Never Too Far Novel

Chapter 801-810

Even if Arthur had been manipulated, the imposing aura he exuded remained the same.

Hearing footsteps coming from the garden, he stopped and turned around to find a servant leadingSophia in his direction. He furrowed his brows slightly in response. What is this woman doing here, stillwandering around in the garden at this late hour?

Sophia fought hard to conceal the sadness and adoration in her eyes upon seeing him, and shelowered her head, not intending to greet him. She wanted to go to her room and lock herself in fromhere on, or she would go mad.

She grew increasingly miserable as the countdown to his wedding became shorter. She was tough butnot tough enough to remain emotionless as she watched the man she loved deeply marry anotherwoman.

“Stop.” A crisp voice came from behind her.

“Young Master Weiss,” the servant greeted him, then walked away astutely.

Sophia stood in the brightly lit hall with her back facing him, having no intention of turning around.Meanwhile, he came forth with steady footsteps and stopped in front of her. With one hand in hispocket, he lowered his eyes and sized her up.

“Why run away when you see me? Are you not going to say hi?” Arthur asked with irritation, causingSophia to face away. “It’s really late. I want to return to my room and rest.”

Arthur suddenly felt frustrated. He checked his watch to find it was already 10.00PM, but he wanted tobe with her for a while longer.

“Are you free? Join me for a drink,” Arthur asked, to which she rejected resolutely. “No.”

“Did you say you’re my friend? We’ll just have one glass as friends. I won’t take up much of your time.”Arthur insisted.

Sophia shut her eyes and fought back the urge to keep him company. However, just as she wanted toturn him down again, Arthur clasped her wrist and dragged her to the wine cellar without another word.

Sophia had thought he was taking her to the dining room, but it quickly became apparent to her thatshe was wrong. This man had a lavish wine cellar in his basement, storing the best liquor around theworld.

As she stepped out of the elevator, she looked at the dimly lit wine cellar with amazement.

“Do we have to drink here?” Sophia mumbled, causing Arthur to look over his shoulder at her. “Are youafraid I’ll do something to you?”

Sophia took a gander at him in response. Hadn’t you already done everything you were allowed to?What else can there be for me to be afraid of? She just thought, with her current position, theyshouldn’t be in the same room.

Moreover, there weren’t any servants here, like this was an isolated environment.

“Relax, I just want to grab a drink. I have no interest in doing anything else.” With that, he removed hisjacket to reveal a dark-colored dress shirt beneath it, exposing his perfectly shaped body.

The warm golden lights enveloped him, making his handsome face even more refined. He drummedhis fingers beside the wine cabinet like he was picking his favorite liquor.

This scene intensified his noble temperament exceptionally.

His looks alone could infatuate a woman. However, if he was gentler and his gaze was more tender, nowoman would be able to escape his grasp.

Sophia suddenly felt a lump in her throat, and she looked away. She feared if she continued to look,she wouldn’t be able to stop herself from running to him and hugging his waist from behind to feel theaffection they used to share.

“What would you like to drink,” asked Arthur as he turned around.

“I’m good with anything.” She was just here to keep him company.

While smirking, he pulled a bottle of red wine out, then proficiently uncapped it. Following that, he tooktwo wine glasses and filled them up before handing one to her.

Sophia had the urge to get wasted as she looked at the glass of red wine while standing in front of thewine cabinet. I’ll only wake up tomorrow afternoon if I get drunk now, won’t I? Then, I won’t have tothink about him marrying someone else.

At that, she took the glass from him and chugged it down her throat. He had picked out a sweet redwine; it tasted pretty smooth.

Arthur, on the other hand, looked at her with dismay while holding his glass of red wine. Does this girleven know how to drink wine? Such a fine wine, but she’s gulping it like it is water!

“Another, to the brim,” said Sophia nonchalantly as she brought the wine glass to Arthur, who wasinstantly amused. His gaze was fathomless yet crystal-clear under the lights, looking exceptionallycharming.

“Are you sure you know how to drink wine?” Despite doubting, he still poured her half a glass of sweetwine.

Sophia didn’t want to stand on ceremony with him anymore. He would be someone else’s husbandafter the next sunrise; she couldn’t order him around anymore after that.

“C’mon, fill it up to the brim. Don’t be so stingy.” She propped her chin up, looking all ‘I don’t get drunkeasily’.

At that, Arthur topped it up, and as the liquid was coming up to the top, he asked with worry, “Are yousure you really want to drink this way?”

“Ye-ap!” Sophia enunciated with a nod, took the wine glass from him, then chugged the entire glass ofwine down again. This sure is good wine.

