The Returning Ex

Chapter 165

Sophia then stayed in John’s office for the rest of the day. This time, she was obedient to the letter and didn’t make any noise at all. John, however, was discomfited. Several times, the urge to look up and ascertain whether she was still in the office gripped him since there wasn’t a single sound from her.

Sophia didn’t budge from her spot by the window. At first, she stared at her finger, and later, she gazed out the window although there actually wasn’t much to see since she was very high above the ground.

John looked at her twice, but she remained silent and expressionless. This somewhat feels as though we’ve gone back in time. In the past, her presence didn’t quite register as well to the point that I couldn’t even sense her when we were in the same room at times. Feeling a touch unsettled, he quickly took out the documents he discussed with Isabelle and scrutinized them one by one until it was time to get off work.

He had to take Sophia to the banquet, so as soon as the clock struck, he left the office with her right away. Their eveningwear was in the car, so the two of them went to the designer’s place. This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

Over there, everyone was already waiting for them. The man in monk robes was standing before the dressing table, waiting for Sophia. After she sat down, the clinking of prayer beads once again sounded in her ear. The makeup and hairdo probably came easier to him this time, for he was done in a far shorter time. After Sophia was done glamming up, she changed into her clothes and shoes.

When she came out, the designer from back then came over with a tray that held a complete set of accessories—a necklace, ring, earrings, and bracelet—that were gleaming dazzlingly. Sophia was startled. “What is this?”

The designer smiled. “John picked them especially for you. Try them on.”

Oh, I almost forgot! A moment of clarity hit Sophia. While there’s a distinct theme for such an event, women who attend contend among themselves, comparing the worth of their jewelry and evening

gowns. My attendance there is a reflection of John’s image, so he naturally can’t skimp. Thus, she took them and put them on by herself.

The designer nodded. “They match this evening gown well.”

Meanwhile, John also glammed up a bit. The process for men was much simpler than for women since it only involved hair styling and a change of clothes. At the end of the day, John was still who he was, looking all resplendent. He was on the phone when Sophia went over, but he then hung up upon seeing her. “We should leave now. They’ve already started.” It’s actually not late, but they unexpectedly started so early.

When John and Sophia left the place, a driver was already waiting outside. Makes sense. After all, he would have to drink when making small talk at an event such as a banquet. John then steered Sophia into the backseat.

Sophia rested on the car windowsill. “I’ve never attended a banquet. I wonder what it’s like.” To this very day, the only large-scale event she’d ever attended was her own wedding. She was stupefied the entire time, at a loss as to how she should behave. Actually, she’d merely felt that she wasn’t worthy of John before the wedding and didn’t consider anything else, but that wedding was like a magic mirror, finally waking her up to the gravity of familial background and status to a person, changing her horizons and adaptability accordingly. She’d never seen much of the world, so she immediately appeared timid and inferior at such an event.

John leaned back against the seat. “Just behave as you normally do. There will be many people there, so no one will pay particular attention to you.”

Sophia chuckled. “That may be true in the past, but my dearest Mr. Constance, have you forgotten that you’ve now embroiled in a scandal? Do you think those people won’t pay attention to you and me?”

John turned and looked at her. “So, are you afraid?”

Sophia blinked. “No.” That was the truth. If it were back then, I’d definitely be afraid, mainly out of fear that I’d cause him trouble due to some blunder or other. Now, however, I’m no longer afraid. Her mentality now was extremely matter-of-fact. My relationship with him now is that of a partnership. Even if there’s trouble, he asked for it. In a partnership, there must be risks. He can’t possibly just enjoy the benefits without making any sacrifices.