Chapter 22: For Life
A Shocking Deed
Sonya stared at her phone screen in disbelief.
“What’s with the property deed?”
She messaged Henry immediately.
“You saw it?”
“What’s going on?”
Henry’s response was simple.
“Just respond.”
Sonya’s heart pounded as she typed furiously.
“I’m asking how my name ended up on the deed! When did this house become mine?”
“The day you agreed to marry me,” Henry replied calmly. “I had Mr. Givens start preparing the paperwork to transfer the villa to your name. Remember that time you got drunk and Mr. Givens picked you up? He had the deed ready for you to sign. You probably don’t remember.”
Sonya racked her brain.
A vague memory surfaced—Mr. Givens handing her a stack of papers, asking her to sign in specific spots.
Had she signed a property transfer agreement without realizing it?
“I didn’t agree!” she typed, her fingers pressing hard on the screen.
Henry’s response was infuriatingly cool.
“Was discussion necessary?”
“Wasn’t it?”
“I didn’t think so.”
Sonya let out a sharp laugh.
“Hah. Mr. Sullivan, what do you think I am?”
“My wife.”
Her fingers paused.
Then she clenched her jaw.
“No. You treat me like a commodity with a price tag!”
“Are you angry?”
“Have I already sold myself? Do I even have the right to be angry?”
Henry didn’t reply.
Frustrated, Sonya threw herself onto her bed, exhaling sharply.
Then—her doorbell rang.
An Unwelcome Guest
She went downstairs, opening the door to find Julian Jennings.
His face was grim.
“Something you need?” she asked flatly.
Julian sighed.
“Seraphina and my mother are back. They’re fine.”
Sonya crossed her arms.
“Of course they’re fine. I wouldn’t poison them and then incriminate myself.”
Julian ran a frustrated hand through his hair.
“You shouldn’t pay attention to those online rumors.”
Sonya narrowed her eyes.
“You only say that because it’s not you or Seraphina West being attacked, so you don’t care.”
Julian exhaled sharply.
“But you shouldn’t have posted a fake property deed! If the actual owner sees it, you’ll be sued!”
Sonya blinked.
Then—she laughed.
“Fake? You think I photoshopped a fake deed?”
Julian’s voice was firm.
“It’s obvious.”
Sonya raised an eyebrow.
“So sure?”
“The owner of that villa’s last name is Reynolds,” Julian said coldly. “Don’t tell me your so-called fiancé is him!”
Sonya’s eyes glinted.
“Who my fiancé is is none of your business. Go back and coddle your precious Princess Wen!”
Julian’s expression darkened.
As she turned away, he spoke up.
“I’ll buy you a house. Move out.”
Sonya stopped.
Then she scoffed, without looking back.
“You’ll buy me a house? Do you even have the right?”
She slammed the door shut.
Henry’s Apology
Upstairs, her phone buzzed.
It was Henry.
She exhaled, calming herself before opening the messages.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t consider your feelings.”
“But it wasn’t out of disrespect. From the moment you agreed to marry me, I’ve been carefully trying to figure out how to get along with you, afraid of upsetting you.”
“I still messed up.”
Sonya paused.
“I thought sharing everything with you, including money and property, was a sign of trust between husband and wife.”
“Isn’t that how normal couples are? No secrets?”
Sonya’s breath caught.
“From the moment you agreed to marry me, you are my wife. You’re the person I’ll spend my life with.”
Her heart pounded.
She’d thought this was just a partnership.
If it worked, it worked. If not, they’d split.
But Henry was talking about forever.
“Don’t be mad at me. Teach me slowly, okay? I’ll learn how to love you.”
Sonya’s eyes stung.
He wanted to learn how to love her.
She reread his words, realizing just how serious he was.
There had been a touch of spite in her agreeing to marry him.
She had wanted to show Julian Jennings she wasn’t unwanted.
She had needed a fiancé.
Henry had needed a wife.
She thought it was fair.
But she had stayed detached from the role of fiancée, while Henry had embraced it fully from the start.
Taking a deep breath, she typed:
“It’s my fault. Give me some time to adjust to this identity: Henry’s wife.”
Henry responded instantly.
“Sonya’s husband. I’ve adapted perfectly.”
Sonya chuckled.
“Are you up yet?”
“Actually, I’m booking a flight back.”
Her eyes widened.
“You’re coming back?”
“To beg you not to be mad at me.”
Sonya stared at the screen.
He would fly back immediately just because she was angry?
“Cancel it. I’m not angry anymore.”
“I’ll be back as soon as possible.”
Sonya smiled softly.
“Okay.”
After ending the chat, she checked Henry’s online post.
Seraphina West’s fans were attacking him.
“Loser!” “How can he afford a villa in Clouds Wood?”
Sonya tagged Henry.
And posted four simple words.
“Waiting for you to come home.”
No need for more.
Taking Back Control
The next morning, Sonya arrived at Julian Jennings’ villa.
Yang was already preparing breakfast.
Sonya rolled up her sleeves.
“Let me help.”
Yang panicked.
“Ms. Ella, please don’t! The Madam said you’re not allowed in the kitchen anymore!”
Sonya shrugged.
“Then what should I do? Clean?”
Yang nodded.
Sonya surveyed the living room.
Her eyes landed on a deer-shaped lamp.
Expensive.
Julian had called it art.
Sonya walked over.
And knocked it to the floor.
CRASH.
Julian and Seraphina rushed downstairs.
Seraphina’s face twisted.
“Sonya, you’re going too far!”
Sonya smirked.
“It was an accident.”
Seraphina’s face burned red.
“You did this on purpose!”
Sonya tilted her head.
“Didn’t you force me to be your housekeeper?”
Seraphina’s fists clenched.
Julian sighed.
“You don’t need to do chores anymore. Just check on Seraphina when she needs you.”
Sonya smiled.
“Then call me Dr. Ella.”
Julian’s jaw tightened.
“Dr. Ella,” he bit out. “Happy now?”
Sonya nodded.
“Ms. West, as your physician, let me remind you: During pregnancy, focus on rest, not scheming.”
Then she turned.
And walked out.
Her phone rang.
Lily Lane’s voice rang through.
“Sonya, I’m at the gate! Security won’t let me in!”
“You’re back?”
“I’m here to back you up!”
