Liam, and Noah, absolutely glowing with joy.

Ethan handed her a car key, his voice gentle. "Lily, congrats on your recovery. Remember that sports car you liked? It's yours now."

Liam smiled, pulling out a delicate charm. "I fought through a crazy crowd at Nan'an Temple to get this for you. Even got recognized by fans, but hey, it's supposed to bring powerful protection."

Noah grinned and lifted a large trophy. "Hot off my latest win. If I could give you all my good luck and safety, I would. Wishing you a life full of peace and happiness."

Lily's eyes welled with tears as she clutched their gifts. "You guys didn't have to go this far… I don't even know how to thank you!"

But then her gaze landed on Sophia. Her smile faltered.

"Oh! Miss Sterling," she said with mock surprise. "Wasn't your birthday yesterday? What did Ethan and the guys get you? I'm dying to know, mind showing us?"

Sophia's fingers curled into the hem of her dress. The room went silent.

That's when the men finally realized… they had completely forgotten her 22nd birthday.

Ethan stepped forward awkwardly, pulling out a sleek black card. "Lily had a fever. We were caught up. Take this, buy whatever you want."

Liam and Noah followed, holding out their cards too.

But Sophia didn't move. "No need," she said evenly. "A gift only matters when it's given on time."

The three of them froze, caught off guard. They'd expected her to cry or throw a fit, not this cool, unbothered indifference.

Then it hit them: this must be another stunt, like her so-called marriage announcement yesterday.

Ethan narrowed his eyes. "Suit yourself. Just don't regret it."

Sophia met his gaze without blinking. "I won't."

Later that evening, Mr. and Mrs. Kingsley returned from their overseas trip.

During dinner, Lily, daughter of the longtime housekeeper, got up to help her mom in the kitchen, but Noah quickly pulled her back down beside him. "Relax, there's plenty of staff. Just eat with us."

When she hesitated, Ethan and Liam gently nudged her to stay seated.

Mr. and Mrs. Kingsley exchanged stiff glances but said nothing.

Then Mrs. Kingsley turned pointedly to Sophia, ignoring her sons. "Sophia, I heard yesterday was your birthday. Have you decided who you're going to marry? I've been looking at venues already. A celebration like this needs to be grand, we won't let you down."

The entire table went silent.

Ethan finally spoke. "Lily wasn't feeling well. I didn't go."

Liam added, "I was busy taking care of her."

Noah shrugged. "There wasn't time. Besides, Sophia hasn't even made up her mind. Marriage can wait."

Their dismissive words made their parents' faces darken with anger, until Sophia's phone buzzed on the table.

It was a message from Adrian Pierce:

"Will this ring do? If not, I'll take you to pick another."

Attached was a photo of a heart-shaped pink diamond ring, nearly the size of a pigeon egg, sparkling with dozens of smaller diamonds surrounding it. It was so dazzling, so exquisite, it could steal the breath from any girl.