Chapter 3

Sophia's POV

Ethan didn't come home until noon the next day, reeking of perfume.

He was clearly in an excellent mood. As soon as he entered, he handed me an exquisite jewelry box.

"Sophia, this is for you."

I opened the box to find an expensive pink diamond necklace inside.

In my past life, I had been so moved when I received this necklace that my eyes reddened, thinking it showed his favoritism toward me.

But later I learned that Lena had her eye on a blue diamond necklace from the same collection. To please Lena, Ethan bought the entire series of gemstone jewelry and gave me the pink diamond necklace Lena didn't like as compensation.

"Do you like it?" Ethan gently stroked my hair. "Next week is Sterling Group's fifth anniversary gala. I want you to wear it and accompany me as Mrs. Sterling."

I closed the lid, my lips curving into a docile smile. "Okay, whatever you say."

Ethan paused, a flash of guilt crossing his eyes as he tentatively spoke. "Sophia, there's one more thing... Lena just entered the entertainment industry. For this anniversary gala, I want her to attend as a special guest."

He stared intently at my eyes, as if afraid I would lose my temper.

"You're the hostess. At the event, I want you to personally introduce her to those directors and producers. Consider it helping me take care of her."

He wanted me to personally go on stage and elevate his mistress into New York's elite circles.

Was there any crueler humiliation in this world?

In my past life, I had cried and begged him all night in the study over this matter, only to receive his cold response: "When did you become so vicious?"

In the end, I was still forced to attend, becoming a laughingstock throughout New York.

And at this moment, looking at Ethan's hypocritical eyes, I found it absurd.

I didn't cry. I didn't even hesitate. I nodded quite naturally.

"Sure." My voice was soft. "Of course I'll take good care of her."

Ethan let out a huge sigh of relief, joy bursting from his eyes.

He pulled me into his arms and kissed my cheek excitedly.

"Sophia, I knew you were the kindest! Don't worry, once I fulfill my mother's wish, I'll love only you forever!"

I let him hold me, my gaze moving past his shoulder to coldly rest on our wedding photo on the wall.

Kind?

It was because I was going to die soon, Ethan.

How could someone about to die concern themselves with such trivial matters?

On the day of the gala.

I wore a tasteful, elegant dress and entered the venue on Ethan's arm.

Before long, Lena appeared at the venue in an extremely ostentatious white gown.

Her gaze swept past the crowd and landed provocatively on me.

"Sophia." Lena approached, deliberately glancing at my flat abdomen. "Thank you for all your hard work today. Ethan said you've been in poor health and haven't been able to conceive. I feel terrible making you work so hard."

The socialites around us instantly showed mocking expressions.

This was clearly a deliberate jab at my pain regarding children.

Ethan's face changed slightly. He instinctively looked at me, trying to catch anger or grievance on my face.

Because as long as I got angry, he could take Lena's side.

But he saw nothing.

Not only was I not angry, I picked up a glass of warm water from a passing server's tray and personally handed it to Lena.

"You're too kind, Ms. Cooper. Drink more warm water and don't overexert yourself."

Lena's face stiffened, panic flashing in her eyes.

But I didn't look at her again. I turned to Ethan with a smile so gentle it was flawless.

"Ethan, Mr. Harrison is over there. Let me take Lena over to introduce her."

I took Lena's hand and led her into the core of the banquet.

Halfway through the event, I excused myself to use the restroom and walked alone to the venue's terrace.

The night wind made my chest ache faintly.

I took out my phone and sent a message to Owen.

"Owen, I've signed the transfer contract for The Late Hours Bookstore. Please help me process the transfer tomorrow."

The only thing in this world I couldn't take with me or let go of was this bookstore.

Now, I needed to erase this final trace.

I glanced at the night sky. The red line on my left wrist glowed faintly in the darkness.

"Time until death: 22 days"

I turned to head back to the venue but heard Lena's lowered voice from around the corner.

"Ethan, when will Sophia finally die? Didn't the doctor say she wouldn't live long? My belly will be showing in two more months. Do you want our child to be born a bastard?"

Then came Ethan's gentle yet cruel reassurance.

"Lena, just wait a little longer. She behaved so well today. How can I bring up divorce now? Don't worry. The future heir of Sterling Group can only be our child."

I stood quietly in the shadows, listening to them plan their future after my death.

The corners of my mouth slowly curved into an eerie arc.

What's the rush?

There were still 22 days left.

In 22 days, I would give them the most grand banquet of all.