While Annie was living a peaceful life in Country A, things were far from tranquil back home.Sofia had endured Finn's cold demeanor for quite some time, but she could no longer bear it. She had to find a way to close the distance between them, to accelerate their relationship-only then could she hasten their marriage. The sooner they were wed, the fewer uncertainties she would face. After all, Calliope had been reminding her incessantly: she had to win Finn over, tread carefully, and ensure he would never grow tired of her and cast her aside.Under mounting pressure, Sofia made a less-than-wise decision.That evening, as she waited for Finn to return from work, she lounged on the sofa, as usual, giving orders to Keelin."Wash some strawberries for me. And make sure to pick only the sweet ones-I can't stand anything sour."She crossed her legs idly, reclining on the plush cushions, waiting for Keelin to bring her the fruit. When she finally saw the maid approach, Sofia smirked."All r
In the room,After finishing the glass of orange juice Sofia had given him, Finn didn't think much of it and headed into the bathroom.However, he soon felt oddly lightheaded, a strange heat spreading through his body. His mouth was dry, and his throat was parched.At first, Finn assumed it was just the restlessness in his heart making him uncomfortable, so he kept dousing himself with cold water. But the more he tried to shake it off, the worse it became.A deep, unshakable restlessness took hold, an inexplicable longing for closeness, for intimacy. And his thoughts kept drifting back to Sofia.He recalled the way she had tended to him with such care, the moments they had shared, and the nights they had spent together. Her scent lingered in his memories, weaving through the air like an intoxicating haze.As Finn stepped out of the bathroom, an uneasy feeling settled over him. Something was wrong. But before he could think any further, the door unlocking caught his attention."Finn, a
That night, Finn was nearly sleepless.But in Country A, Annie slept soundly. John kept updating her, ensuring that everything proceeded according to their plan, with no unexpected complications.In just a few days, everyone who had once done terrible things would face their reckoning. And beyond that, John hinted cryptically that an unforeseen victory was on the horizon, telling Annie to remain patient and wait.Just as John had predicted-Three days later,The largest entertainment news outlet in Country A was shaken by a shocking revelation.Mark, the renowned television investor, had divorced his wife, Ruby.But that was only the beginning.What came next was even more explosive.Ruby publicly disclosed the reason behind their divorce-a revelation that sent shockwaves through the industry."I divorced my husband because I was utterly disgusted. As an investor, he exploited the dark side of the entertainment world, forcing young actors into unspoken agreements with him. Not just wo
At that time,As Finn had threatened, early the next morning, he sent people over to evict Sofia from the house forcibly. Naturally, Sofia refused to accept such an outcome.But.Resistance was futile.The staff mercilessly threw all of Sofia's belongings out of the mansion-everything. Then, without the slightest hint ofemotion, they watched as her face turned pale with panic."Finn said that if you wish to stay, you may. But every single penny he ever invested in Galvin's company will be withdrawn."A cold voice delivered the statement with eerie indifference.Sofia was utterly terrified.It was clear-Finn knew exactly where her weakness lay. And he knew precisely how to sever all ties between them.Once their task was complete, the staff did not linger. One by one, they departed, leaving Sofia standing frozen at the mansion's gates, surrounded by scattered boxes of her possessions."Damn it! Who would have thought Finn could be this ruthless?""Just wait. Once I marry him, I'll make
In the end, Annie remained silent, pretending not to understand Finn's words.But Finn was in no hurry. He had faith in Mike's abilities-Mike would find a way to track Annie down.Still, Finn had no intention of letting Sofia off easily. After cutting off her financial support and throwing her out of the house, he also ceased funding Galvin's company.Casually, he removed Sofia's number from his blacklist, waiting for her to admit defeat.And sure enough-Less than a week later, Sofia called. At first, she tried to play innocent, insisting it was all a misunderstanding. She swore that she had always been the one to care for Finn and that there had never been anyone else."Finn, how could you even think I would betray you?" she pleaded, her voice trembling with emotion. "You know better than anyone-I love you more than anything."Sofia's voice cracked, laced with quiet sobs.But Finn only felt a headache coming on."Are you finished?" He tapped his fingers lightly against the table, hi
In the days that followed, Sofia underwent a drastic transformation. Previously, she had been somewhat submissive to Calliope, constantly flattering her in hopes of receiving some spending money.But after receiving a billion dollars from Finn, Sofia no longer had any interest in the meager sums Calliope used to give her. At home, she openly defied Calliope at every turn.During dinner,"Sofia, why haven't you been in touch with Finn lately? And why has he stopped investing in our company?""Haven't I told you countless times that you must do whatever it takes to win Finn over? Are you even listening to a word I say?"Calliope slammed her plate onto the table in fury, making both Sofia and Galvin flinch.But Sofia quickly regained her composure. She let out a derisive laugh."What kind of charm do you think I have to make Finn obey my every word? The fact that he's still keeping me as his fiancée is already a huge courtesy-don't be too greedy."Her indifference sent Calliope into a ra
