Chapter 199

Chapter 199

William's lips curved into a smile, devoid of any amusement.

He gently touched Sophia's cheek, "Women, always overthinking. Those ladies stripping and dancing mean nothing to me. If it bothers you, I'll have a chat with the club owner to ease your mind."

"If you just need a man, I'll take my vitamins daily to keep you satisfied. How's that? I'm here for you, always."

Till death do us part.

William's intense gaze showed suspicion, "Listen up, we're in this together, through thick and thin."

Each word carried weight.

It wasn't a joke; it was a statement and a caution.

Water seeped into the car.

As the water level rose above their waists,

Tears filled Sophia's eyes, "Why? I love you, and I want the best for you, and for us to be happy. Please, I don't want to hurt you or be a disappointment."

"You fell for me first."

William's smile widened as he pulled Sophia close, "You started this."

They clung to each other.

Sophia struggled, but William's hold grew firmer, as if trying to meld her into his being.

The water crept higher.

Soon it reached their necks.

If they lingered, they'd be submerged.

Fear gripped Sophia, her face drained, her voice strained, "Okay, we'll face this together, we won't give up, I won't leave."

By the end, Sophia's voice cracked.

She couldn't give up; she had to survive.

A soft chuckle echoed.

In the next moment, William released Sophia, pressed a button, and the car miraculously floated to the water's surface.

Sophia stood there, dumbfounded.

Was this some kind of advanced technology?

The car actually floated up from the water.

The door swung open, and William scooped up Sophia as they swam from the sea to the shore.

Sophia gazed out at the vast ocean, her mind a blank slate.

Ryan had already arranged for a new car and fresh clothes.

This time, it was a camper.

Once inside, Sophia chose a purple cheongsam from the wardrobe.

While William suited up in black with a purple tie.

They complemented each other, a perfect match.

Facing the mirror, the couple looked striking.

William wrapped his arm around her waist, whispering, "We're in this together, always."

"Okay."

She couldn't say no, didn't dare to.

Sophia smiled softly.

As if the recent events were a distant memory.

The car rolled on.

They settled on the leather sofa.

William held Sophia close, playing with her hair like a child, "Remember, some things are better left unsaid."

Due to an illness, Sophia had considered divorce.

But recalling Sophia's reaction to the photos, William smirked, "No need to be jealous. You're the only one for me."

"Do you love me?"

The words slipped out from Sophia's heart.

William tensed briefly, a hint of a smile dancing in his dark eyes, "You love me."

She loved him.

Not the other way around.

Sophia grasped the truth, a chill creeping through her.

The car soon pulled up at The Johnson Estate.

The family was hosting a lavish banquet, luxury cars were neatly lined up at the entrance.

William drove straight to the villa.

Nash personally greeted them at the door.

William and Sophia emerged hand in hand before the gathering.

Suddenly, a swarm of reporters closed in on them.

Before the questioning could start, knowing not to mess with William, the crowd refrained from random queries. They snapped more photos of the couple instead.

Their wedding had been quite low-key, after all.

This marked their first public appearance at a formal event.

In front of the cameras, Sophia smiled gracefully, handling the situation with poise.

Beside her, William had shed his usual nonchalant air, emanating a regal presence and authority.

Not too far away.

Aiden was engaged in conversation, but his gaze flickered towards the couple, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Sophia had made her entrance.

As William's wife, Aiden let out a soft hum, then resumed chatting with the others.

Today held significance.

It was William's debut as the heir.

Aiden didn't voice it, but he was pleased.

After all, among the elite, William was undeniably the most exceptional heir.

As William received accolades, Aiden beamed with pride, his smile almost frozen in place.

Some were elated, some concerned.

Amelia and Aiden wore smiles.

While Mia and Isabella were surrounded by flattering socialites.

But the dynamics had shifted.

With the heir chosen, their children had no chance to compete; they could only play supporting roles.

Hence, the people surrounding them were of a lower status.

"See that? They used to follow us around, now they're all swarming around Sophia."

"What's your point?" Mia, seated in a wheelchair, maintained her dignity and elegance, gazing at the sharp-tongued Isabella, her tone gentle, "We're family. Let's not draw unnecessary attention."

"Why pretend? Dash was crippled by someone, don't you feel any anger about that?" Isabella tossed the words over her shoulder, swaying her hips as she walked away.

Flora's eyes blazed with fury, "They're so cruel."

"It's a tough world out there, you gotta take the hits." Mia's heart ached, but her face betrayed no weakness, "You gotta tough it out. To wear the crown, you gotta bear the weight. Enduring these tough times is our only hope."

Dash was left crippled.

And there stood Flora.

If anything happened to William, everything would change.

Tears brimmed in Flora's eyes, "But I can't stand it."

"The tougher it gets, the wider you gotta smile. Look at those two, so smug."

Mia was in a pitiful state, and only Flora stood by her, unwavering.

On the other side, William and Sophia were encircled by a throng, reporters forming a ring around them.

The couple sparkled like stars, the most radiant presence.

"Remember this humiliation today, we'll take it back one day." Mia gripped Flora's hand firmly, "You hear me? Fight for the three of us, don't give in."

"Mom, I won't forget all the hate they've shown us."

"Good, hold onto that, opportunities will come." Mia's heart seethed with bitterness, but as she spotted someone approaching, her expression shifted instantly.

Flora composed herself and scanned the crowd.

To climb the social ladder swiftly, the quickest route was to marry into wealth.

She needed to wed into a prestigious family and reclaim everything rightfully belonging to her, her mother, and her brother.