Chapter 136
Chapter 136:
Sophie glanced down, noticing her and Adrian’s intertwined hands, and then caught sight of her dress’s ruined hem. Her eyes widened in horror. “Oh no, look at this mess p>
She brushed nervously at the expensive fabric, her face falling. “This gown costs a fortune! One night and it’s totally ruined. I can’t even imagine how much they’ll charge—my bank account’s doomed p>
The gloom from before gave way to her frantic worry, the mood shifting instantly.
Adrian’s lips curved into a gentle smile as he watched her fuss. “Relax. It’s really not a big deal p>
She shot him an incredulous look. “Easy for you to say! This isn’t some department store dress. Red wine is basically a death sentence for couture p>
“You don’t believe me?” He only raised a brow, passing her his phone with a knowing smirk. “Call the studio and see for yourself p>
𝘛𝘩e 𝗆𝗈ѕt 𝘱оp𝘂𝗹ar 𝗻𝗈𝘷el𝘴 𝗼n
Biting her lip, Sophie took the phone and dialed, her voice tentative. “Hi, this is Sophie Knight. I rented a gown from you today and, well, just suppose it happened to get splashed with red wine… What do I do? Is it ruined? Do I have to buy it p>
A beat of silence, then the clerk replied, her voice reassuring but flustered. “Oh, Mrs. Knight! Don’t worry at all. We’re used to this sort of thing. Our cleaning team will have it looking brand new. No charge, I promise p>
On the other end, the clerk nearly groaned, silently muttering, “As if! That dress is one of a kind. Nothing gets that stain out.” But Adrian’s assistant had made the orders crystal clear—whatever happened, they had to reassure Sophie and never mention the true cost.
“Is that so? That’s amazing. Thank you so much!” Sophie ended the call, letting out a huge sigh of relief and pressing a hand to her chest. “I thought I was finished. Good thing I won’t have to sell a kidney p>
Sophie’s grin was contagious, lighting up the back seat. Adrian couldn’t help but soften at the sight.
He leaned in, gently tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear, his touch feather-light. “So, can we finally drop the act, Sophie? No more masks p>
“Absolutely. I’m done pretending.” Sophie’s eyes sparkled as she nodded, her whole face glowing with newfound freedom.
Then she squinted at him, suspicion creeping into her smile. “Wait. So that’s why every time I stressed over money, you’d tease me that I came from a wealthy family! You knew I wasn’t the real heiress from the start, didn’t you?” She playfully shoved his shoulder. “You sly fox p>
Adrian only laughed at her mock outrage, refusing to defend himself.
Sophie gave him an exaggerated pout. “You must be kicking yourself. If you’d married Alice, my uncle would have had your back and you would never have to lift a finger again p>
Even as Sophie joked, a flicker of sadness passed through her eyes.
Adrian didn’t jump in with reassurance or protest. Instead, his voice dropped to a gentle murmur. “Do you want to know what went through my head when I saw you at the altar that day p>
“What did you think?” She blinked, caught off guard.
“I thought, ‘I can’t believe someone this beautiful is standing here as my bride p>
Adrian reached out, brushing his fingers lightly across Sophie’s forehead, his touch lingering. Then he bent down, pressing a gentle kiss to her brow, his lips full of warmth and quiet awe.
“I wouldn’t trade you for anyone, Sophie p>
Adrian drew back just enough to cup her face, his thumbs tenderly smoothing over her cheeks. “I’m grateful every single day that fate—mistake or not—chose you for me p>