Chapter 1
St. Asia Hotel, VIP Suite. "Mom...... sister did not agree to this marriage, we now tie her over, is this not too much?" The young woman pulled the woman's arm, her face showed some difficulties. "What's too much, we're doing this for her good. If not, how could she agree to marry Master Stevens?" The woman glanced at the sleeping girl on the bed, without a trace of pity in her eyes. "But ...... won't she blame us when she wakes up?" The young woman bit her lip, still hesitant in her heart. "After a while she will understand our good intentions. She grew up in Slum, if not for being brought back to the Lawrence family, not to mention marrying into a wealthy family, even contact with the upper class is a luxury! The Stevens family in Seaside City is also considered a prestigious family, marrying over to the latter half of their lives will not be worried, aren't we helping her?" The woman patted the young woman's hand, her tone was firm, "Besides, if she doesn't marry, who's going to make things right between you and Ethan Hawke... The Hawke family is so big, if you let your sister marry there, she doesn't even know the rules, and causes trouble, the ones who suffer are the Lawrence family!" "You're a personally trained celebrity, you're more suitable to marry Ethan than your sister, didn't Ethan say last time that you're the one he loves, don't you want to marry him?" Lying in bed, Sophia just woke up, the ear is the mother Martha and sister Emily's calculating conversation. Her heart shook as if she had fallen into an abyss. Why, why did they do this to her? Was it because she wasn't as good as Emily? At birth, she and Emily were mistakenly carried. Growing up, she lived in the squalor of the Slum, deprived of food and beaten by her adoptive father, while Emily enjoyed all the glory and honor that was hers. It wasn't until she was sixteen that she was taken back to the Lawrence family. She thought she'd have a happy family, but she never realized it was all just a fantasy. Her parents never treated her as their own daughter, but instead favored the unrelated Emily. Emily was raised to be a celebrity, to be better than she was, and to be more likely to land a rich husband and bring more honor and benefits to the Lawrence family. Even so, she never resented them, and she never fought with Emily for anything. She never thought they would be satisfied with her, knowing she had a boyfriend, but they knocked her out, took her to a hotel and forced her to marry that playboy, trying to make him and Emily happy. It's so ironic! Tears slid down the corners of her eyes. Sophia felt a fear and helplessness she had never felt before. She struggled to sit up, but realized that her limbs were bound with ropes and her mouth was taped shut. She had changed into a wedding dress at some point. It seemed they were determined to make her marry that Master Stevens today! No, she wouldn't let them. There were footsteps at the door, and Emily and Martha's voices disappeared as they left the room. The next second, the door was pushed open, and the sleazy-looking Master Stevens walked in. He had a disgusting grin on his face and was rubbing his hands together eagerly. Sophia's eyes widened in horror, desperately trying to break free. Master Stevens slowly walked towards her, slyly saying, "What are you afraid of? Stop hiding and come into my arms." "My father is the CEO of Stevens Company, if you marry me, you will be able to eat, drink and have whatever you want." "Such a good thing, a girl like you from Slum, I'm afraid you can wake up laughing in your dreams!" After saying that, he tore off the tape on Sophia's mouth and kissed her. Sophia knew she couldn't resist, so she forced herself to hold back her nausea and tried to calm herself down. "Marrying a chicken follows the chicken and marrying a dog follows the dog, since my parents betrothed me to you, I admit it. But can you untie me first?" "You're so sensible." Master Stevens laughed wickedly, tied up her he also inconvenient to do things, so he simply untied the rope, impatiently pounced on it again. Unexpectedly, Sophia suddenly opened her mouth and bit down hard on his arm. Master Stevens broke away from her in pain. Sophia seized the opportunity, climbed up to the window ledge, and then leapt down! She wouldn't marry this loser, even if she had to die, and she wouldn't be left to her own devices! Master Stevens instantly changed his face, poked his head out and scolded, "Are you crazy? How dare you jump from the fifth floor, you'll fall to your death!" The moment she jumped out of the window, Sophia felt a sense of relief that she had never felt before, the sunlight poured over her body, and she felt free. Her body was suddenly held up by a white gauze net, the pink roses scattered, instantly wrapped around her body. "Puff!" She fell heavily into the pool, the scattered petals floating on the water. At that very moment, a hand appeared in front of her, trying to pull her onto the shore. Sophia panicked and involuntarily shrank back. The owner of the hand laughed softly, "It seems our bride is shy, unwilling to be pulled up by me." "A goddess is indeed a goddess, not only do you have to keep the guests waiting, even the way you appear is so chic." "Beautiful as it is, it's too much of a waste of a swimming pool, haha!" This person's words were humorous and funny, and everyone at the scene laughed. Sophia realized that she had fallen into another wedding scene! It was a huge hotel garden, and every decoration showed the owner's taste. If she remembered correctly, this should be the closed area of the hotel, only after spending a certain amount of money, she could enter here. The one who can hold a wedding here is the Phoenix. Once she fell in, she even messed up someone else's wedding? Getting up in a panic, Sophia's face reddened and she unconsciously wanted to run away. The officiant stopped her with a gentlemanly gesture, "Hey, does the bride still want to play hide and seek? Our groom is waiting for you." The guests instantly burst into laughter again. Not far away, Alexander in a straight white suit watched silently, just in time to witness Sophia's fall from the hotel window. He frowned slightly, stared firmly ahead, and said in a low voice: "There won't be a next time, and I won't wait forever. Since in your heart, career is more important than love, then I sincerely wish you a bright future." The phone seems to be someone eagerly said something, but he did not listen to further, directly hung up the phone, step toward the pool.
