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

Chapter 5

Sophia Williams turned around, her pupils contracting sharply in an instant.

Ethan Johnson stood right behind her, his face deathly pale.

"Sophia!" He snatched her phone from her hand. "Who's moving abroad?"

Her fingertips trembled slightly, but her expression remained calm. "Just a college roommate. She wanted to meet up before leaving."

Ethan stared into her eyes, then suddenly pulled her into a crushing embrace. His heartbeat was terrifyingly fast against her.

"Don't scare me like that..." His voice was hoarse. "You know my family—three generations of military. I can't leave the country."

Sophia winced at the pain of his grip. The scent of his cologne mixed with tobacco, once intoxicating to her, now made her nauseous.

"If I've done something wrong..." He cupped her face. "You can kill me, but don't leave me."

She gently pushed him away. "I know."

In the days that followed, Ethan shadowed her every move. Even when his friends opened a new club, he dragged her along.

The private room was bathed in dim, suggestive lighting. A group of wealthy young men flocked around her with exaggerated courtesy.

"Mrs. Johnson, sit here! We've got fresh fruit plated for you!"

"Ethan specifically requested your favorite piano playlist."

"Try this dessert, Mrs. Johnson..."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Since when are you all so attentive?"

"Everyone knows you dote on your wife like she's your most precious treasure," one of them teased. "If we don't keep her happy, would you ever let us off easy?"

Amid the laughter, the door suddenly swung open.

Isabella Taylor strode in, dressed in a backless outfit.

"Sophia! Ethan!" She giggled, squeezing herself between them. Out of sight from the others, she pressed Ethan's hand against her bare thigh.

Sophia's nails dug into her palms.

She saw Ethan's throat bob, his fingers moving subtly beneath Isabella's skirt.

In the restroom, cold water splashed against her face, but it did nothing to extinguish the fire in her chest.

"Sophia." Isabella reapplied her lipstick in the mirror. "Men always crave something new." Suddenly, she pulled open her coat—

Black lace lingerie peeked through.

"Wanna bet what excuse Ethan will use to leave soon?" Her smile was venomous. "Or how many minutes he'll last in the restroom?"

When Sophia returned to the private room, Ethan's phone lit up with a notification.

He read it and abruptly stood. "Sophia, there's an emergency at the office."

Isabella followed him out moments later.

The music in the room suddenly felt grating. The men exchanged uneasy glances, and someone offered to take Sophia home.

She rose quietly. At the door, she realized she'd forgotten her bag.

When she doubled back, she caught their laughter:

"Ethan's acting skills are next level! Plays the devoted husband so well in front of his wife!"

"That vixen is shameless. No wonder he can't resist..."

"Shh—keep it down!"

Sophia stood outside, a chilling smile curling her lips.

It was a smile so cold it could freeze blood.