Meanwhile, Arthur took a graceful sip, his gaze latched onto her this whole time. Her soft long hair satneatly on her shoulders, surrounding her stunning, fair face.

Arthur fell into a momentary trance, thinking, The way this girl drinks sure looks fine.

Sophia burped after chugging the entire glass of wine only to notice she was still sober, and shecouldn’t help asking, “What’s the abv on this wine?”novelbin

“Eight percent.”

The answer led her to be frustrated. She wouldn’t get drunk even if she downed the entire bottle!

“Don’t you have anything stronger in here?” she asked. “I want whiskey.”

Arthur had only brought her here because he wanted to spend a bit more time with her. But who’d havethought she was now demanding liquor?!

“That’s too strong. It’s not the type for ladies.”

“Well, I want it.” With that, she searched the racks and found one with an abv of 43% in no time.

After taking it out, she popped the cap open, then searched for a whiskey glass but to no avail. Thus,she just chugged straight from the bottle.

Startled by the lady, Arthur dashed toward her and snatched the bottle of whiskey from her. “What, areyou crazy?!”

Sophia was doing fine until he snatched the bottle from her, causing her to choke and reflexively leanagainst the table, coughing violently. The next second, she felt a warm, large palm gently patting herback.

Tears instantly streamed down her cheeks, and she turned around to throw herself into his arms. Heractions stumped Arthur for a split second before he wrapped his arms around her and looked down ather.

Her tears had dampened his shirt, but she couldn’t care less. She continued embracing him, wanting tobehave presumptuously one last time, for she wouldn’t be able to anymore after his marriage thefollowing morning.

Meanwhile, Arthur stood motionless like a tree with his brows locked into a deep furrow, letting theyoung woman in his arms cry and hug him as she pleased.

Suddenly, Sophia looked up, wrapped her arms around his neck, and stood on tiptoes. She wanted tokiss him, but he towered over her. She wouldn’t be able to touch his lips if he didn’t lower his head.

She had acted on impulse, after all. Seeing that he wouldn’t lower his head, she began cryingaggrievedly. But just as she was about to give up, Arthur lifted his arms around the waist while loweringhis head, bringing their faces close together. They were so close their breaths interweaved, and themoment their eyes locked onto each other, time stopped.

He was giving her the chance to do what she had yearned for.

At that, Sophia held her breath, cupped his cheeks, and pressed her slightly trembling lips to his.

Arthur closed his eyes and tightened his arms around her waist. He realized he liked her scent, and herkiss awakened a feeling within him, causing him to reflexively respond to her for a moment.

Just like that, Sophia was pinned against the wine rack, and their raw emotions laid bare…

Perhaps the alcohol had taken effect as well, as the kiss was like a ball of enveloping fire, blazing yetinviting.

Finally, Arthur released her, and Sophia also realized what they had just done. With that, she held herforehead while her mind went blank for a few solid seconds.

Arthur, on the other hand, had grabbed the opened bottle of whiskey and chugged it straight from thebottle, wanting to use the icy liquid to put out his burning desire.

After having enough of the liquor, Arthur looked over to the young woman as he panted lightly, andanother wave of urge suddenly surged within him.

Sophia had decided to leave the cellar at this point—she couldn’t make another mistake. But just asshe took a couple of steps, Arthur suddenly tugged on her arm, causing her to turn and fall into hisarms.

“You’re going to leave just like that after kissing me?” he questioned with a raspy voice.

Sophia’s eyes widened slightly, for his ravishing face was only inches away from her. The next second,his breath came at her. This time, it was his call. He held her chin and attacked her lips with apassionate kiss.

His initiative stupefied her. H-How is it that he’s making a move on me?!

Arthur couldn’t explain his behavior himself. He just went with what his heart told him. It told him to kissher and not let her go, so much so that his static heart burned ablaze. Even his soul was screaming to

have her.

How is it that this woman can have me hooked on her so badly? Why can she make all my sobriety andrationality disappear?

Sophia knew him all too well. So while taking in his kiss, she perceived the change in his breathing andmovements.

Suddenly, a red flag raised in her head, and she shoved him away. He couldn’t do something recklessat this time, or things would really get out of control for the both of them.

As much as she loved and craved him as well, she knew where to draw the line. She would nevermake such mistakes.

Having been shoved away, Arthur locked his gaze on her as he panted, saying with a husky voice,“Don’t refuse me. I know you need me too.”

Sophia had calmed down at this point, and she looked resolutely at him with pursed lips. “That was thealcohol just now. I’m sorry, but I won’t betray my boyfriend.”

Arthur’s heart twinged in response. He had forgotten she had a boyfriend while he would be marryingEmily the following day.

“Please forgive me for offending you.” At that, Sophia turned to leave, but his deep voice came frombehind the next second. “Do you really love your boyfriend?”

