Chapter 4 Wedding Scene, Groom Absent
Crazy! Absolutely crazy!
Sophia felt a chill run down her spine, her mind going blank.
Philip had stripped her of all her clothes in a matter of seconds, leaving her standing there completely naked.
Her face flushed red as she turned her head away, her wrist held firmly in his grasp, unable to move.
Philip took in every inch of her exposed body, his eyes darkening with desire.
"Is this the body you used to seduce me back then?"
Sophia scoffed coldly.
"You have all the power in the world to find out anything you want. Why humiliate me like this?"
Tears welled up in her eyes, reflecting the months of torment she had endured.
Her once smooth skin now bore several scars, a testament to her suffering.
Philip's fingers traced the scars on her back, the friction between his fingertips and her skin sending shivers down her spine.
'What does he want now?'
He lifted her chin, forcing her to look up at him.
"After all the effort you put into sleeping with me, now you want to play the victim and gain sympathy?"
"Do you think I'll fall for it?"
His words were laced with mockery, the disdain in his eyes piercing Sophia's heart.
She felt like a stray dog, knowing that if she tried to escape, Chase's men would likely capture her.
Philip might be a madman, but Rhea was sensible.
If she could stay at the Mitchell Villa, it would give her a chance to recuperate and plan her next move. It was the best option she had.
Sophia lowered her stance, forcing a smile.
"Mr. Mitchell, you're overthinking this. I was just a pawn in this whole scheme."
"With your resources, it shouldn't be hard to uncover the truth."
Her words were loaded with meaning, her heart pounding with anxiety.
She was gambling, hoping she could survive this ordeal.
Philip scrutinized her, then threw her to the ground.
"Smart women don't live long."
The door closed, leaving Sophia alone in the empty room.
All her strength drained away, and she gathered her clothes and curled up on the floor.
The loneliness of losing her whole family enveloped her, silent tears streaming down her cheeks.
'Dad, Mom, I survived.'
'The blood feud with the Brown family, I will repay it a thousand times over!'
Sophia's eyes turned fierce. As long as she lived, she would find a way to drag them to hell!
For the next three days, Sophia lived alone in the Mitchell Villa.
The villa was well-equipped, with maids and servants, even a nutritionist and stylist.
After three days of care, Sophia's lips regained their color, and she looked healthier.
"Ms. Brown, the wedding is about to start. Your wedding dress is ready."
Three maids approached her, holding a luxurious wedding dress.
"Thank you."
Sophia didn't even look up, her gaze fixed on the documents on the table.
The headline [Cruise Fire: Brown Family Head and Hundreds of Passengers Perish] gnawed at her heart, the memories of that night crashing over her like waves.
Sophia clutched her chest, overhearing two maids whispering at the door.
"Ms. Brown and Mr. Philip Mitchell have such a strange relationship. He hasn't visited her once in three days."
"I heard their relationship is rocky. Sophia must have used some trick to get close to Mr. Mitchell."
Sophia adjusted her emotions, leaning against the wall. She was used to rumors; as long as she survived, nothing else mattered.
A maid with a purple coneflower badge glanced at the door, then at Sophia.
"Ms. Brown, it's time."
Sophia felt like a puppet, being dressed layer by layer. They even adjusted the skirt to accommodate her abdomen.
She looked down at the bouquet in her hands, her thoughts scattered.
Given Philip's nature, it wouldn't be surprising if he didn't show up at the wedding. She was prepared for the judgmental stares.
Whatever, she was used to it.
Everything except life and death was trivial.
Sophia smiled, resigned, and got into the car with her bouquet.
The wedding was small, and only family members knew about it.
There were only three wedding cars. As soon as Sophia got out, she felt the eyes of everyone on her.
"Is this Philip's wife? She looks pretty."
"She's just a pretty face. The Brown family is in ruins; she's nothing but a stray dog."
"She must be a schemer; otherwise, Philip wouldn't be fooled by her."
"Where's Philip? He hasn't shown up at all."
The crowd searched for Philip but found nothing.
It seemed this wedding had a bride but no groom.
People were eager to see Sophia embarrassed.
The guests were seated, and as the music played, Sophia walked in with her bouquet.
Rhea frowned, seeing her alone, but said nothing.
Suddenly, a glass of wine splashed onto Sophia's white wedding dress.
The room gasped, all eyes turning to the culprit.
It was Philip's cousin, Lyric Vaughn.
"Sophia, do you think you're worthy of being Philip's wife? Using your cheap tricks to get into his bed, you're not fit to be his wife!"
Lyric raged at Sophia, leaving everyone stunned.
Though Rhea and Lyric were close, no one expected Lyric to cause a scene at the wedding.
Sophia's makeup and dress were ruined. She had prepared for this but was still shocked. She forced a calm smile.
"Miss, I think you misunderstand. Philip and I are truly in love."
Philip, hiding behind a pillar, froze at her words.
His eyes darkened. He had planned to watch a spectacle but didn't expect Sophia to lie so boldly.
"You're lying! I've never heard of you. You must have used some trick, otherwise..."
Lyric's words were cut off by Sophia.
"What, you think I'm lying?"
"If it were false, why would I be here? Do you think Philip and his grandmother are less smart than you?"
Her words left Lyric speechless.
"You!"
"Fine, if it's true love, why isn't Philip here? He didn't even come to the wedding. He doesn't want to marry you!"
Lyric seized on this point, her voice echoing through the venue. Sophia had prepared a response, but a voice interrupted her.
"Sorry, I'm late."