Chapter 146
I paused, letting my words sink in. Then, with a resolute tone, I added,
“If the man I marry isn’t Lirian, then I would rather remain single for the rest of my life.”
My declaration silenced the crowd, and the weight of my words hung in the air. I glanced at Lirian, who had been watching me closely.
His usual composure seemed shaken, his expression a mix of surprise and something deeper–something softer.
I continued, my voice steady but laced with emotion.
“There was a time when I had no hope of falling in love because of the pain of falling in love with the
wrong person… until I met Lirian. because it was him, I was willing to try again. Even if it’s difficult.”
I paused again and continued..
“Even if the result isn’t perfect, I don’t regret it because I made up for my previous regrets.”
The crowd murmured in approval, but I only had eyes for Lirian. He stepped forward, his gaze never leaving mine. “No one,” he said, his voice steady and strong, “will ever come between us. It won’t let it happen.”
The applause from the guests erupted around us, but it felt distant compared to the warmth in Lirian’s words. His eyes held a sincerity that made my chest tighten, and I knew he meant every
word.
Turning back to Linda, I squared my shoulders. “And as for you,” I said, my voice calm but firm,
you
“I don’t dislike you because of Ryan. I dislike you because you’re not a good person. In school, spread rumors about me being adopted and even instructed your friends to humiliate me. When my brother came to pick me up, you had your friends throw dirt at me.
“And in the end, you blamed it all on your friend Mia.”
Linda’s face turned red with anger, but she had no words to defend herself. “And now,” I continued.
“you’re here, stirring up trouble at this party, trying to ruin what should have been a happy occasion. I’m done tolerating your behavior, Linda.”
Linda stood frozen for a moment, her face a mix of shock and fury as the guards began to escort her
The Alpla’s Substitute Land A Heart Claimand. A Soul Reborn
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out. Her voice cut through the music like a knife.
“You’ll regret this!” she screamed, her wild eyes darting between Ryan and me. “Both of you will regret this! I won’t let you ruin me!”
Her threats faded into the distance as the guards dragged her out of the venue. The murmur of the crowd filled the room once more, everyone speculating about what had just happened. I exhaled deeply, hoping this would be the last time I’d have to deal with her drama.
But before I could fully relax, Ryan turned toward me, his expression twisted with frustration. His voice was steady but venomous, loud enough for me to hear over the murmurs.
“You’ll choose me again, Sophia,” he said with cold determination. “You’ll see. Whatever you think. you have with Lirian–it won’t last.”
His words sent a shiver down my spine. I met his gaze with unwavering defiance, refusing to let him intimidate me.
The guards quickly ushered him out after Linda, leaving the venue calmer but still abuzz with whispers.
The band resumed playing, the melodies light and joyful as couples returned to the dance floor. Slowly, the celebratory atmosphere crept back in, and people began to forget the commotion.
I stood still for a moment, lost in thought, until I felt a warm hand touch mine.
Lirian was beside me, his dark eyes filled with quiet strength. “May I have this dance?” he asked, his deep voice soothing yet commanding.
I nodded, placing my hand in his. He led me gracefully onto the floor, and as we began to sway to the rhythm, the weight of the evening started to lift.
The warmth of his hand on my waist and the steadiness of his gaze grounded me, and for the first time tonight, I felt safe.
As the music played, Lirian’s voice broke the silence between us. “Sophia,” he began, his tone soft yet
earnest,
“I’ve never been happier than I am right now. Knowing you chose me, firmly, without hesitation–it means more than I can express.”
I felt a lump form in my throat. Before I could respond, he added, “I would give everything for you, you know. My life, my soul–everything. If it ever came to it, I would die for you.”
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Don’t say that,” I whispered urgently.
His words startled me. My steps faltered slightly, and I looked up at him, my eyes wide with shock
“Don’t say that,” I whispered urgently.
Chapick it
