Chapter 2

This time, I watched Madison fall into Liam's arms without any expression on my face. I didn't miss the flicker of emotion in his eyes. But the next second, he glanced at me quickly and pushed her away.

"That's not funny. Apologize to my wife. Clean off the stamp and redo her makeup."

"No need," I said calmly. I took a makeup wipe and cleaned my forehead.

Liam looked relieved. He patted Madison's head gently. "Aren't you going to thank my wife? She's so soft-hearted..."

I interrupted him. "Liam, don't bother redoing the makeup. The wedding is canceled."

Liam stared at me in disbelief. Then he laughed. "That's not funny."

"It's not a joke." I took off the wedding dress he'd had flown in from overseas and dropped it on the floor like trash. "Wedding's off. We're done." I put on my jacket and headed for the door.

"Sophia!" Liam finally realized I was serious. He grabbed my wrist, veins bulging on his forehead. "You're calling off our wedding because of a makeup artist's joke?"

His blue eyes were full of hurt. "Don't do this. We put everything into this wedding. All our friends and family are here..."

I shook off his hand, ignoring the whispers around us. "Liam, you know exactly why I'm doing this. I'm giving you a chance to be with the person you really want."

I thought I'd see panic on his face. But he just looked confused and wronged. "Sophia, what are you talking about? Everyone knows I love you more than anything."

He pointed at Madison. "It's because of her, isn't it?" He sighed. "I didn't know she was going to pull that joke. And I already told her to apologize. If you're still not happy, I'll fire her."

Madison burst into tears and ran out. Liam didn't even glance at her. He just looked deep into my eyes. "Alright now?"

I didn't say yes or no.

Liam's parents walked in. Helen spoke first, with a tone of complaint. "Sophia, Liam already apologized. Don't push it too far. You know how good he's been to you. Don't forget who paid for your mother's surgery and treatment. You shouldn't be ungrateful."

My heart ached. My mother had suffered a brain hemorrhage because of Madison. At my wedding to my ex, Madison had shown everyone their bed photos and run off with him, leaving me a laughingstock. My mother collapsed. To pay for her treatment, I'd moved to this city and met Liam.

I knew what Helen was really saying. Their family had influence. If I embarrassed them today, they would kick my mother out of their hospital.

"Mom!" Liam interrupted her gently. "Sophia is my wife. Her mother is my mother-in-law. This is my responsibility." He turned to me, pleading. "Honey, at least for the sake of me saving your mother—don't cause a scene today, okay?"

I clenched my fists and put on a hurt expression. "Liam... are you sure you don't know that makeup artist? She whispered to me that you told her to give me that ugly stamp to get back at me. That's why I got angry."

The guests who had been frowning at me now looked sympathetic. Liam's mouth twitched. He forced a comforting smile. "She's lying. She's just jealous that you married well."

When I remained silent, he promised, "I'll report her right now. Okay?"

I finally smiled. "Then swear it. Swear that if you've been with her and betrayed me, we'll divorce."

Liam raised his hand and swore. The guests laughed kindly. "You worry too much. Liam only has eyes for you."

Outside the door, Madison's face flashed by—thwarted and venomous. I pretended not to see.