Chapter 2
"Come up." The man's voice was low and melodious, with a certain forcefulness that could not be denied. There was a hint of coldness on his handsome face, and his slightly lowered eyes looked down at Sophia Lawrence. Sophia's throat tightened, taking the lead, "I'm sorry, sir, for ruining your wedding ......" Alexander Blackwood froze slightly, it was clear that she was the one who was hurt, yet she apologized to him instead. When he saw that she didn't respond, he bent down and picked her up from the water. The master of ceremonies took the lead, and the guests began to gather around with excitement. Although the atmosphere was relaxed, Sophia felt like she was about to die a social death on the spot. She nervously grabbed his collar and lowered her voice, "I didn't mean to ruin your wedding, you don't have to pay attention to me, put me down, I'll go by myself." She stumbled out of Alexander's arms, lifted the hem of her already soaked dress, and stumbled to slip out. At that moment, several figures suddenly gathered outside the garden. The leaders were Martha Lawrence and Emily Lawrence, followed by several bodyguards. "Let us in, we have something urgent to find someone!" "We are not a place where just anyone can enter!" The bodyguard at the door snapped, "Please get out, don't delay our business!" Everyone's eyes were instantly attracted, and they all turned their heads to check. When Sophia heard Martha's familiar voice, she immediately felt that something was wrong. Although she was stopped by the bodyguards outside the door, but from the look on Martha's face, she was afraid that she wouldn't give up until she came in this time. If she went out at that moment, she would face a second coercion! After a brief hesitation, she turned to Alexander behind her and said, "I'm sorry, I don't want to bother you again, but can I ask you to help me once more?" "My parents want me to marry someone I don't love, and right now I can't find anyone to help, only you can." She was dripping, trembling slightly, and looked like a bullied bunny. Looking at her red and swollen eyes, Alexander's heart also moved slightly. His cold and solemn gaze swept around, whispered: "I can help you, but there is a requirement. You must be my bride, and accompany me through this wedding." "Pretend or do it for real. As long as you promise me, not only can I help you get rid of them, I can also fulfill any conditions you want. How?" After years of living in the Lawrence family, Sophia had learned to avoid and not to fight. She didn't have any special wishes, the latter condition didn't appeal to her, she just wanted to avoid this. Now there seemed to be no one else she could ask for help except Alexander, who was in front of her. "Okay, I promise." She took it upon herself to introduce herself, "My name is Sophia Lawrence." "Alexander Blackwood." he spat the words out expressionlessly, turning to the bodyguard with a slight nod. The bodyguard quickly comprehended, and surprisingly opened the European-style gate at the garden entrance! Sophia was about to open her mouth, but next to her, Alexander didn't care that she was soaking wet, and firmly held her hand. "Don't be afraid." At this moment, several people led by Martha had already walked in. Her face was full of anxiety, crying as she walked: "Scared me to death, why did I fall down for no reason! Hurry up and go to the hospital with me, I have to take you to check if you are hurt."
