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

Chapter 20

"Sophia, will you marry me?"

Ethan Johnson knelt on one knee, holding an intricately carved diamond ring. Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows of the church, casting dappled shadows across his handsome face.

His gaze was tender as he looked up at the bride in white. "I swear to protect you, love you, and never betray you for the rest of my life."

The bride turned slowly—revealing Isabella Taylor’s heavily made-up face.

"I do," Isabella giggled, extending her hand.

Without hesitation, Ethan slid the ring onto her finger.

"No!" Sophia Williams jolted upright in bed, her forehead damp with cold sweat.

Dawn light filtered through the window. She stared blankly at her left ring finger—bare and empty.

Knock knock.

"Sophia, are you awake?" Her aunt’s voice came through the door.

Sophia took a deep breath. "I’m up."

Her aunt entered, handing her a gilded invitation. "From your friend."

Opening it, she found a wedding invitation from her college roommate, Lisa. The memory of their chance reunion at a café after returning home resurfaced.

The next morning, Sophia went to a luxury boutique to pick out a wedding gift.

"Make way!"

A commotion broke out on the second floor of the mall. Sophia quickly ducked into a nearby store as a group of black-suited bodyguards escorted a frail-looking woman forward.

The woman’s belly was swollen, but her frame was alarmingly thin. When she passed by, Sophia’s pupils constricted—it was Isabella!

"Oh my god, is that the Taylor heiress?" whispered a bystander.

"Rumor has it the Johnsons have been serving her delicacies, but she just won’t eat."

"Serves her right! Mr. Johnson despises her now. If not for the old madam’s interference..."

Sophia turned and walked into another store, her nails digging into her palms.

On the wedding day, the garden was blanketed with white roses.

As the couple exchanged rings, Sophia’s eyes stung. Suddenly, a silk handkerchief appeared before her.

She looked up and met Ethan’s deep gaze.

"Excuse me, I’m not feeling well." Sophia stood and left the reception.

The moment she stepped out, a strong hand pulled her into a secluded hallway corner.

"Sophia!"

Ethan caged her between his arms, breathing heavily. "Let me explain. I only used Isabella as a surrogate because I didn’t want you to suffer."

He cupped her face urgently. "If you don’t like it, I’ll make her disappear right now."