Chapter 3

On the second day of my hospital stay, James came to pick me up with a stern face.

I didn't want to see him ever again. "What, Miss Smith's dogs need new chew toys?"

James immediately got angry.

"Sophia, you're too stubborn! I told you my engagement to Julia is just a family arrangement. Can't you just put up with it for my sake? Do you have to cause me trouble!"

I found it ridiculous.

He clearly had no intention of marrying me, just using me.

If he thought I was such a hassle, why not just dump me instead of putting on this act?

"Stop saying things like that. I know my place now. I hope you can do the same."

James was so angry at my words that he couldn't speak.

But I didn't care anymore. In just four days, I could leave him for good.

After getting home, the butler came to report that Julia's dogs had been sent to the estate in the suburbs.

I was a bit surprised, wondering if it could be for my sake?

"James! The babies love their new home! It's so big and spacious!"

Julia ran out of the house and affectionately took James's arm.

I understood then, mocking myself for being delusional.

"James, there's an aquamarine necklace I like being auctioned today. Will you come with me to see it?"

I didn't want to watch them being all lovey-dovey, so I limped toward my room.

"Sophia, you come too."

James had spoken, so I had to follow.

But I didn't expect the auction location to be at the black market.

Two hours later, Landon Cooper, heir to the Cooper Family mafia, and James kept matching each other's bids.

"James, if you say this is an engagement gift for Miss Smith, I can step aside."

Landon smiled cunningly.

"I heard there's a death match here today. How about this—have your bodyguard compete and win till the end, and I'll give you the necklace!"

I stood there, feeling ice-cold all over.

In my current condition, entering a death match was a death sentence.

"James, Miss Russell used to be a mercenary and works as your bodyguard—she must be really skilled. Why not let her try?"

Julia's tone was sweet, but her eyes were full of malice.

James hesitated, staring at me, seemingly thinking about something.

"James, I know you two have history! But I'm your fiancée! If you protect her, people will talk about me!"

Julia's words made James's expression shift slightly.

He took a step toward me.

"Sophia, you..."

Before he could finish, I spoke up in disappointment, "James, do you really want to send me to my death?"

Marshall had sent word this morning.

He'd already arranged my departure flight.

In three days, the same day as James and Julia's engagement.

But if I went into the ring today, I'd probably die.

I didn't want to gamble with my life, so my tone carried a hint of weakness.

But James had already made his decision.

I was pushed into the arena, once again becoming a killing machine.

But my wounds kept tearing open, and I gradually ran out of strength.

Finally, in the last round, my opponent grabbed me by the throat.

"Stop!"

"Sophia, stop fighting! Surrender! I won't blame you!"

"Julia, I'll buy you the necklace at a high price! I can't let Sophia die here!"

"Mr. Johnson really can't forget his old flame bodyguard!"

"Someone from the black market background really goes all out. I heard Sophia climbed into Mr. Johnson's bed not long after joining the Johnson Family!"

"Maybe she'll just stay home as a mistress from now on!"

James's panicked shouts mixed with everyone's mockery.

A surge of unwillingness rose in my heart.

I refused to become James's accessory in other people's mouths!

I didn't want James's fake pity!

In an instant, I lifted my leg around my opponent's neck and forcefully flipped him over.

Like a madwoman, I vented all my grievances, landing punch after punch.

Until he couldn't get up anymore.

In the end, I walked out covered in blood and picked up the necklace.

James came over to help me. I didn't dodge.

I just took the opportunity to stuff the necklace into his hand, my bloody mouth corners pulling into a smile.

"James, happy engagement!"