Chapter 3
Sophia Lawrence sneered, and if she hadn't heard those words with her own ears, she would have thought she was a loving mother. "I'm not going back with you, and I'm not marrying that Master Stevens, so just give up!" Emily Lawrence saw that the situation was not right, walked up and softly spoke: "Sister, I will explain clearly to you today, it is better to leave here first." Martha Lawrence also immediately nodded: "Yes, the groom and guests are still waiting, don't let people see the joke." Sophia tugged at Alexander Blackwood's sleeve, explaining to him in a small voice: "I don't know that person, they forced me, can you drive them away ......?" She wasn't sure if Alexander would believe her, but right now he was the only one who could help her. Alexander grabbed her small hand soothingly, a cool smile crossed his face, and spoke mockingly, "Making a big show of coming to my place to rob people, do you really think that I don't have anyone in the Blackwood Family?" Martha and Emily stared at the same time, with a look of surprise on their faces.Blackwood Family......Seaside City's Blackwood Family is the only one, and the only one that can organize weddings here! This little daughter's surface is quiet, behind the scenes how the Blackwood Family is involved? If something happens in the future, I'm afraid it'll be even worse. Martha relentlessly stepped forward, frowning: "Mr. Blackwood hello, I do not mean to offend, but this is my daughter, today is her wedding day, I have to take her away." Many of the onlookers at the scene began to whisper. "I can't believe this woman isn't Ava Collins. i thought it was her! Isn't she Alexander's real girlfriend?" "It's rumored that Alexander was stood up twice to marry her, and now it's someone else?" "Maybe this woman is his real girlfriend and Ava Collins is just a cover." "What's the point of these guys? Can't it be that Alexander is stealing the bride?" Sophia ignored the gossip and spoke word for word, "I just want to stay with him, you guys can go." "Do you hear me?" Alexander's narrow eyes narrowed slightly, bringing out a dangerous look, "She said for you to leave." The aura on his body was too strong, even just a light look, could make people feel an invisible pressure. Martha shivered gently and gathered her courage to speak, "Do you want to kill mom? We worked so hard for your marriage, and now you're kicking me out?" "I want you to be happy for the rest of your life to help you make decisions, you're just stabbing me in the heart!" Her voice trembled, as if she had suffered a lot. The discussion among the guests was even more incessant, and they all speculated what Sophia really wanted. Alexander was the only one with a look of disdain and mockery in his eyes that didn't budge. "Let them out." He took Sophia and turned her head, speaking without a trace of emotion. Martha and Emily were struggling under the bodyguards, calling out Sophia's name. alexander didn't move and covered her ears, whispering, "Go change." With the fastest speed to change into a fresh dress, Sophia stood in front of everyone again. Her small face, delicate features, and slim waist, Ava's clothes not only did not look out of place on her, but also gave her a different flavor. Alexander took his eyes off her and announced in front of all the guests that from now on Sophia was his wife. Sophia was like a puppet on a string throughout the entire wedding, numbly following the flow of the officiant and the people on the spot. She had only one thought in her mind, whether Ethan Hawke had really moved on, and there was no place for her in his heart.
Chapter 4
Shortly after the wedding, backstage, Alexander Blackwood let go of Emily Lawrence's hand. In fact, he was already cold at the wedding, and now he was even colder. In the quiet room, Alexander's cell phone suddenly rang. He swept a glance at the caller ID, and said faintly to Sophia Lawrence: "Don't go anywhere, someone will take you home later." With this remark, he left in a hurry without waiting for Sophia's reaction. "What is it?" He picked up the phone, coldly asked. "You really got married? This is not a joke with me?!" Ava Collins' voice was almost desperate, and she said with a sobbing tone. The couple's wedding was filmed by a dozen cameras and followed by a drone. Now, all the hot searches are talking about them, sparking countless concerns and speculations. "Isn't it?" "But you used to love me so much, we were made for each other, why couldn't you wait for me?" Ava's voice choked so much that she could barely speak, "I ...... I stop all work now, come back and marry us, okay? I love you." Alexander eyes flashed a flash of complex emotions, a moment later lowered his voice and said: "There is no turning back, late is late." Ava was completely devastated, no trace of her former elegant and dignified image. Alexander slightly frowned, listening to her hysterical cries, but did not have any emotional fluctuations.Emily can only see his side face, handsome and upright, noble, as if it is the perfect noble young master. He said that he wanted someone to send himself home ...... but now even where her home is, she does not know herself. She is just a person abandoned by the family, nowhere to go. I'm afraid that the choice he made today was also a desperate one. The person who made the phone call is probably the real hostess of this wedding.Emily's heart suddenly surged with a sense of suffocation, feeling that she is here at this moment is a redundant person. She walked out of the backstage in a daze, and suddenly a hand grabbed her shoulder. "Emily!" a nervous voice rang out, "You really married Alexander, do you not care about me anymore?" Turning her head, she saw a handsome face with concerned eyes, Emily's heart flashed with anticipation, then she asked in a low voice, "What about you? Are you really with Emily Lawrence? Did you already know the plan today?" Ethan Hawke had a complicated look in his eyes. He gripped Emily's shoulders tightly and hurriedly explained, "It's not what you think, it's all my family's idea. Unless I marry Emily, I can't inherit the company." "I've tried so many times to fight back to be with you, but there's nothing I can do! Only Emily can inherit the Lawrence family, and even if I don't like her, can I choose my future at will?" His words sounded glamorous, but in the end, he proved that he knew what he was getting into, and was just going against the grain. Emily's heart was like a knife, painfully closed her eyes, suppressing the tears in her eyes. The company's inheritance, as her own daughter, actually not even qualified. Once so trusted relatives and loved ones, now only care about profit, treating her as a dispensable tool. "I really only love you! Don't marry Alexander, wait for me, okay? I'll marry you when I inherit the company." Ethan spoke anxiously, with a pleading look in his eyes.
