Chapter 24 Ex-Husband Is Registering for Marriage
In contrast to his excitement and happiness.
James felt a pang of worry as he glanced at Sophia, a stark contrast to the excitement and happiness he had felt earlier.
Emily clung to Sophia's neck, her small face nestled against hers. "I love you the most, Mommy," she whispered.
Sophia gave her a reassuring smile. "Mommy's okay, sweetie."
She led them to their reserved private dining room. As they walked past William's room, Sophia caught bits of conversation: "pick a date," "family dinner," "register for marriage." She kept her eyes straight ahead, focusing on the kids, unaware that William was watching her from inside.
Michael, though playful, always listened to James. When James stopped him from running to William, he understood it wasn't the right time and stayed close to Sophia.
The kids were well-behaved during dinner. James served Emily, and Michael followed suit. The bond among the siblings grew stronger.
As they left the restaurant, a black Maybach was already waiting at the entrance. The window rolled down, revealing William's stern profile. His eyes held an unreadable emotion as he looked at Sophia, but she didn't linger on it.
The next day was the weekend. Sophia wanted the kids to stay with her for a couple of days, but William insisted they return to the family estate. She reluctantly saw them off, holding Emily as they walked to the waiting car, where the driver was already prepared.
William felt a sinking disappointment when Sophia didn't ask any questions before leaving. His eyes darkened with a deep, unfathomable emotion.
Over the next week, Sophia hastened her preparations for the custody battle. She could feel James and the others growing more attached to her. She subtly probed their willingness to live with her, and though they hesitated, they didn't refuse. This gave her confidence.
Even if she didn't win the case, once William married Alice, Alice would likely get pregnant quickly to secure her position as Mrs. Smith. When William had other children, Sophia would have another chance.
Lyra was stunned when she heard Sophia's plan, but soon recovered, feeling happy for her friend.
"Sophia, you used to say you hated your ex-husband, but hatred implies leftover feelings. Now, you've changed," Lyra said, waiting by the elevator with her assistant.
When the elevator arrived, Lyra, wearing a baseball cap, sunglasses, and a mask, entered without noticing anyone else inside. She continued her video call with Sophia through her headset.
"I can't believe you're actually looking forward to your ex-husband marrying his mistress!" Lyra exclaimed.
After chatting with Sophia for a while, Lyra asked to video call Emily. The little girl greeted her sweetly, "Hi, godmother."
Adults can't help but use a softer tone when talking to children, and Lyra was no exception. Suddenly, Emily's surprised voice came through the headset, "William!"
Lyra turned around to find herself face-to-face with William's cold, stern gaze. A sense of dread exploded in her mind. She was grateful for her disguise and the headset, hoping William didn't recognize her.
But then William's deep voice cut through her thoughts, "Ms. Cole."
Lyra thought, "I'm doomed!"
Later that night, a black Maybach appeared outside Sophia's apartment building. Emily, lying on the sofa by the master bedroom's floor-to-ceiling window, saw William leaning against the car. Her eyes lit up. She glanced at the bathroom door where Sophia was showering, hesitated for a moment, then quietly ran out.
She slipped on her slippers, grabbed her little deer chair, and went to the elevator. Standing on the chair, she pressed the button to call the elevator.
From the third floor to the first, Emily carried her chair out of the elevator, walked to the front door, and once again stood on the chair to press the intercom button.
Soon, the apartment door opened, followed by the gate outside. Emily used the chair to prop the door open, changed into her silver crystal shoes at the entrance, and happily ran outside.
William was about to leave when he saw the gate open and a small figure running toward him. Emily hugged his leg, looking up at him excitedly, her voice soft and affectionate.
"William, William," she called, reaching up for a hug.
When William picked her up, she kicked her legs happily, wrapping her arms around his neck and peeking into the car's back seat.
"James?" she called out.
The scent of Emily's bath soap and a hint of recently drunk milk lingered on her, a pleasant smell. William noticed she was only wearing a onesie, so he took his jacket from the back seat and wrapped her tightly.
"James is at home," he explained.
Emily, wrapped in William's jacket, blinked as she realized he had come specifically to see her. "Did you come to see Emily?"
Before William could answer, Emily kissed his cheek and gave him a bright, sunny smile.
Upstairs in the bedroom, Sophia came out and didn't see Emily. Her heart tightened. "Emily?" she called, pulling out her phone to check the security cameras.
Seeing Emily take the elevator downstairs and leave the building, Sophia's face turned pale. She rushed downstairs, not even bothering with a coat.
William was walking back inside with Emily in his arms when he saw Sophia, in her slippers, hurrying out. The scene felt familiar; just moments ago, Emily had done the same.
Like mother, like daughter, he thought.
Seeing Emily in William's arms, Sophia's tension eased, but her legs suddenly felt weak. If William hadn't caught her, she would have collapsed.
"Thank you," she said shakily.
William held her arm as a cold wind blew, raising goosebumps on Sophia's bare arms. Emily reached out to her, "Mommy."
"Emily, who told you to go downstairs alone? Do you know how worried Mommy was?" Sophia's voice trembled with tears. She never expected Emily to run off like this; it had never happened before.
Seeing Sophia still unsteady, William frowned. "Aren't you afraid of dropping the child?" he scolded.
But Sophia just wanted to hold Emily. Sensing her mother's distress, Emily reached out to her. William didn't let go, worried that Sophia might drop Emily, while still holding onto Sophia.
The three of them formed an awkward tableau. Noticing Sophia's goosebumps, William carried Emily inside and led Sophia to the sofa.
Emily snuggled into Sophia's lap, patting her chest gently. "Don't be scared, Mommy. Emily's here."
Sophia's expression turned stern. "Emily, who said you could sneak out? Didn't Mommy tell you not to leave the room?"
Realizing her mistake, Emily lowered her head and apologized. "I'm sorry, Mommy."
Emily was just over a year old; Sophia hadn't anticipated this. Seeing her daughter apologize, Sophia couldn't stay mad. She softened her tone. "Mommy should apologize, too. I shouldn't have left you alone."
Emily shook her head, thinking Sophia did nothing wrong. Still wrapped in William's jacket, she explained softly, "William was downstairs. I went to get James and Michael."
Sophia's eyes filled with tears. "You went to get James and Michael? Such a good girl. But next time, don't go out alone at night. Mommy will worry, okay?"
Emily nodded obediently. Sophia turned to William, asking why he was there so late. William said he forgot James and Michael weren't with them that day, leaving her puzzled.