“Yes, I love him. I will never love any other man as much as him for the rest of my life,” she answeredresolutely without turning around.

With that, she headed in the direction of the elevator and disappeared into the corner.

Arthur suddenly propped his arms against the table. Something was tugging on him, forcing him to archhis back and pant.

Sophia thought she had used up all her energy to return to her room. She was so exhausted that shedidn’t have the energy to move to the couch. With her back pressed against the door, she slowly slidonto the floor, then hugged her knees as tears rolled down from her tightly shut eyes.

Meanwhile, at the Jennings Residence, Emily was so excited that she was having trouble fallingasleep. She was currently sitting in front of the mirror, admiring her gorgeous face again and again.She was even trying to find the smile that would make her appear even more beautiful when she stoodat the altar the following day.

To think she would officially become the young mistress of the Weiss Family from the next day onmade her smile. Not only would she have an outstanding and perfect husband, but power and wealthwould also follow.

This was the day she had been dreaming of ever since she could remember. Finally, it would becoming!

Just then, Vera knocked on the door and entered. Upon seeing Emily still awake, she admonished,“Emily, hurry up and go to bed. Tomorrow’s your big day.”

“Mom, I’m not dreaming, am I? I’m really about to be married to Artie!” Emily held her chest, oozinghappiness.

“Of course not. You’ll be pronounced his wife by tomorrow.”

Emily beamed in response. “Mom, you’re sure Goodwin won’t be attending the wedding, right?Actually, I kind of hoped she would. Then, she’ll be able to witness my happily ever after.”

“Look at you. Do you think you won’t have any more chances to flaunt in her face after your wedding?”Vera’s priority now was to see that the wedding would be held the following day successfully.

“You’re right.” A hint of malice flashed across Emily’s eyes, loathsome at the thought that Arthur wasonce Sophia’s, even though she now owned him.

Emily really couldn’t stomach this bitterness if she didn’t give Sophia a hard time or flaunt her newstatus in front of that woman.

“Get some rest. You have to look your best tomorrow. I want my daughter to be the most beautiful bridein the world.” Vera fixed Emily’s long hair.

At that, Emily went to bed as told. However, the wedding and, most importantly, the wedding nightpopped into her head as soon as she closed her eyes. She would truly be handing herself to Arthursoon. As the thoughts crossed her mind, her face flushed, and her heart raced.

Back at the Weiss Manor, Anastasia was already sound asleep. Elliot, on the other hand, went for adrink with Richard and had a heart-to-heart talk.

The topic then came to their survival days in the jungle, three young men about the same age fightinghard, supporting and sticking by each other. Even when so many years had passed, just thinking aboutit still got their blood boiling.

“Richard, have you ever given your love life a thought? You can’t stay a bachelor forever, can you?” Asa married man, Elliot would wish to see that his brothers could have a happy married life as well.

Richard shook his head in response. “My job is my partner. A woman will only affect the speed I drawmy handgun.”

Elliot couldn’t help chuckling at that. “Alright, I’m going to make a note of that,” he teased, leadingRichard to guffaw. The two then clinked glasses and looked at the lights afar. There truly was noromance in Richard’s eyes. He could safeguard his comrades, brothers, and family, but he never gavehis love life a thought, for he absolutely didn’t need it.

This night was bound to be long for a lot of people.

Sophia, too, couldn’t fall asleep as she lay in bed. Thus, she moved to the couch and lit a bracket light,allowing the dim light to shine on her as sadness enveloped her.

She flipped through the pictures and videos in her phone album again and again as tears streameddown her face like a never-ending waterfall.

“Get over here. I’m recording a video!” Sophia’s whiny voice could be heard.

Very quickly, a dashing face appeared on the screen. While Sophia was making cute faces at thecamera, the man hugged her from behind and rubbed his face against hers affectionately. At that, sheput her phone away, but laughter could still be heard off camera.

“Can you be a little more serious? Honestly!”

The man’s crisp laughter came. “Who’d have thought my wife knows how to fight back? I’m impressed,puppy.”

“Don’t call me that.”

“Alright, if you don’t make a sound tonight.”

“Arthur Weiss…”

The camera shook violently amongst the roughhousing. But off camera, it was a happy time betweenthe couple.

Alas, Sophia’s heart now ached just as much as she was happy in the video.

Meanwhile, in the master bedroom, Arthur stared at the ceiling while resting his hands behind his head.His gaze was fathomless, and his mind was a mess, for he couldn’t stop thinking about all that hadhappened in the wine cellar. At the same time, an intense feeling surged within him.

It was jealousy; he was sure of it. More than that, he actually wanted to know who the man Sophialoved was.

