The Ex-Wife's Escape: From Betrayal to Revenge

Chapter 12

Ethan Johnson slammed the door behind him, the thunderous crash echoing through the villa.

Isabella Taylor stood frozen in place, her nails digging deep into her palms. She watched his retreating figure, silent tears streaming down her face.

In the living room, the photograph Ethan had carelessly tossed onto the coffee table glared back at her. In it, Sophia Williams nestled in Ethan’s arms, her smile as radiant as early spring sunshine.

Ethan sat in his study, his fingers trembling as they traced Sophia’s face in the photo. His heart felt as though an invisible hand were crushing it, the pain so intense he could barely breathe.

He grabbed his phone and dialed one number after another—Sophia’s closest friends, distant relatives, colleagues, even the property management of their neighborhood. Each call was like a knife, chipping away at his dwindling hope.

"Do you know where Sophia is?"

"No, Mr. Johnson."

"Has Sophia contacted you recently?"

"I’m sorry, Mr. Johnson..."

After the ninety-ninth call ended, Ethan slumped back in his chair. Staring blankly at the ceiling, a sudden realization struck him.

"Hello?" A mocking voice answered. "To what do I owe the pleasure, Mr. Johnson?"

Ethan clenched his fist. "Liam, has Sophia reached out to you?"

"Ha!" The man laughed derisively. "Did you lose your wife, Mr. Johnson? Or did your little game backfire?"

Ethan hurled the phone to the ground, the screen shattering on impact.

Meanwhile, in a hospital delivery room, agonized screams pierced the air.

"Push! Harder!" The doctor’s urgent voice echoed through the sterile room.

Isabella, drenched in sweat, lay pale as a sheet. Her fingers clawed at the sheets, nails nearly breaking skin.

"Ah—!"

A final, desperate cry was followed by the weak wail of a premature baby. Nurses rushed the newborn boy away as Isabella’s vision blurred, and she collapsed into unconsciousness.

When she awoke, her mother’s icy expression was the first thing she saw.

"Mom..." Isabella weakly reached out.

"Slap!"

A sharp blow silenced her. Isabella clutched her stinging cheek, eyes wide with shock.

"Do you have any idea what you’ve done?" Her mother’s voice shook. "The entire city is laughing at the Taylor family!"

A second slap landed before Isabella could react. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth, but she dared not flinch.

"Your father has removed you from the family registry." Her mother tossed a bank card onto the bed. "From now on... you’re on your own."

The door slammed shut. Isabella curled into herself, her tears soaking the pillow.

Outside the Johnson villa, a black car screeched to a halt.

"Ethan Johnson! Get out here!" Sophia’s uncle stormed into the living room.

Ethan barely had time to stand before a fist connected with his jaw. He staggered back, knocking over the coffee table.

"Uncle..." Ethan wiped blood from his lip.

"Don’t call me that!" The man’s eyes burned with fury. "What happened to your promise? You swore you’d cherish Sophia forever!"

Ethan didn’t dodge the second punch. He let the pain spread, as if it could somehow ease the guilt crushing his chest.

"Enough." Sophia’s aunt pulled her husband back. "Let’s go."

Her uncle shot Ethan one last glare. "From today onward, Sophia has nothing to do with you!"

Ethan struggled to his feet, but the room spun violently. As darkness swallowed him, he thought he saw Sophia standing in the doorway, shaking her head softly.

"Sophia... don’t go..."

His whisper faded into the empty air, unanswered.