Chapter 5
“Why would I marry Alexander Blackwood when I could marry Master Stevens instead? Ethan Hawke, you've really disappointed me. If you don’t love me anymore, just say so. Why do you have to deceive me along with them?” Sophia Lawrence struggled to suppress the ache in her heart, her voice icy as she spoke. “My marriage to Alexander is already a done deal. Go ahead and be with whoever you want; it has nothing to do with me. Let’s just go our separate ways from here on.” With that, she turned on her heel and strode away. Caught off guard, Ethan grabbed the hem of her blouse. “Wait, just hear me out!” The lace design around her neckline and sleeves was delicate and fragile. In his haste, Ethan inadvertently pulled too hard, tearing a significant portion at her collar. Sophia gasped, instinctively covering her chest to prevent any embarrassing exposure. “I’m so sorry, Sophia! I just can’t bear the thought of losing you. Please don’t leave me!” Ethan continued to hold onto her, desperation lacing his voice. At that moment, a tall figure approached from a distance, his long strides purposeful and commanding. Without a word, Alexander Blackwood draped his suit jacket over Sophia's shoulders and firmly grasped her wrist, yanking her forcefully toward him. Sophia stumbled, finding herself caught in his embrace. “Daring to steal from me on my own turf? You’re the first to try that, Ethan.” Alexander’s expression was stoic, but a flash of anger flickered in his eyes as he spoke. Ethan’s face paled slightly, but he held his ground, returning the gaze without surrender. “Mr. Blackwood, I respect you, but Sophia is my girlfriend. It’s only natural that I take her home.” “Natural? Me being here today is all about what is right and just.” Alexander’s gaze shimmered with an intensity that hinted at brewing storms beneath his calm veneer. “Did you ask for my permission to take her?” As his words fell, a group of bodyguards surged forward, encircling Ethan. Ethan’s composure faltered, panic surging through him. He lowered his voice, urgently saying, “Sophia, are you being forced into this? If you say the word, I’ll do whatever it takes to take you away with me.” “Your mother and Emily are worried about you. They fear you’re making a mistake. Please listen to me.” At that moment, Sophia couldn’t process his words. Deep down, she knew that those two had ulterior motives in wanting her to return; there had to be a catch. She took a step back, her face a mask of rejection. Alexander caught her intention immediately. “If you want to leave, go ahead. If not, just tell him to get lost.” The bodyguards took a menacing step forward, their intent clear. Ethan trembled, fear etched across his features. “Sophia, you’re ruining your own future!” His voice rose in anguish. But Alexander had already wrapped an arm around Sophia’s shoulder, turning his back to Ethan as he began to leave. “Everything’s taken care of. I’ll have someone send you home later.” Soon, the familiar cold detachment returned to Alexander’s features, as if he were planning to indeed send her back. Sophia shook her head. “I have nowhere to go. I was living at home, but now I’ve fallen out with them.” Seeing her expression softened Alexander’s heart a little. “Then you can stay with me. The wedding’s over; we might as well be legal partners now.” Sophia exhaled softly, reluctantly grateful. Though she didn’t want to be a burden, she truly had no other choice. Other than Alexander, she couldn’t think of anyone else she could rely on. Before long, he led her to his villa halfway up the hill. A small sign at the entrance, contrasting sharply with the villa’s austere design, whimsically read: “Alex’s Cozy Home.” The "Alex" naturally referred to Alexander, and the "Cozy" was likely an affectionate reference to his intended bride. Everywhere she looked in the spacious living room and bedroom, there were signs of feminine presence—supplies, decorations, everything one might need. The level of organization suggested someone had put serious thought and effort into this. Sophia felt a complex swirl of emotions within her. With a long sigh, she remarked, “It’s such a shame you couldn’t marry the one you love. If she saw how much thought you put into this, she would probably regret it too.”
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