...
Late at night, Sophia Thompson lay on the cold bed after her shower, hugging the icy quilt. After much thought, she made a phone call.
"Hello?" The line connected quickly, and a gentle female voice came through.
"Hi, Miss Jiang, this is Sophia Thompson, Edward Hunters wife," Sophia said calmly.
Emily Davis and Edward Hunter had known each other since childhood. Before marriage, Sophia was aware of their vague and ambiguous relationship. She also understood that Edwards heart had always only had room for Emily.
Sophia knew that Edward only had eyes for Emily Davis.
Emily chuckled warmly, "So its Mrs. Hunter. Edward didnt spend the night here today."
Her words made Sophia feel mockingly bitter. She hung her head in sorrow, "I heard from Edward that hes handed Maxwell Jr. over to you."
Emily was slightly taken aback, then faintly curled her lips, "Oh, really?"
"I... have some things Id like to tell you. After all, Maxwell Jr. is not like other children. Are you free tomorrow at noon? Id like to invite you for a meal," Sophia pressed her lips tightly, her voice pleading.
"Mrs. Hunter wants to invite me for a meal? Is Edward okay with this?"
Emily was no fool; Mrs. Hunter had fallen out of favor, and if she rashly met with Sophia, Edward might take out his anger on her.
"Please dont tell him," Sophia gritted her teeth, her voice trembling.
As she awaited Emilys response, suddenly, heavy footsteps were heard from downstairs.
Sophia was startled and quickly hung up the phone.
At the same time, the bedroom door opened, bringing in a gust of chilly air.
Sophia nervously turned her head and looked at the tall figure standing at the door.
After a moment of hesitation, she got out of bed.
She dragged her silk nightgown to Edwards side and gently helped him take off his suit jacket.
No matter how much discord there was during the day, at night and in bed, she had to be a good wife.
The suit jacket was removed, revealing a clean white shirt underneath, with a lipstick mark particularly glaring.
Sophia tried to convince herself to get used to it, but she never could.
"I had dinner with Emily tonight. She said the child clung to her a lot."
When Edwards indifferent voice came, Sophias fingers trembled slightly.
"She begged me to adopt Maxwell Jr."
Sophia jerked her head up, her eyes staring straight at him.
Edward smiled, his dark eyes lazily scanning her face, carefully reading the emotions that played across her features: "Anger, surprise, despair?"
"Why are you tormenting me like this, Edward Hunter?" Sophia glared at him resentfully, crying out in sorrow.
She had almost nothing in this world left, Maxwell Jr. was her only hope to keep going.
But Edward Hunter wanted to extinguish even that.
"What are you in such a hurry for?" Edward snorted coldly, "I will consider this matter further. Maxwell Jr. is a Hunter by name to the outside world; it wouldnt make sense to casually adopt him out."
Sophia let out a slight sigh of relief and slumped down on the edge of the bed.
She still didnt dare to relax completely; Edward never refused any of Emilys requests. This time, when he said "consider," it meant there was still a chance.
...
The next day, in the afternoon.
Sophia took advantage of her lunch break and arrived at the Cafe Delight as promised, seeing Emily already waiting there.
She was the only daughter of the Jiang family, raised in luxury, gentle and graceful, her eyes as beautiful as a painting, a gaze that could make ones heart melt.
"Miss Thompson is here," Emily smiled at her, "What would you like to eat?"