Sophia’s world spiraled out of control the moment Hannah let out a dramatic cry, collapsing onto the marble floor.

Her breath hitched as the shattering of glass echoed in the hallway, quickly followed by the sound of hurried footsteps. Ryan appeared, his expression thunderous, as his gaze darted between the sisters.

“What the fuck, Sophia! What’s wrong with you?” he barked, his voice reverberating through the hallway.

Sophia flinched at his tone, her mind spinning as she tried to make sense of what had just happened.

“I-I didn’t even do any—”

Before she could finish, Joanne, her stepmother, appeared, her face twisted in fury.

“What the hell is going on here?” Joanne’s sharp gaze landed on Sophia, and her lips curled in disgust.

“What did you do to Hannah?!”

“I didn’t push her! I swear, I didn’t!” Sophia’s voice trembled, but the truth seemed to dissolve under the weight of their accusing stares.

“You’re a liar!” Joanne spat, her hand raised to strike.

Before the slap could land, Ryan’s hand shot out, gripping Joanne’s wrist with enough force to make her gasp.

His dark eyes blazed with anger as he growled,

“Sophia made a mistake, and she’ll make up for it. But she’s still my wife. No one is allowed to lay a finger on her.”

“What?” Joanne’s eyes widened into saucers. She couldn't believe Ryan was defending his wife.

The hallway fell silent, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Joanne’s mouth opened and closed, words failing her as she stepped back, clearly stunned by Ryan’s defense.

It was the first time he had defended her publicly and it made her heart flutter with a little hope. But that bubble was busted by a loud cry.

Sophia’s own shock mirrored Hannah’s. Her gaze flickered to Ryan, searching for a shred of understanding, but his face remained cold and unreadable.

“Ryan,” Hannah whimpered from the floor, her tear-streaked face tilted up at him as she clutched her ankle. “Please, help me. It hurts so much.”

Ryan’s hardened expression softened as he turned to Hannah, crouching down to scoop her up in his arms. His touch was gentle, his voice tender in a way he had never been with Sophia.

Sophia’s heart twisted painfully at the sight. She opened her mouth to say something, anything, but Ryan’s flat tone in his voice cut her off.

“Go home, Sophia,” he ordered without sparing her a glance. “You’ve caused enough trouble for one night.”

Her throat tightened as the humiliation washed over her. The eyes of the guests, filled with disdain and judgment, followed her every move as she stood glued to the floor her feet feeling like fucking lead and too heavy to move.

Everyone turned and left leaving only her and Joane on the scene. She folded his arms across her chest as she stepped closer,

“Just because he defended you doesn't mean shit. He probably did it because I'm Hannah’s mother. Now run along.”

“You and your daughter surely try really hard. But you know one thing, you'll always have leftovers. Just like my late mum left dad for you that's how your daughter will get Ryan. Used and finished. Now if you'll excuse me!” She brushed past her.

“You little!-” Sophia was already walking out the door.

…….

Back at the cold, empty house, Sophia sat on the edge of the bed, her hands trembling as she stared at the clock on the nightstand.

Each tick seemed louder than the last, the sound filling the oppressive silence of the room. She clung to a fragile thread of hope, telling herself that Ryan would come home, that he’d explain, that there was some rational explanation for his actions.

But as the hours dragged on, that hope crumbled.

Her phone buzzed, breaking the stillness. Sophia grabbed it quickly, her heart leaping, but her breath caught in her throat as she opened the message.

The screen displayed a photo of Hannah and Ryan in bed together.

Hannah was curled against his bare chest, her face glowing with satisfaction. Ryan’s shirt was unbuttoned, revealing his toned torso and his arm rested possessively around Hannah’s waist with his eyes closed.

Sophia’s stomach churned, bile rising to her throat.

A second message followed:

“Told you he’s mine!”

Sophia’s hands shook so violently that she nearly dropped the phone. Her vision blurred with tears as the weight of Hannah’s words—and the damning evidence—crushed what little remained of her hope.

She curled into herself, sobs wracking her body as her world shattered into pieces around her. Every whispered insult, every dismissive glance, every betrayal slammed into her with brutal clarity. She had been a fool to think she could ever be more than a placeholder in Ryan’s life.

After what seemed like hours, Sophia wiped her tears, her jaw tightening as she stared at the photo one last time before dialing a number,

“Miss Frost, is something wrong?” Anderson, her lawyer asked in concern.