Is her boyfriend handsome? Is he rich? What is his family like? How does he compare to me?

The sun rose eventually, and Sophia watched the sunrise while curling up on the couch. Her eyes werenow puffy, and she looked somewhat gaunt.

Arthur’s big day had arrived, and the whole place would be buzzing with joy.

In the garden outside, the servants had gotten busy bright and early, traversing the garden’s everycorridor, setting up their young master’s wedding with joy.

Back in the master bedroom, Arthur wasn’t in his best shape either. In fact, he didn’t get out of bedimmediately, for he actually wasn’t really looking forward to the wedding.

“Young Master Weiss, are you awake, Young Master?” A servant called out to him at the door.

At that, Arthur sat up, got out of bed, and headed into the bathroom. He needed a shower to sober up.

Soon, Martha came and sat on the couch, waiting for Arthur to come down and have breakfast with her.The elderly woman had donned a maroon dress for the occasion, looking exceptionally lively. Her thick

silver hair had been put up with a ruby-encrusted hair comb, complimenting her nobility.

Martha grew anxious after waiting for about twenty minutes, and she couldn’t help asking a servant,“Why hasn’t Arthur come down yet?”

“We’ve knocked on his door, Old Madam Weiss, but Young Master Weiss never answered us. So weassumed he’s still asleep.”

Seeing that time was running short, Martha decided to make a trip upstairs herself. After arriving on thethird floor, she knocked on Arthur’s bedroom door. “Artie, wake up. It’s getting late.”

The door opened soon after, revealing a half-naked Arthur with a bathrobe wrapped around his waistand his hair dripping wet.

While the servant blushed, Martha frowned. “Artie put some clothes on. What is the meaning of this?You’re not a child anymore.”

“You go ahead and have breakfast, Grandma. I’ll go down in a bit,” said Arthur to his grandmother.

“I’ll wait for you. We still have this bit of time. Hurry up and get dressed.” At that, Martha took anothergander at him. Her grandson was indeed top-notch in every way.

A hint of a smile even escaped her lips as she turned around, and she involuntarily glanced at the roomnext door. “Have two people stay here and look after Miss Goodwin. She won’t be heading to thewedding venue, but make sure she’s well taken care of,” she instructed the servant, who nodded inacknowledgment. “Yes, ma’am.”

Sometime after all the servants on the third floor left, Arthur came out of his room in a white dress shirtand fitting suit pants. However, his necktie wasn’t tied up, and his hair was still damp. He was evenbuttoning up his sleeve while walking to Sophia’s room.

Sophia, tired and sleepy, was drifting into sleep when Arthur knocked on the door, causing her to sit up.It wasn’t until the knock came the second time that she was certain she hadn’t imagined it.

With that, she went to answer the door, only to find Arthur staring at her.

“Yes, Young Master Weiss?” Sophia looked back at him with disheveled hair and puffy eyes, leadingArthur to frown. “Did you not sleep last night?” Why does she look so haggard?

“Of course, I did!” lied Sophia, who actually felt light-headed and quite unwell.

Seeing that she looked awful, Arthur felt her forehead without thinking. The burning sensation causedhim to hold his breath; she was feverish.

“You’re feverish. I’ll take you to the hospital,” said Arthur.

Having no clue of her fever, Sophia felt her forehead. The temperature is a little high, but it’s still alright.At that, she waved her hand. “It’s fine. It’s your wedding today. Surely you have a lot of things to do. Goon, get busy! I can take care of myself.”

With that, Sophia reached for the door to close it, but Arthur stopped the closing door somewhatassertively. To him, between a wedding and her fever, her fever was more important.

“Come with me.”

As uncomfortable as Sophia felt, she really didn’t want to affect his wedding, and for that, she took astep back. “Thanks but no thanks. I’ll ask a servant to take me there later.”

Just then, a servant rushed upstairs, announcing, “Young Master, Old Madam Weiss is still waiting foryou to join her for breakfast. Time is running short, and you have to get to the chapel soon.”

However, Arthur didn’t respond to the servant but only latched his gaze on this stubborn young woman.

“Are you going to come with me?” he threatened.

Hearing that Martha was waiting for him downstairs, Sophia was now even more certain she didn’twant him to bother himself with this. Thus, she shook her head. “No, you go ahead.”

Arthur took a deep breath while sticking his tongue against his inner cheek. It was evident he wasrunning out of patience and was even growing irritated.

“Fine, suit yourself.” Arthur had always been lofty. As if I have the bloody time to coax her. This girlasked for it!

With that, Arthur walked away. Meanwhile, Sophia fought back her tears as she watched him leavebefore finally closing the door quietly.

