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

Chapter 23

Sophia Williams wrenched her hand free and walked away without looking back.

"Sophia!"

Ethan Johnson stumbled after her, grabbing her wrist. His voice was hoarse with emotion. "Won't you give me even one chance?"

Since the day they reunited, he had been desperate to win her back.

But no matter how much he humbled himself or how many explanations he offered, she remained ice-cold.

"You used to love me so much..." His eyes reddened, voice trembling. "We can get a new house, buy new gifts... I—I can sanitize everything every day—"

Sophia suddenly stopped.

"And what about your heart?" She turned, her gaze sharp as a blade. "Can you wash that clean?"

Ethan froze, lips trembling wordlessly.

With a cold laugh, she shook off his grip and strode away.

The next morning, Sophia began packing.

She had originally planned to take her uncle and aunt to the U.S., but the elderly couple couldn’t bear to leave their homeland. She didn’t press them, only slipping a bank card under their pillows before leaving.

At the farewell dinner, her friends clung to her, reluctant to let go.

"Who knows when we’ll see you again after this," her best friend sobbed, eyes red.

Sophia patted her back. "Come visit me in the States."

After several rounds of drinks, someone stood to refill the teapot. The others tried to stop them, but they insisted. Then, just outside the door, a heated argument erupted.

Sophia rushed out just in time to see her friend being shoved by a group of drunk men. She moved to intervene—when a flash of cold light caught her eye.

"Watch out!"

Ethan appeared out of nowhere, shielding her in his arms.

Crash!

A bottle shattered against his head, glass and blood spraying.

The restaurant erupted into chaos.

But Ethan ignored his own injury, hands shaking as he checked her for wounds.

"Unnecessary," Sophia said coldly, pushing him away. "I could’ve dodged."

She had spent half a year in the U.S. learning self-defense. She didn’t need him to protect her.

Ethan’s hands fell limply to his sides.

She didn’t need him anymore. That realization hurt more than the wound on his head.

By the time the manager arrived with security, all that remained was a floor littered with broken glass—and a bloodied man still stubbornly staring in one direction.