Chapter 136
But Linda merely glanced at the photos with a dismissive scoff.
“Yes, Sophia’s family and Lirian’s family know each other,” she said, her voice laced with disdain.
“It’s normal to have a photo or two together. A family photo doesn’t mean you’re dating, does it? Besides…” She paused, looking smugly triumphant as she reached for her phone. “I have photos too.
Here.”
“No way!” I blurted out, unable to keep the disbelief from my voice. “He… he would never-
“Are you saying I’m lying?” Linda interrupted, arching a brow. She let out a scoff, followed by a dramatic sigh. “Honestly, Sophia, you’re embarrassing yourself. Maybe it’s time to face the truth.”
The murmurs grew louder as people began whispering to each other, casting glances at me filled with pity, curiosity, and a hint of amusement. It felt like I was standing alone in a spotlight, all eyes on me as if waiting for me to fall apart.
Look,” I said, forcing my voice to remain steady, “Lirian has been with me since the start of the school year. He barely even knows you, Linda. Why would he be taking pictures like that with you?”
Linda swiped through her phone and held up the screen for everyone to see.
The picture made my heart sink.
It was Lirian–his arm wrapped around Linda’s shoulder, his head tilted towards her, lips brushing her cheek.
My stomach twisted as I recognized the affectionate look on his face, a look I thought was reserved. only for me…
I was stunned, unable to believe what Linda had just said. *How could this be happening? Linda looked at me with pity, her eyes glinting with a strange satisfaction.
“I know he’s wonderful, and you want to marry into the Iron Claw Pack, but Sophia, it’s me he likes,” she said, her voice soft but edged with condescension. “Not you at all. Will you stop hitting on my
nate out of jealousy?”
Her words struck me, leaving a hollow feeling in my chest. Before I could respond, Christina, a friend of Linda’s who stood nearby, folded her arms and smirked. “You don’t have anything to say. now, do you, Sophia?” she taunted.
hapter 136
gritted my teeth, feeling a mixture of anger and disbelief surge through me. Ignoring Christina, I reached for my phone and dialed Lirian’s number. “I need to hear it from him, I need to know the truth. But to my surprise, his phone was switched off.
–
I looked up, confused. “Linda, how did you reach him just now? His phone is off.”
Linda’s expression faltered for a split second, but she quickly covered it with a forced laugh. “Oh, well, he must have just switched it off. He probably didn’t want to be disturbed by you.”
But a nagging feeling clawed at me.
If his phone was off, then how did Linda speak to him so casually just moments ago? There was only one possibility–Linda had been lying.
The person on the phone with her hadn’t been Lirian at all.
Before I could say anything, the heavy doors of the banquet hall opened, and in walked a striking woman with an air of elegance that commanded attention.
Heads turned, and a low murmur of whispers filled the room. It was Josiah, my cousin and confidante, and her eyes sparkled when she spotted me.
“Sophia, darling! What are you doing here?” Her voice was warm, her surprise genuine.
I broke into a smile, grateful to see her. Josiah and I had been close since childhood, and she had always been like an older sister, guiding and protecting me.
She approached with open arms, and I hugged her tightly.
“I was just about to ask you the same thing.” I replied, my voice laced with relief. “I didn’t expect you to come tonight.”
She gave a small laugh and shrugged. “I was running late. My gown was ruined, thanks to a maid spilling coffee on it, so I had to find something else on short notice.”
I noticed people around us watching Josiah with admiration and curiosity. Her family’s wealth and influence were well–known, and her presence alone seemed to shift the atmosphere.
I could feel whispers stirring in the crowd as they looked between us, clearly trying to piece together any connection to her. my
Linda’s face paled slightly, and she seemed uncomfortable under Josiah’s gaze.
She took a hesitant step back, looking like she wanted to melt into the walls and disappear.
Chapter 136
But Josiah caught sight of her, her eyes narrowing In recognition.
Wait a moment,” Josiah’s voice was filled with disbelief as she eyed the gown Linda was wearing. “Where did that dress come from?”
Linda froze, her fingers gripping the fabric nervously. The dress was an exquisite purple gown, stunning in every detail, and it looked expensive even from a distance.
“That dress…” Josiah said, her voice dropping to a frigid tone. “That’s “my” dress! How did you end up with it, Linda?”