A sense of brokenness enveloped the brokenhearted woman as she stood in front of the window,basking in the morning sun.

Downstairs, Arthur joined his grandmother for breakfast. Martha, on the other hand, asked a series ofquestions only to discover Arthur hadn’t responded at all. His gaze was fixed upon a spot, and despiteholding a spoon, he hadn’t taken a single bite for a long time, looking like he was deep in his ownworld.

“Artie, is something bothering you?”

“No, Grandma,” said Arthur as he came to himself.

“Eat up then. We’re running out of time now. We should get going soon,” Martha advised, leadingArthur to put his spoon down. “I’m done. Let’s go.”

With that, everyone traversed the hall to the parking lot, where dozens of black luxury cars lined up,and the extended Rolls-Royce would be the one Arthur would pick Emily up from the Jennings’

residence with.

“Artie, I’ll wait for you guys at the chapel. Hurry up and pick Emily up.”

“Okay.” Arthur nodded in acknowledgment.

With that, Martha entered the car. After Arthur watched the car drive away, a bodyguard beside himurged him to get into the car. “Young Master Weiss, please!”

Arthur held the car door but didn’t enter right away and instead looked to a window. After a moment ofdeliberation, he turned to the bodyguard. “Wait here.”

At that, he strode toward the hall.

Meanwhile, Sophia was curling up on the couch. She felt super uncomfortable with how her bodytemperature fluctuated drastically. It wasn’t surprising that she would be sick when she had sat on thecouch the whole night, coupled with her horrible mood and state.

Her fever had rendered her in a state of stupor at this point. Just then, she heard someone comingthrough the door, and very quickly, a deep male voice followed. “Sophia.”

Sophia opened her eyes in response. Am I imagining this? Is Arthur actually squatting in front of me?But shouldn’t he be on his way to the chapel by now?

Looking at how Sophia hugged her arms, all curled up, her gaze unfocused, and in a horrible state,Arthur carried her into his arms.

At last, Sophia was wide awake. She opened her eyes, having trouble believing Arthur was reallycarrying her.

“Put me down.”

However, he paid no heed to her, carrying her downstairs and all the way to the extended Rolls-Royce.Right then, it looked as though she was the one Arthur was about to marry.

When Sophia realized where he was taking her, she couldn’t help crying out, “I can’t sit in that car,Arthur. Put me down!”

Has he gone crazy?! He’s supposed to pick Emily up in this car!

Arthur continued to disregard her as he put her in the spacious back seat next to him. “To the hospital,”said Arthur to the bodyguard aside, who was somewhat baffled.

“But Young Master, you’re supposed to pick Miss Jennings up.”

“Send another car over!” Arthur ordered before closing the door.

Meanwhile, Sophia felt somewhat woozy as she sat in the car and wanted to lean against something.Seeing her limp body, Arthur immediately stretched his arm and secured her to him.

“Arthur, this is wrong.” Sophia shoved him weakly, thinking she was about to make a dire mistake.

“You want me to leave you alone?” Arthur asked with a frown.

“Yes, leave me alone.” Sophia nodded.

Arthur really didn’t want to give a thing about her. But for some reason, he couldn’t sit idly and donothing while she was sick. He felt his heart twinged, seeing her like this.

At the same time, at Jenning Residence, Emily already had her makeup done and had put on herwedding dress. All that was left was to wait for Arthur to show up in his tuxedo, holding a rose bouquetto take her to the chapel.

However, as time slowly ticked by, her groom still hadn’t shown up, and she couldn’t help gettinganxious. Just then, a car pulled over in front of her house.

The person who came down was a bodyguard, and he dashed over to Emily. “Miss Jennings,something came up, and Young Master Weiss can’t come. So I’m here to take you to the chapel.”

“What?” The news shocked Emily. “Why can’t Artie come?!”

“H-He has something important to attend to that prevents him from leaving.” The bodyguard stuttered alittle.

“What can be more important than his own wedding?! Where is he? Take me to him. I don’t want to goto the chapel. I want to find him and have him go to the chapel with me.” Emily knew just howhumiliating it would be if the groom never showed up while she, the bride, waited in the chapel.

Hence, she insisted on appearing hand-in-hand with Arthur.

Her parents had already gone ahead to the chapel to greet the guests while she was supposed to showup in a grand fleet, where a row of guards of honor would be welcoming her arrival. How can I justshow up in a random car?!

“Miss Jennings, it’s getting late. Why don’t you head to the chapel first?”

“No, I want to show up with my groom!” Emily insisted, glaring at the bodyguard. “Tell me the truth.Where is he, and who is he with?!”

“M-Miss Goodwin suddenly fell ill, and Young Master Weiss took her to the hospital.”

