Chapter 299

"Then get ready and come with me to get remarried!" Ethan suddenly released Sophia's wrist.

Sophia blinked in shock.

Remarriage certificate.

After six years, she was marrying Ethan Blackwood again?

Life really had a twisted sense of humor.

Without protest, Sophia returned to the bedroom, changed out of her pajamas, freshened up, and styled her hair. By the time she stepped out, Lily was already awake.

"Mommy, are you and Daddy taking me to preschool together today?" The maid had dressed Lily in a vibrant red princess dress, complete with a matching hairpin. She looked like a living doll straight out of a fairy tale.

The outfit perfectly matched the significance of today.

Sophia smiled softly at her daughter. "Yes, sweetheart. Mommy and Daddy will take you to school together today. Are you happy?"

Lily nodded eagerly. "So happy!"

Her joy was genuine.

Even as Ethan, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, and Sophia, wearing a crisp new outfit, escorted Lily downstairs to the waiting car, the little girl remained ecstatic. Spotting Nathan standing respectfully by the vehicle, Lily chirped, "Uncle Nathan! Mommy and Daddy are taking me to school today!"

"Are you excited?" Nathan asked with a grin.

"Of course!"

"Just wait until you find out what else they’re doing today. You’ll be even happier," Nathan teased.

Lily tilted her head, not understanding his implication. "Uncle Nathan, I already told you! They’re taking me to school. Why can’t you remember?"

Nathan chuckled and playfully smacked his forehead. "Ah, you’re right. Uncle Nathan is being silly today."

He opened the car door for the family, then drove them first to Lily’s preschool before diverting to the courthouse. Along the way, Nathan couldn’t resist joking, "Mrs. Blackwood, since today’s such a special occasion—your remarriage to Mr. Blackwood—how about a little celebratory bonus for me? For good luck?"

A bonus?

Sophia didn’t even have a hundred dollars to her name.

What could she possibly give him?

"Fine," she said dryly. "When I’m rich someday, I’ll make it up to you."

The mood in the car instantly chilled.

Nathan swallowed hard and stayed silent.

Sophia didn’t care.

Yes, she and Ethan were remarrying—but did that make them a real couple?

Technically, yes.

They had a physical relationship, after all.

But Sophia knew better than to expect Ethan to treat her as his true wife. The Blackwood family would never accept her.

Ironically, her fate now mirrored that of the late Victoria—the woman who had once been in her place.

The only difference?

She and Ethan had a marriage certificate.

And they’d had a tiny, insignificant wedding once.

Should she consider herself lucky?

Lost in thought, she barely noticed when they arrived at the courthouse.

Six years later, she was back in the same place.

An hour later, Sophia held a crimson marriage certificate in her hands.

She was Mrs. Blackwood again.

The document felt heavy.

There was no love between them—at least, not from Ethan’s side. What was the point of a loveless marriage, even if it bore the Blackwood name?

Sophia had always been painfully self-aware. Standing outside Ethan’s car, she said coolly, "I can get home myself. Thank you for forgiving the ten million I owe you and marrying me instead. You should head to the office. I won’t keep you any longer."

Nathan nearly choked. Mrs. Blackwood, he never expected you to repay that money! Everything he owns is yours now—you’re the wealthiest woman in Harborview!

But he didn’t dare say it aloud. He just glanced nervously at Ethan.

Ethan’s voice was ice. "Don’t flatter yourself. I haven’t forgotten about the ten million."

Sophia stiffened.

Without another word, Ethan got into the car and ordered Nathan, "Drive."

Nathan hesitated, then obeyed, leaving Sophia standing alone on the sidewalk, clutching her marriage certificate in stunned silence.

Deep down, Sophia knew Ethan would never make her repay the debt. This marriage was solely for Lily—to give their daughter the stable family he’d never had. His harsh words were just pride talking.

Yet, Sophia felt no joy.

She was safe now. Lily had a home.

But what about Noah?

Noah had sacrificed everything for her, only to be exiled without a word. Was he even alive?

And her mother.

For years, she hadn’t dared to think about her mother’s fate. Six years had passed since her death, and Sophia had never been able to visit her grave.

Had the Thornton family desecrated it?

She didn’t know. Didn’t want to know.

Now that she was safe—now that Ethan wouldn’t harm her—the grief came rushing back.

And Victoria.

Clutching the marriage certificate, Sophia drove herself to Victoria’s gravesite. Kneeling before the tombstone, she finally let the tears fall.

"Aunt Victoria… I’m sorry. It’s been six years. I never imagined our fates would intertwine like this. I’m your daughter-in-law again—officially this time. And I gave you a granddaughter."

Her voice broke.

"If only you’d lived to meet her…"

She pressed a hand to the cold stone.

"Mom… Can you hear me?"

She swallowed hard.

"Next time, I’ll bring Lily to visit you. I promise."

Unseen, a tall figure stood several rows away, watching in silence.

The moment Nathan had driven Ethan away from the courthouse, Ethan had snapped, "Stop the car."

Nathan frowned. "Sir?"

"Now."

Nathan obeyed immediately.

Ethan stepped out, his gaze fixed in the distance.

Nathan moved to follow, but Ethan stopped him with a single command:

"Follow her."

Nathan’s eyes widened.

But he didn’t argue.