Chapter 6
A few days later, two close friends from Sylvie and Soren’s circle were getting married. Sylvie had received the invitation. She gathered the strength to pull herself together before attending the wedding ceremony.
Her friends noticed that she didn’t seem like herself, so they came over to cheer her up.
“Soren’s been taking Zoe to visit his parents‘ graves lately, Sylvie. He even went with her to her hometown to meet her parents, who are struggling financially.
“He must be under that scheming woman’s spell. Don’t worry or lose hope. You have a financial agreement with him. He can never marry her.”
“Exactly. How could some plain, broke woman think she’s good enough to climb the social ladder? She’s nothing compared to you. Soren’s just caught up in the excitement. Once the novelty wears off, he’ll come back to you. Remember, you’re the one who helped him make his comeback!”
Sylvie knew they were defending her out of loyalty. But now, in her new life, she saw clearly that Soren’s love for Zoe was unshakable.
She had no interestin wasting time on someone who wouldn’t change his mind, nor did she want her friends to suffer because of her. She made her stance clear in a
serious tone.
“I’ve already terminated the financial agreement with Soren. So, who he loves or marries is no longer my concern. That’s why I need you to stop badmouthing Zoe.
She’s the one for Soren, and nothing will change that.”
Her friends stared at her in shock, unable to believe what she’d just said.
“You’ve loved him for almost 20 years. Are you really just going to walk away? How can you stand losing to someone like Zoe?”
“Zoe is amazing. She’s a thousand times better than any of you–maybe even a million. She’s real, kind, smart, sweet, brave, and strong–willed. She’s the only person I’ve ever loved, and I’ll love her for the rest of my life. All of you, talking behind her back, are nothing but rats hiding in the gutter. You make me sick.”
Soren’s cold voice interrupted from behind them. Sylvie turned at the sound and saw him gently pull Zoe into his arms. Her eyes were red from crying. Then, he made a call.
“Contact the projects department immediately. End all partnerships with the Gardners, the Shaws, the Finchers, and the Coopers.”
Everyone turned pale at his words. They stared at him, completely stunned.
“We barely said anything worth getting upset about. Are you really cutting ties with so many business partners just because of Zoe? Is it really worth making such a scene?”
Soren lifted his eyes, filled with contempt, and said coldly, “Absolutely. Zoe is my red line. Anyone who dares to cross her will pay the price.”
His gaze swept across the room before finally resting on Sylvie, heavy with unspoken warning. She realized he was making an example out of her friends.
Clenching her teeth, she tried to defend her friends. “Do you really have to go this far?”
Soren’s voice was icy. “Yes! Anyone who badmouths Zoe will regret it.”
Having lived through her past life, Sylvie knew he wasn’t bluffing. She couldn’t afford to challenge him directly, so she quietly ushered her friends away.
The wedding began shortly after. Though seated some distance apart, Sylvie could still see every move Soren and Zoe made at the next table.
He took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. He served her food, peeled her shrimp, and protected her, drinking in her stead.
Soren only let his guard down around Zoe. His usually cold, distant demeanor faded replaced by a gentleness, attentiveness, and patience he never showed anyone
else.
Sylvie had spent more than a decade trying to break through to him, but she hadn’t succeeded. Yet, his heart melted effortlessly for Zoe.
Lost in her thoughts, Sylvie only snapped back to reality when the wedding reached the final bouquet toss.
Zoe gazed at the bride’s bouquet with admiration. That was all it took for Soren to lead her into the crowd.
Sylvie sat quietly, watching as he used his height to his advantage and reached over dozens of outstretched hands to grab the bouquet. Once he had it, he straightened his clothes, dropped to one knee, and presented it to Zoe solemnly.
There was no ring. It wasn’t a proposal. Still, Sylvie knew he was making a silent declaration to Zoe with everyone watching. He’d chosen her, and no one else would ever be his bride.
Suddenly, every pair of eyes in the venue turned to Sylvie. Under their stares–some pitying, some mocking she raised her hands and began to clap. She told everyone she truly hoped Soren would get what he wished for. That way, she could move on with her life and find peace.