“Did they go with my ride?” Emily’s countenance was now beyond awful at this point, at even lookingon the verge of a breakdown. To think the first woman to sit in her car to the chapel was SophiaGoodwin!

The bodyguard nodded in affirmation, not daring to lie to her.

“Take me to the hospital.” Livid, Emily drew a deep breath. “Now!”

Like earlier, Arthur carried Sophia to the emergency room after arriving at the hospital. Many of thedoctors had gone to attend the wedding, so those stationed in the hospital were shocked for a few solidmoments when they saw the groom rushing into the hospital with a different woman in his arms.

Sophia was given IV fluid to cool down her body. Arthur stood by her bed and took in everything, fromhow the nurse inserted a needle into Sophia’s arm to her frowning from enduring the pain, as well aswhen the nurse reinserted the needle, for Sophia’s blood vessel was too fine, causing the nurse tomisalign by accident. At that, Arthur shot an icy glance at the nurse, who felt his apparent displeasure.

The nurse was sweating profusely. As if it already wasn’t stressful enough to work in front of the YoungMaster Weiss, he even had his watchful gaze on her. She had indeed misaligned the needle byaccident because of her nervousness.

“Hurry up and get to the chapel!” Sophia shooed Arthur away, only for him to check his watch inresponse. Just then, his phone rang, and he answered it. “Arthur speaking.”

“Young Master Weiss, Miss Jennings refuses to go to the chapel. She insists on looking for you.”

“Don’t let her come,” he ordered monotonously.

“But Miss Jennings wouldn’t listen to me. She’s in my car as we speak.”

“Hand her the phone.”

Despite being exasperated, Emily suppressed her anger and spoke with a gentle voice after taking thephone from the bodyguard. “Artie, I want to show up at the chapel with you. I’m coming over now. Waitfor me, alright?”

“You go ahead to the chapel.” Arthur didn’t want her anywhere near the hospital.

“No, I want to go with you.” she began whining.

“I can’t leave right now. Go to the chapel!” With that, he ended the call.

Sophia instantly knew Emily was looking for him after hearing the phone call. “Get to the chapel. I’malright now. You don’t need to stay here anymore.” She looked at him.

Arthur squatted down and riveted his gaze onto her for a few seconds before asking, “Sophia, can youbreak up with your boyfriend?”

Say what?! Sophia forgot to breathe for a second.

“If you’re willing to break up with your boyfriend, then I’m willing to call off my wedding.” He assertedgravely as he looked resolutely at her.

Shocked, she sat right up but accidentally tugged on the tubbing in the process, causing her to wince inpain. “Ow…”

Arthur instantly pressed her shoulders down, tucking her back in bed. “Don’t move.”

The last thing he wanted to see was her suffering another injection when she already had two.

Having barely any strength, Sophia limped right onto the bed. However, it didn’t stop her chest fromheaving, reeling in what the man had just said.

“What did you just say?” she asked in a barely audible tone.

Not expecting his words to frighten her, he squatted down and held her hands, saying with misty eyes,“I said, if you’re willing to break up with your boyfriend, then I’m willing to—”

Before Arthur could finish his words, his phone rang yet again—Sophia, too, reflexively looked towardhis phone—but this time, he didn’t answer and even ended the call after taking a glance. At that, he letout a sigh. But just as he was about to continue, a bodyguard came into the ward. “Young Master, OldMadam Weiss is on the phone.”

Arthur looked at the phone the bodyguard handed over but had no intention of taking it. With that, thebodyguard put the phone on speaker, and Martha’s anxious voice immediately came from the otherend of the line. “Artie! Artie, where are you? Hurry up and answer the phone!”

Sophia hurriedly withdrew her hand at that, then gave him a nudge, telling him to answer hisgrandmother’s call.

“Go!” she mouthed to him.

At last, Arthur stood up, took the phone from the bodyguard, and walked out of the ward to a turning.

The bodyguard followed after him, and as if right on cue, Emily showed up in her bridal look with twoservants carrying her train. She had charged right up as soon as she learned that Sophia was taking IVfluid in this ward downstairs.

But when she opened the door, she found only Sophia lying in bed while Arthur was nowhere to beseen. “Where have you hidden my husband, you b*tch?!” she asked through gnashed teeth.

Sophia pointed toward the door. “He’s gone out. You’ll find him outside.”

At that, Emily smirked and ordered the servants, “You two wait outside and shut the door.”

The servants obliged in two shakes, leaving and shutting the door.

Sophia couldn’t help sitting up when she saw Emily inching toward her with malice. “What are youtrying to do?” She looked toward Emily with a warning.