“Yes, I need you to draft divorce papers for me tonight.”

“Where are you?” Ryan's voice came on the call.

Sophia’s vision blurred in tears but she kept her voice leveled.

“Home.” She responded simply.

Ryan frowned, hearing her one-word answer, “Are you feeling sick? Or is it because I didn't come home? I must have-”

“Why are you calling Ryan? I'm in the middle of something.” Sophia cut him off, not interested in his explanation For fear of hearing what he would say.

“I've sent Alex over. He'll drive you to the restaurant where I'm waiting for you.” Ryan said and hung up.

Sophia stared at the phone. Debating her next move but ended up giving in. She could use this opportunity to give him the divorce papers anyway.

“I guess it's inevitable.” She whispered to herself.

Sophia stared at her reflection in the mirror, her mind racing. The image Hannah had sent haunted her, a painful reminder of the humiliation and betrayal she endured.

Every fiber of her being screamed for her to stay home, but this was her chance. She would hand Ryan the divorce papers and finally break free from this nightmare.

When she arrived at the restaurant, the staff guided her to a secluded poolside table. The shimmering water sparkled under the afternoon sun, but the beautiful setting did nothing to soothe her nerves.

Ryan was already seated, scrolling through his phone, his appearance impeccable as always.

Sophia hesitated for a moment, taking in his crisp white shirt and dark trousers that fit him perfectly.

His calm demeanor, his confidence—it tore at her.

How could he sit there so unaffected while she was drowning in misery?

“Finally,” he said, standing as she approached. His gaze flickered over her, but there was no warmth in his eyes, only faint irritation. “You kept me waiting.”

Sophia opened her mouth to respond, but before she could say a word, his phone buzzed.

“Give me a moment,” he said, stepping away to take the call.

She sank into her chair, clutching her bag tightly. The papers were inside, ready to be handed over. But as she tried to steady her breathing, a familiar, hateful voice broke her thoughts.

“Well, well. Look who decided to show up.”

Sophia turned to see Hannah sauntering toward her, her crimson dress clinging to her like a second skin. It was as if she didn't have normal-fitting clothes.

“What do you want, Hannah?” Sophia asked, her voice low.

Hannah smirked, circling the table like a predator. “Oh, nothing much. I just wanted to see how you’re holding up after my little gift last night. Was it a good wake-up call?”

Sophia’s jaw clenched, but she refused to engage. “I’m not doing this with you.”

“Oh, but we are,” Hannah said, her voice dripping with malice. “You really thought you could keep him? Ryan doesn’t love you. He’s just keeping you around because it’s convenient. You’re nothing but a placeholder, Sophia.”

Sophia stood, her heart pounding, and began walking toward the pool’s edge, hoping to avoid a scene.

“Walking away already?” Hannah called after her. “Pathetic, just like always.”

Sophia ignored her as she tried to move past. But Hannah stepped in front of her, blocking her path.

“You’re such a coward,” Hannah sneered, her voice a low hiss. “You don’t even fight back. No wonder Ryan doesn’t respect you.”

“Move, Hannah,” Sophia said firmly, trying to sidestep her.

But Hannah’s smirk widened, and before Sophia could react, she shoved her hard.

Sophia’s arms flailed as she stumbled backward, the edge of the pool slipping away beneath her feet. She hit the water with a loud splash, the cold shock ripping the air from her lungs.

Above her, Hannah laughed, peering down at her with malice. “Oops. Careful, Sophia. It’s slippery out here.”

Sophia struggled to resurface, her dress dragging her down as she flailed in the water. Panic set in as she gasped for air, her limbs growing weaker.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Ryan walking back toward the pool, his phone still in hand.

Hannah’s eyes widened in panic. “Ryan!” she screamed, backing up and pretending to slip. With a dramatic cry, she fell into the pool, splashing wildly as she went under.

“Help me!” she shrieked, her arms flailing.

Ryan dropped his phone and dove in without hesitation, swimming toward Hannah as she continued to cry for help. He reached her quickly, pulling her to the surface and guiding her toward the edge.

“Calm down,” he said sharply, his grip firm. “You’re fine.”

Hannah clung to him, shivering. “I slipped, Ryan. It was so scary.” Her voice trembled with fake fear.

Ryan helped her out of the pool, his brow furrowed. “Where’s Sophia?” he asked, glancing around.

