Chapter 12: Getting Married on the Same Day
A Bet She Never Knew She Made
The video was from a few days before Seraphina’s birthday.
Back then, Sonya had no doubts—when Julian asked for the best proposal location in town, she thought it was for her.
She had even gone to the Starry Sky Hotel’s rooftop terrace after work to film a video for him.
It was romantic—the vast night sky, the city lights in the distance. She imagined Julian, on one knee, asking for her hand.
But Seraphina was there, too.
She had overheard everything.
“I just heard you asked the manager if you could host the proposal party here.”
“Julian’s going to propose to you?”
Then, a mocking laugh.
“Hah, you wish.”
And finally, the challenge:
“Want to make a bet? My birthday is in a few days. Let’s see if Julian proposes to you or to me.”
Sonya had ignored her, thinking it was beneath her to respond.
She should have known.
Seraphina’s confidence wasn’t misplaced.
It turned out, Sonya was the joke.
The Bitter Truth
Sonya watched Julian, his eyes locked onto the phone screen as if the video was still playing.
In Seraphina’s eyes, he was just a car—something she could drive whenever she wanted.
Did Julian really never see this coming?
She exhaled sharply.
“I didn’t post this video. I spared you both, so don’t push your luck.”
Julian didn’t say anything.
Leo patted his shoulder.
“Dude, just clear everything up. It’ll be over soon.”
Julian leaned back, silent for a long time. Then—
A chuckle.
A bitter, almost mocking sound.
“So you thought I was going to propose to you?”
Sonya’s heart twisted, but she kept her face calm.
She didn’t reply.
“What made you so confident?”
“I thought you were grounded, but I was wrong. You’re so delusional that you actually fantasized about becoming Mrs. Jennings?”
Sonya simply shook her head.
“I wanted to marry you because I loved you.”
Julian laughed coldly.
“Hah, does anyone believe that?”
“I thought you did.”
For a brief second, a flicker of something crossed Julian’s face.
But it was gone before she could name it.
Instead, he grabbed a bottle, twisted the cap off, and drank deeply.
His storm of emotions never surfaced—her calm demeanor made sure of that.
“Delete the video.”
Sonya let out a slow breath.
“I’ll delete it, but only if you clear my name online and ensure the hospital doesn’t suspend me.”
Julian wiped his mouth, setting the bottle down.
“I won’t clear your name. But I can get you off suspension.”
Sonya laughed sharply.
“No clarification, no deal. My account is muted, and someone even suggested I leaked the photo to the paparazzi.”
Julian took another swig.
“You dare negotiate with me?”
“I don’t need to.”
His eyes darkened.
“What about your parents’ house? Don’t you want it back?”
Sonya froze.
So he admitted it—
The house was in his possession.
A Weapon from the Past
Julian leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.
“When you fell out with your family, you stayed at my place. You said you wanted to start a business to prove yourself. I sold my parents’ house to help you.”
Sonya stared at him.
Julian nodded.
“So I bought the house back. I was going to return it to you.”
Sonya’s voice was tight.
“Why did you keep it a secret all these years?”
Julian thought for a moment.
“No reason. I just forgot. Or didn’t feel like it.”
“Julian!”
He ignored her anger, swirling the drink in his glass.
“Now that we’ve broken up… if you want that house back for free, you’ll have to pay something in return.”
Sonya’s breath caught.
Julian’s smirk was cold.
“My only request is that you delete the video and stay off the internet. Let the scandal die down naturally.”
Sonya’s fingers curled into fists.
She had used her parents’ house to help him build his empire.
And now—
He was using it to break her.
A precise strike—one only eight years of intimacy could land.
Sonya unlocked her phone.
Deleted the video.
Then—
She pulled out the million-dollar check Seraphina had given her and slid it across the table.
Julian pushed it back.
“I can’t give you the house yet.”
Sonya’s eyes sharpened.
“You just agreed—”
Julian smirked.
“I agreed. But how can I be sure you won’t cause more trouble online?”
“When will I get the house?”
Julian tilted his head.
“On my wedding day. Consider it a gift.”
Sonya laughed bitterly.
“A gift. How generous.”
Julian raised his glass.
“You’re welcome.”
“When’s the wedding? Is the date set?”
Julian nodded.
“September 6th. My family is pushing for it. Apparently, it’s a good day.”
Sonya took a deep breath.
“Fine. That day.”
She grabbed a bottle of liquor, popped the top, and clinked it against his.
“Congratulations.”
Then, she took a long gulp and walked out.
A Night of Freedom
Leo followed her, noticing her pale face.
“Sonya, share a drink with me.”
Sonya stared at him.
“What?”
Leo smiled sadly.
“I want to get really drunk tonight.”
His voice was raw.
“My heart still hurts… so much…”
Sonya exhaled sharply.
She knew that pain.
Leo pushed his glass toward hers.
“To your freedom.”
Sonya clinked her bottle against his.
“Thank you. That’s exactly what I want.”
Meanwhile, Jake emerged from the private room, supporting a completely wasted Julian.
He saw Sonya staggering toward the exit.
“Sonya, where are you living now?”
“Cloud Haven Villas.”
Jake stared.
“You still live at Julian’s?”
Sonya shook her head, shoving him away.
“No, someone’s picking me up.”
A black Bentley pulled up.
Jake’s eyes widened.
“You’re getting into a stranger’s car?!”
Sonya smirked.
“He’s not a stranger. It’s Mr. Givens.”
Luke rolled down the window, showing Sonya’s text from half an hour ago.
Satisfied, Jake let her go.
In the car, Sonya rubbed her stomach, feeling nauseous.
Luke handed her a warm cup of millet porridge.
“Mr. Sullivan asked me to get this for you. It’ll help.”
Sonya took a sip, feeling slightly better.
Then—
She suddenly remembered.
Half an hour ago—
She hadn’t just texted Luke.
She had also texted Henry.
“Let’s get married on October 10th.”