“What am I trying to do? What are you trying to do, Sophia? Coming all the way here? First, youseduce my man, then ruin my wedding, and now, you’re even trying to hide him from me. SophiaGoodwin, I really want to mangle you,” Emily scowled through gnashed teeth. The loathe beneath hereyes evolved into a substantial dagger, stabbing Sophia.

Sophia pursed her lips and said nothing. Losing Arthur would be her life’s greatest regret, but now,Emily was his fiancée. No matter how, she would be marrying him soon.

“I’m sorry,” Sophia mumbled an apology.

Emily was suddenly beside herself with rage when she looked at how feeble Sophia was while takingthe IV fluid. At that, she raised her palm and gave the feverish woman a hard slap in the face.

By the time Sophia registered what had just happened, her face was already burning with pain, andshe glared at Emily like she was going to tear her apart at any moment. “Who are you to slap me?!”

“Who am I? Just wait, Sophia Goodwin. Once I marry Artie, you can forget about stepping on Florianland ever again!” Emily yelled with a sneer. “You can forget about ever seeing him for the rest of yourlife. He will be my man from this day on. Mine! Not yours!”

Just then, the door flew right open, and an icy male voice came the next second. “What right does sheneed?”

Emily froze in an instant, and her countenance turned awful, but the next second, she was all smiles asshe turned around. “Artie, you’re back! You must’ve misheard. I heard Miss Goodwin was sick, so Icame to see how she was doing.”

Meanwhile, Sophia kept her head lowered, allowing her long hair to conceal her swollen cheek as sheclenched the covers. Seeing how two-faced Emily was got her feeling bitterly disappointed. Is Arthur

going to have to live with a woman like this for the rest of his life? How can he spend the rest of his lifewith a phony woman when he’s such a great guy? Will he be happy? Will his life be merry?

Sophia tightened her grip on the covers as the idea crossed her mind, so much so that her body begantrembling to a slightly noticeable degree.

“Artie, let’s go to the chapel! Everyone’s anxiously waiting for our appearance!” Emily held Arthur’s arm,wanting to take him away.

However, Arthur suddenly turned to Sophia, asking, “Are you going to be okay?”

Before Sophia could say a word, Emily answered for her. “She told me she’s fine just now. Well, MissGoodwin, we won’t disturb your rest further. Get well soon, sweetie!”

Sophia closed her eyes and took a deep breath before looking back up, asking Arthur, “Do your wordsjust now still stand? Will you really be able to do it if I say yes?”

Arthur’s eyes widened slightly in response, and he swung his hand free from Emily’s grasp, dashing tothe bed to check Sophia’s face.

But Sophia couldn’t care less about her face right then. She latched her gaze upon Arthur with mistyand firm forbearing eyes.

“What are you talking about, Sophia?! What promise do you want Artie to fulfill?” Emily asked out ofcuriosity as she stomached her anger.

“Your face…”

“Ignore that. Answer me, do your words still stand?”

“They stand.” Arthur riveted his gaze on her.

“Alright, you have my word. I’ll break up with my boyfriend, and you’ll have to give up marrying thiswoman.” Sophia pointed right at Emily. “She’s not worthy of you.”

Emily instantly turned crimson with rage. She finally lost it and snapped at Sophia. “What nonsense areyou talking about, Goodwin?! How dare you say I’m unworthy of Artie!”

“How dare I? You’re phony, savage, ill-bred, and wicked. I won’t let you marry him and taint his life. Youdon’t deserve him.” As feeble as Sophia was, her words weighted multitudes, hitting home.

Arthur was stumped for a few solid seconds, listening to her words with incredulity. “You’re the one whoslapped her?” He turned his head to Emily.

Frightened, Emily took a couple of steps back upon meeting Arthur’s sub-zero gaze. “Artie, I… I didn’tmean to. I was just so upset she ruined our wedding…”

“Who are your to slap her?!” The anger beneath Arthur’s eyes burned ablaze. This was the first time inmany days that Emily was seeing such an emotional Arthur. In fact, his emotions fluctuated all becauseof Sophia, and she couldn’t help feeling appalled at that. Impossible! Dad’s serum had long made himforget Sophia! How can he still care so much for that b*tch?! Also, isn’t he suffering from sequela?

“Artie, I’m sorry. I’ll apologize to her. Let’s go to the chapel now! Everyone must be anxious by now.”Emily reached her hand out to hold his arm.

However, upon meeting his icy glare, she shrunk in fear and took a step back, causing her to trip andfall upon stepping on the hem of her gown.

Emily made herself look pitiful by holding her waist and crying out in pain, hoping Arthur would feel badfor her and help her up.

However, to her dismay, the man’s whole attention was on Sophia’s face. His heart ached to see hergorgeous face swollen.