At Finn's company,Max knocked on the door and stepped inside, speaking to Finn in a composed manner."Mike just arrived. He said he has something important to discuss with you. I've already invited him to wait in the lounge. Would you like to see him now?"He spoke in a steady stream, finally prompting Finn to lift his head and glance at him. His voice was calm yet distant."Is that so? Then I'll meet him now."Max nodded. Watching Finn rise from his chair, he suddenly remembered something and hurriedly added,"Boss, I almost forgot to remind you.""Don't forget that the day after tomorrow, you'll be leaving for a business trip to City A. I'll send you the final itinerary later today.""I'll also be accompanying you on this trip. Everything has already been arranged."Recently, Finn's company entered into a new partnership with an automobile firm in Country A. Being meticulous by nature and having never collaborated with this company before, Finn decided to make the trip himself to f
Max flattered him with words, but Finn remained indifferent, showing little emotion.After dinner, the two strolled toward a nearby shopping mall. The place was vast, and just as Max had described, it housed numerous renowned handbag brands.It was clear that Max had done his research. At every boutique they visited, he meticulously examined the designs, carefully considering his choices. And, of course, whenever he found a piece he fancied, he would turn to Finn for an opinion before making a decision.Finn, on the other hand, lacked Max's enthusiasm. He merely observed the stores with a detached gaze, occasionally offering a few suggestions regarding Max's selections.In the end, after what felt like an eternity of browsing, Max emerged carrying an assortment of shopping bags from various luxury brands. Finn estimated that his friend had likely spent the equivalent of at least a month's salary on handbags for his girlfriend.Yet, Max showed no hint of regret. On the contrary, he see
A few days passed.Sofia had been caught up dealing with the financial loopholes in her father's company, leaving her with no time to meet Annie. Meanwhile, Annie was equally consumed by her own work and assisting Amber with her new film shoot, barely sparing a thought for Sofia.As for seeking Finn's help with the financial issues-Sofia knew full well it wasn't an option. If she brought it up now, there was a real chance their relationship would reach an impasse. Annie had already returned home; Sofia no longer had many means to keep close contact with Finn.What's more, if Finn truly wished to bestow Annie with the title of fiancée, then surely, he would be all the more eager to see Sofia make a mistake. That way, he could pursue Annie openly and justifiably, making them a rightful couple in everyone's eyes.And that was the outcome Sofia feared the most.So, when it came to this matter, she was as good as lost-on the verge of losing her mind. At times like these, she often ended up
After giving Finn a quick reminder, Mike smirked and told him to wait outside. Then, straightening his collar with a calm, confident air, he cleared his throat and stepped into the room."Everyone, may I have your attention for a moment? I have something to announce," Mike called out, his voice carrying easily across the space.Once he was certain all eyes-including Annie's-were on him, he continued in a bold, theatrical tone."Today, my friend, the CEO of a very well-known company-you've definitely heard of it-Company X happens to be in the area."He paused deliberately for effect."He decided to drop by and visit me. And not just that-he's generously sponsoring lunch and afternoon tea for all of us during the shoot. Let's give a warm welcome to my friend, Finn!"Mike's playful tone lifted the mood instantly, drawing laughter and applause from the crew. He sneaked a glance at Annie, and sure enough, caught a flicker of unease on her face-her complexion paled slightly, her expression
After standing dazed on the balcony, Annie finally gathered herself. She let out a soft sigh and stepped back inside, only to find that Isolde had already been awake for quite some time. The girl blinked at her, voice gentle."You're up early. Is it because you have a shoot today and need to prepare?"Annie nodded, yawning lazily. She reminded Isolde to call her if anything happened at home, and only after the girl nodded in agreement did she start getting ready to leave.Isolde followed her downstairs and made a simple breakfast of sandwiches and warm milk. The two of them sat down to eat together. During their quiet meal, Isolde asked softly,"Who were you on the phone with this morning? You didn't look too well afterward."Isolde was an observant soul. With just one glance, she could sense Annie's unease. Annie didn't try to hide it and confessed honestly-Sofia had called, asking to meet and talk about Finn."Sofia knows what you've been through and still wants to meet? Is she tryi
