LOGINEdward moves closer without hesitation."Of course."Sofia looks down at the blanket. For several seconds, she says nothing.Then her voice comes quietly."When they dragged me away, I had no idea what was happening."Edward listens without interrupting."I kept trying to figure out what they wanted from me."Her fingers tighten around the blanket."And when they forced me to sign those papers… I thought I might never get out of that room."Edward’s jaw tightens."I was so terrified," Sofia continues. "All I could think about was you. About Mother. About Clara and Lily."A tear slips down her cheek."So many frightening thoughts were going through my mind."She turns toward him."For a long time, I thought I might never see any of you again."Edward reaches over and gently brushes a strand of hair away from her face."But you did."Sofia looks at him."You’re here now."Her eyes remain worried."What if they come back for me?""They won’t.""How can you be so sure?"Edward’s voice rem
Evelyn stands frozen on the sidewalk, stunned by what has just happened.Then she immediately reaches for her phone.Her hands tremble as she calls Edward."Edward… they took her…"Inside the van, Sofia struggles against them."Let me go!"She twists toward the door and tries to reach the handle.One of the kidnappers immediately grabs her shoulder and pulls her back."Stop fighting.""Help! Someone help me!"The driver curses under his breath."Keep her quiet."The man sitting beside Sofia reaches for her and presses a white cloth over her face.Her breathing becomes heavier. Her vision starts to blur. She tries to stay awake, fighting the overwhelming drowsiness."Edward…"Her voice barely escapes her lips. Then everything goes dark.Several minutes later, the van slows down.The driver looks toward the man beside him."She’s out.""Good."The man immediately takes out his phone and makes a call.The line connects."We have her."A cold voice answers from the other end."Where are y
Evelyn smiles brightly when she sees Sofia."Sofia."Sofia approaches her gracefully and offers her a warm, respectful smile."Mother, why are you here?"Evelyn raises an eyebrow playfully."Why? Am I not welcome here?""No, Mother. That’s not what I mean."Evelyn laughs softly."Sofia, my dear, I’m only teasing you. Besides, I’m here to visit my daughter-in-law."Sofia smiles."You could have told me you were coming.""And ruin the surprise?"Clara and Lily step forward to greet Evelyn as well."Good morning, Mrs. Dallion.""Good morning, you two.""It’s nice to see you again," Lily says warmly."It’s always nice to see you as well."After exchanging pleasantries, they all sit together in the spacious living room.Sofia sits beside Evelyn while Clara and Lily settle comfortably nearby.Evelyn glances around the room."Edward isn’t here?"Sofia shakes her head."Sorry, Mother. Edward is at the office.""That’s all right. I didn’t come here to see him."She looks at Sofia with a teasin
She is dancing energetically beside the mascot, laughing happily under the warm afternoon sun."Edward, come here."Edward remembers feeling slightly embarrassed by her playful, carefree behavior back then.Yet he can still vividly recall how happy he felt as he captured her picture."You never grow old.""What do you mean by that?""You’re like a child. You act just like one.""Hmm. Okay, Mr. Old Man.""I’m not.""Hahaha!"The memory fades.Edward blinks and finds himself back in the present.Sofia notices the sudden shift in his demeanor and looks at him with quiet concern."Edward?"He looks down at her."Are you okay?""Yes.""You seem a little distracted."Edward remains silent for a brief moment."I’m fine."Sofia continues looking at him, clearly unconvinced."If something is bothering you, you can tell me."Edward looks into her eyes. For a moment, he says nothing.Then he gives a small, definitive nod."I’m fine, Sofia. Just enjoy this moment."Sofia smiles faintly, deciding
Ella gives him a sad smile, her eyes reflecting quiet heartache."You know how much this means to me," she says softly."I’ve always supported your acting career," Edward replies, his voice steady. "You know that.""Then why are you trying to stop me now?""Because I don’t want you to leave.""You knew an opportunity like this would eventually come along.""I know.""I don’t want to lose you."Ella’s expression softens with deep sorrow."You won’t lose me.""You don’t know that."Ella takes a slow, shaky breath. Edward’s expression hardens as he gives her an ultimatum."Choose."Ella freezes, caught completely off guard."Choose between me and your career."She looks at him for a long, agonizing moment before lowering her eyes to the floor."Edward, please don’t do this to me.""It’s time for you to decide. Us or your career.""I’m sorry, Edward."His expression falls, the last bit of hope draining from his face.Ella takes a small, hesitant step toward him."I truly love you. But I c
Sofia remains quiet, trying not to draw any more attention to herself.Suddenly, without warning, Vanessa raises her glass of red wine.Before anyone nearby can react, she splashes the wine across the front of Sofia’s pristine dress.A collective gasp echoes through the surrounding guests.Sofia freezes in shock as the red liquid stains her clothes.Edward’s expression immediately darkens.He steps in front of Sofia and looks at her first."Are you all right?"Sofia looks down numbly at the spreading stain."I’m fine… It’s okay."Edward turns toward Vanessa.His voice is calm, but unmistakably cold."What do you think you’re doing?"Vanessa stares back at him."That is a small token for stealing you away from me!""Vanessa, stop."His voice remains controlled."You’re making a scene.""You selfishly ended our entire engagement because of her!"Sofia quietly reaches out and touches Edward’s arm."Edward, please… let’s just go."The host hurries stepping closer in an attempt to calm the