It’s all my fault. Emily wouldn’t have had the chance to lay a finger on Sophia if he had stayed.

Sophia, on the other hand, looked indifferently at the pretentious woman on the floor, wondering howlong she was going to continue her act.

Sure enough, Emily was done acting, after which she propped her hands against the floor to stand up.After a quick fix on her gown, she turned to Arthur. “Artie, I’m sorry, I really am.” With that, she took adeep breath and said to Sophia, “Miss Goodwin, please accept my utmost sincere apology. Pleaseforgive my rudeness.”

“But I don’t want to forgive you.” Sophia glared at her. What she hated wasn’t the slap Emily had givento her face but this woman’s pretentiousness in front of Arthur.

If Arthur was to marry a gracious young woman on this day, she would be willing to give them herblessing. However, be it upbringing or integrity, neither did Emily have to be worthy of him. So Sophiadidn’t care, even if she became the villain who ruined their wedding.

She couldn’t let the man she loved so deeply spend the rest of his life with a woman like Emily. Hedefinitely wouldn’t be happy.

“What else do you want from me, Sophia Goodwin? Just how shameless can you get? Artie’s myfiancé; that’s a fact!” Emily had truly lost it this time. She could no longer get a hold of her emotions,even when Arthur was present.

Hearing that, Sophia scoffed, “He’s your fiancé? Have you slept with him before? Let me tell yousomething. I’ve slept with him for a month.”

Her words not only made Emily go mad it had also puzzled Arthur. He couldn’t believe what she saidand stared at her wide-eyed. What is she talking about? I’ve slept with her before? He tried to recall hismemory, but nothing came to his mind. Darn it, how could I forget something like that?

“Is that true?” he stared at Sophia and asked.

“Artie, it’s not true. She is lying to you and sputtering nonsense. Both of you were never together.”

“There’s a red mole on your inner thigh,” Sophia looked at Arthur and replied calmly.

Arthur was shocked when he heard that as it was located very near to his crotch. How did she know?Turns out we really have slept together!

“W-What are you talking about? You must be making things up.” Emily was furious and hated to seehow calm and confident Sophia was. She almost lost it when she found out that both of them had donethe deed when they were together.

“Tell her if what I said was true.” Sophia glanced at him.

“Why did you only tell me that we’ve slept together now? Then why did you reject me last night?” Arthurwas flustered as he was trying to make sense of the situation.

The additional information revealed by Arthur was caught on by Emily. She glared at Sophia andexclaimed, “Sophia, you really are trying to seduce Arthur. You promised my mother that you would notstand in our way, but it turns out you’re lying!”

Upon hearing that, Sophia was speechless. He looked at Arthur and then shifted her gaze at Emily.“Excuse me. He was the one trying to seduce me, but I rejected him.”

Arthur had had enough of how hysterical Emily was, as it ruined the mood between him and Sophia.“You should leave now!” he chided her.

“Arthur, where else could I go? There are hundreds of guests waiting for us at the wedding.” Emilycouldn’t hold her tears in anymore and wailed as she buried her face in her hands.

“Our wedding is canceled,” Arthur uttered cold-heartedly.

Upon hearing that, Emily almost passed out and exploded, “You’re not going to marry me? Then areyou going to marry her?”

Sophia was stunned at how the situation developed. She didn’t know how she should face him in thefuture after ruining his wedding.

However, Emily’s words gave him an idea. He looked at Sophia and asked, “Since everyone from myfamily is already here, it would be troublesome for them to make time and come over again later on.Why don’t we get married today?” It sounded like he wanted to marry her.

His words puzzled Sophia, as she wasn’t expecting them to get married right away since she had afever.

“You are now responsible since you’ve slept with me. You cannot marry anyone except me, whichapplies to your ex-boyfriend.” He grabbed onto her arm while forcing her to marry him.

Tears rolled down Emily’s cheeks as she saw the scene in front of her. She didn’t expect the weddingthat she’d been looking forward to to turn out like this.

After some contemplation, Sophia finally made a bold decision.

“Yes. I’ll marry you.” Sophia wanted him so much that she didn’t mind being shameless.

Hearing that, Arthur smiled. “Alright. I’ll ask the guests to wait for an hour, and then we shall go thereonce we’re done.”

Sophia nodded, but Emily shook her head profusely. “N-No way. I should be his wife! I should be thebride!”

“Take her out.” Arthur opened the door and instructed the bodyguards standing outside.

After that, he walked out of the corridor and made a few calls. The makeup artist and stylistimmediately rushed over to the hospital. By then, he finally made a call to Martha and told her,“Grandma, please ask the guests to wait for an hour more. I will be there with my bride very soon.”