Chapter 72

The monthly family gathering was in full swing today. The Blackwoods and Sterlings had maintained this tradition since Liam was barely five years old.

Our families had always been inseparable. Mostly because our mothers, Victoria and Rosalind, had been thick as thieves since their childhood days.

Naturally, their children grew up as best friends, and the bond between both families only deepened over time.

"Dad, why are you driving like a snail? We're gonna miss Grandpa's famous ribs!" Liam whined, his little face scrunched up in frustration.

If not for Liam's insistence, I wouldn't have bothered coming. I used to relish these gatherings—especially when I knew Sophia wouldn't be there. When she wasn't invited.

Back then, I considered these events my sanctuary from her. Being surrounded by people who despised her as much as I did felt like sweet relief.

Now? Now it just makes me sick with guilt. I loathe myself—and everyone else—for the hell we put her through.

"I'm driving just fine," I muttered through clenched teeth.

"No, you're not! You're moving slower than Grandma's arthritis!" he shot back, crossing his arms.

Did my eight-year-old just roast me? I shook my head with a reluctant chuckle and pressed the accelerator slightly.

The moment silence settled in the car, my thoughts inevitably drifted to Sophia.

She'd looked absolutely breathtaking when she opened her door earlier.

To me, she embodied some divine fertility deity—swathed in that flowing white dress, her cascading curls framing her glowing complexion, that subtle baby bump enhancing her ethereal beauty.

What shocked me most was my visceral reaction—the overwhelming urge to sweep her into my arms and lose ourselves in her bedroom for days.

1/5

This unfamiliar intensity terrified me. I'd never reacted to her like this before.

She's all I think about now. No matter what I do, her image is branded into my mind, distracting me from everything else.

The depth of my obsession frightens me. Countless times I catch myself wondering: What's she doing right now? Did she eat properly? Is she getting enough rest? Should I hire a housekeeper to help her?

These thoughts unsettle me profoundly. I'd always kept Sophia at arm's length. Now? Now I'm consumed by the need to care for her, and this internal conflict is tearing me apart.

"Dad?" Liam's voice snapped me back to reality.

"Yeah?"

"We're here."

I blinked, startled to find us already parked outside my parents' estate. I didn't even recall driving here—I'd been so lost in thoughts of Sophia that I'd operated on autopilot.

Reckless. Especially with Liam in the car. But I can't help it—she dominates my every waking thought.

"Come on, champ. I'm sure Grandpa saved you the best ribs," I said, forcing cheerfulness to dispel the tension.

"Dad...are you okay?" He hesitated instead of exiting the car.

The concern in his voice twisted my gut. How could I explain that my current turmoil stemmed from his stunning mother?

"Just work stuff, buddy. Nothing for you to worry about."

He nodded skeptically and unbuckled. We stepped out simultaneously.

As I locked the car, the front door swung open before we reached it.

"Grandma!" Liam sprinted toward Victoria.

"My sweet boy! I've missed you terribly," she cooed, bending to catch him in a fierce embrace.

2/5

Despite everything with Sophia, William and Victoria adored Liam unconditionally. Everyone did. Our hatred had been reserved solely for Sophia—the woman we'd wrongfully accused of betraying me and Isabella.

"Where's your mother? I sent her an invitation," Victoria asked, straightening to peer behind us.

"Oh, she's visiting Grandma Eleanor and Grandpa Alexander today," Liam announced cheerfully. "She was really excited—they missed last week's visit because of some business trip."

Liam remained oblivious, but I noticed.

I saw the exact moment Victoria's smile shattered. The flash of anguish in her eyes. This had to kill her—knowing Sophia was bonding with her biological parents while every bridge to her adoptive mother lay in ashes.

Victoria had burned those bridges herself. Hurt Sophia too deeply for forgiveness. My ex-wife wanted nothing to do with Sterlings or Blackwoods anymore.

The only reason I remained in her life? Because I'm Liam's father—and because I've been relentless. Otherwise, she'd have discarded me like everyone else.

"Perhaps next time," Victoria managed a tremulous smile.

She was barely holding it together. Liam couldn't witness his grandmother's breakdown—it would raise questions I wasn't ready to answer. Once he learned how we'd treated his mother, there'd be hell to pay.

Liam's loyalty to Sophia was absolute. If he discovered our cruelty, we'd become instant enemies in his eyes.

"Let's head inside," I interjected, steering them toward the house. "Everyone's probably waiting."

Victoria excused herself to compose herself while Liam and I proceeded to the backyard.

I suppressed a groan seeing the full attendance. Liam dashed ahead, leaving me trailing.

He greeted everyone—except Isabella. Didn't even glance her way. His open disdain for her never wavered.

"Finally decided to join us, son," William clapped my back heartily.

He knew I hated it. Did it anyway.

"Yep," I muttered, already counting minutes until I could leave.

"Nothing says 'family time' like that enthusiasm," Sebastian quipped sarcastically.

I glared at my twin. Unlike others, he never flinched—our identical genes apparently made him immune.

"Ethan, darling!" Rosalind embraced me. "I've missed you."

I returned the one-armed hug stiffly. "You too, Mom."

We separated as Victoria reappeared, eyes suspiciously red.

Liam was already devouring ribs at the table with Tristan.

Scarlett had declined Tristan's invitation—refusing to socialize with Sophia's tormentors. Her fierce loyalty was straining their relationship. Tristan walked on eggshells, terrified of losing her after his role in hurting her best friend. Only his genuine remorse kept her from walking away.

"Can we talk, Ethan?" Isabella's voice slithered into my ear.

Damn it. I hadn't noticed her approach.

"Nothing to discuss," I said flatly, turning to face her.

I'd been avoiding her. Still furious about her vile comments regarding Liam. More than that—I simply couldn't stand her presence anymore. Not when Sophia occupied my every thought.

I'd loved this woman once. Cherished her even during my marriage to her sister. I'd been convinced no one else could ever compare.

All I'd wanted was her return. I'd sworn that if she gave me another chance, I'd divorce Sophia and build a life with her.

She'd been back for months. Yet that "eternal love" I'd professed? Gone. Extinguished.

I felt like a fool. One moment declaring undying love for Isabella, the next recoiling from her touch.

These sisters were driving me insane.

"Ethan—"

"What?" I snapped, suddenly suffocating.

Tears welled in her eyes, but for the first time, I felt...nothing.

Without another word, I turned and walked away.

For years, I'd played the "what if" game. What if I finally got the woman I'd always loved? What if we married and started our own family? What if life had gone as planned years ago?

These questions had haunted me—especially after Isabella's return. I'd believed it was our second chance. How wrong I'd been.

Isabella and I were fundamentally different now. We'd never work—even if we'd gotten together years earlier, there were no guarantees.

She'll always hold a piece of my heart as my first love. But the truth was undeniable—that love was dead. Had been for years.