Hubert's teasing remark brought a flush to Sofia's cheeks. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could say anything, she heard a soft chuckle escape his lips."What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?"His voice dropped to a lower, more serious register."Or... are you regretting having a one-night stand with me? After all, you're still Finn's fiancée. Now that you've slept with me, are you feeling guilty... repenting for your betrayal?"Sofia seemed lost in thought, her expression dazed, and Hubert gave a faint, mocking smile. But she shook her head and replied with quiet sincerity."No. I'm just trying to remember exactly how... we ended up sleeping together last night."Her tone was honest. Though she often drank, she had never once gone so far as to do something reckless. And now, thinking back on what had happened the night before still left her stunned.Hubert scoffed."Isn't it obvious? You just couldn't resist my charm. It's perfectly understandable."He said it carelessly
"Are you really okay? That man was quite rude earlier," Hubert said, his eyes falling on Sofia's arm-still red and tender from the encounter. Concern laced his voice.Sofia forced a small smile, trying to appear unfazed."I'm really fine. And... thank you for today."Though their relationship had never been particularly close-and in truth, Sofia hadn't always treated Hubert with the respect he deserved-this time, she was genuinely grateful.Without him, she didn't even dare to imagine how things might have turned out."I'm glad you're okay," Hubert said gently. "But it's dangerous for a woman to go to a bar alone. Why didn't you ask a friend to come with you?"His question was casual, almost offhanded. Sofia shrugged and replied that she didn't like going out with others. Hubert didn't press further-just offered a soft, easy smile."Well then, do you mind if I join you for a few more drinks? After all, I did help you out with something pretty serious. Asking for a few drinks in return
Although Finn tried to appear composed and indifferent, his expression betrayed him. His eyes were distant, shadowed with nostalgia, and even his reactions lagged behind their usual sharpness.Sofia had finished speaking for quite some time before he finally let out a dazed "Oh."She sneered."Don't bother pretending with me Do you want to see Annie?"Her voice dropped lower, almost conspiratorial."I can arrange a little accidental meeting."Sofia gave a casual shrug, but it was precisely that nonchalance that made Finn suspicious. Narrowing his eyes, he asked her,"Can you really?"Under his probing gaze, Sofia nodded confidently and lifted her chin defiantly."Why not? Don't forget-no matter what's happened, Annie is still my sister. You think she'd refuse to meet her ownflesh and blood?"The question left Finn without a comeback. But he wasn't so easily fooled-he knew Sofia wasn't the kind of person to do favors out of kindness.His lips curled into a faint, cynical smile."So, wh
Half a month slipped by quietly, and at last, the day came for Annie and Isolde to return to Country B. From the break of dawn, they were already up, preparing and packing their belongings with care.There wasn't much to take home-everything unnecessary, especially things easily bought back in their homeland, had long been given away to neighbors and acquaintances.Just as they finished, the crisp chime of Annie's phone rang out."Annie, are you and Isolde ready? The taxi I booked is waiting just outside your home." Amber's cheerful voice came through, full of anticipation, as if she had been eagerly looking forward to this journey.Annie glanced around one last time, a soft smile playing on her lips."All done. We're heading out now."Ending the call, she turned to Isolde with a gentle look, and together they carried their things outside."Ready for a new life, darling?" Isolde asked softly as they stepped through the front door, her voice light and relieved.Annie nodded."I'm ready
With a gentle voice lingering in the air, Annie looked up at the young man who had just arrived-Nathan. Her eyes sparkled with unmistakable delight."What a coincidence," she said lightly. "Did you have plans here today too?"Nathan held her gaze without blinking, the corners of his lips curving into a smile as he casually adjusted his cap, revealing a pair of captivating, deep-set eyes."I'm meeting a friend for dinner," he replied with an easy charm.Then, as if noticing John sitting across from Annie, Nathan tilted his head slightly, his tone taking on a hint of curiosity."And who's this? Your boyfriend, Annie?"He added a playful wink, grinning as he teased,"Didn't you always say you were single? Hiding a boyfriend from everyone now, are you?"Nathan's lighthearted humor instantly put Annie at ease. She didn't notice the stiffness in John's expression and shook her head gently."Boyfriend? Don't be ridiculous. This is John, my neighbor. He knew I was returning to country B soon,
Sofia pretended not to notice Finn's silence, and even added with a sly smile, "Annie's been bragging about how she's always surrounded by admirers overseas. Not to mention, she just broke up with some boyfriend after only a few months of dating.""Who knows, maybe this time when Annie comes back, she'll bring her boyfriend along. And in that case, I could generously keep pretending to be your fiancée-so that you don't lose face."Her tone was teasing, deliberately mocking him.Finn remained silent from beginning to end, clearly unable to stomach the blow. He couldn't believe that Annie-the girl he had been searching for all this time-could so easily forget him and fall for someone else so quickly."Hey, why aren't you saying anything? Are you heartbroken to the point you've lost your voice?"Sofia goaded him, her voice deliberately rising in pitch."Don't fool yourself into thinking Annie would wait around forever just because you two had some sweet memories. It's been two years, Fin