Hannah froze, her expression carefully blank. “I-I don’t know,” she stammered. “I didn’t see her. I'm so cold, Ryan. Please help me walk to the change room."

Ryan’s eyes narrowed, “I’m a married man, Hannah. I can't escort you to change.”

“You'll just reach me by the door then. Please!” She cried as she continued to shiver.

Ryan sighed as he stood and pulled her up, “let's go.”

Unknown to Ryan, Sophia was still underwater, her vision blurring as the world around her faded.

The weight of her dress pulled her deeper, her strength fading away. She reached out, her fingers clawing toward the surface, but the light grew dimmer with each passing second.

Her lungs burned, and her mind screamed for air, but it was too late. The last thing she saw was the distorted shimmer of sunlight on the water’s surface before everything went dark.

Sophia woke to the sterile smell of antiseptic and the beeping of machines. Her body ached all over, and her chest felt tight, as though she were still underwater. Panic surged through her for a moment before she realized she was alive—barely.

She turned her head slowly, wincing at the pain that radiated through her neck. A nurse stood by her side, adjusting the IV.

“You’re awake,” the nurse said softly, her voice calm and soothing. “You gave us quite a scare. How are you feeling?”

Sophia tried to speak, but her throat was dry, and her voice came out as a rasp. “Water…”

The nurse poured a glass and held it to her lips. Sophia sipped slowly, the cool liquid soothing her parched throat.

“You’ve been here for two days,” the nurse explained gently. “You had water in your lungs, and your body went into shock. But you’re stable now.”

Sophia nodded weakly, her mind spinning. She remembered the pool, Hannah’s cruel laugh, and the icy grip of the water pulling her under. But everything after that was a blur.

“What about my baby?” Her eyes panicked while she Attempted to rise but the nurse pushed her back.

“Your baby is barely two months old but is fine. You're really lucky.” The nurse said.

Sophia sighed in relief at that as she laid back in the bed.

“Has anyone come to see me?” she managed to whisper.

The nurse hesitated, a flicker of pity crossing her face. “No, dear. No one has checked in.”

Sophia closed her eyes, the truth cutting deeper than the pain in her body.

Later that evening, she went back home but didn't find Ryan home. When she asked the workers, they told her he hadn't been home for two days too.

Sophia nodded as she went upstairs barely able to walk with how weak her body still was.

Another day passed and Ryan still hadn't come home. Sophia had her lawyer print out the divorce papers and she had signed them and placed them in a brown envelope by the bedside.

She was about to sleep when Ryan finally walked in. She didn't even give him a chance when she spoke up.

“We need to talk,”

Ryan looked at her with a plain expression, “I’m tired, Sophia. Let’s talk later.” He bypassed her and was headed for the bathroom.

“I want a divorce.” She said.

Ryan halted his steps, turning to face her like she had gone crazy, “Let’s do this later, I need to rest.” He said, thinking she was just throwing a childish tantrum.

“I’m serious, Ryan. I’m done.” She took the signed Divorce papers and handed them over to him.

Ryan stared at the papers, not moving an inch. His expression was unreadable when he looked at her, “If it’s about Hannah-”

“I don’t want to hear it. Save it for someone interested in knowing about your precious Hannah” Sophia spat coldly, “I’m done loving you.”

“Sophia-”

“What’s my favorite color? No wait, here is a simpler question, when is my birthday Ryan?” Sophia asked, her eyes shining with tears that were on the verge of dropping.

Ryan ran a hand in his hair before responding, “Why can't you just trust me? Do I have to prove myself by knowing your birthday?”

“Trust you?” Sophia laughed like she had just heard the joke of the century. “Where has that ever gotten me?” Tears were now rolling down her face.

Ryan was taken aback and was speechless. He didn't know what to say or explain himself, after all, he did return home after four days, and the last she saw him, he excused himself to answer a call. Now that he thought of it, he hadn't seen her and didn't know how she got home.

Sophia shook her head in disappointment, “You know nothing about me yet we’ve been married for three years. It was my birthday five days ago. You couldn’t even text because you were too busy rekindling your love. You know what, I don’t even blame you. It was me who insisted on this marriage anyway.”

“I know you’re upset but if you do this, there is no going back.” Ryan pointed out, taking the papers from her.

Sophia laughed, a bitter laugh erupted from her throat as she held his gaze,

“Going back? What’s there to go back to?”