Mr. Chairman’s Devious Wife

Sofia wondered how the state would accommodate Lawrence and his new paralyzed state but soon, Alexander explained how the state had a facility that would house criminals like Lawrence.

The facility was less like a prison and more like a specialized hospital.

Alexander explained it had all the security features of a high–security prison – fences, guards, the whole package.

But instead of cramped cells, there were modified rooms with adjustable beds and accessible bathrooms. Therapists and nurses would be on staff 24/7 to handle everything from physical therapy to medication.

Sofia stared at Lawrence who was slumped in the wheelchair, a far cry from the arrogant figure who’d orchestrated their misery. His once–booming voice was reduced to a raspy whisper, his eyes dull and vacant.

He seemed to shrink under the weight of his crimes, the reflection of the sterile white walls mirroring the emptiness in his gaze. A sliver of satisfaction flickered in Sofia, a tiny flame against the overwhelming sense of relief. This was his new reality a world confined to a metal frame, his once– powerful limbs reduced to useless appendages.

–

The life he’d tried to steal from them was now his own prison, a constant reminder of the havoc he’d wreaked. Lawrence’s head twitched ever so slightly, his gaze landing on Sofia and Alexander.

A flicker of something – maybe hate, maybe fear – sparked in his cloudy eyes before a grimace contorted his face, a silent scream trapped within his paralyzed body. Sofia met his gaze for a fleetingBelonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

moment, then turned away.

“Are you sure you wouldn’t want to talk to him?” Alexander asked.

“I am…” fia said. She thought she would feel something while staring at Lawrence, perhaps the triumph of being the victor or the relief of having the justice that she and her mother deserve.

“I don’t want to waste my time here…” she said. The only reason she came was because she wanted to see him one last time. She wanted to see the face of the

man who would suffer in this place for the rest of his miserable life.

“Alright…” Alexander held her hand and the two slowly walked away from

Lawrence.

“Do you think I am too weak?” she asked as they reached the parking lot of the facility.

“No… you’re fine.”

“Really?”

“Well… I would prefer it if you told him that you would poison his food or something,” Alexander looked at the cloudless sky. “But letting him rot in that place without knowing anything is good too…”

Sofia smiled. Right. Letting Lawrence live in that place without knowing if he would one day succumb to poison or something else is better. She did not want to give him the satisfaction and show him that his ending affected her.

She made herself comfortable inside Alexander’s car. Everything just happened so fast, but at the end of the day, she was safe and sound and she found a man like him.

“Where to?” he asked.

“Lawrence told me that you only married me because of Eulanda’s scheme…” Sofia said as she met Alexander’s eyes. “Is he telling the truth?” she asked.

“If the scheme was to make me marry the woman that was supposed to be mine the moment she was born then… perhaps he was right,” he simply started the car. Then he turned towards her, and a sly smirk appeared on his face. “But then again… my words wouldn’t hold any meaning. Why not live a life with me and find out if what he said was true?” he casually asked.

She arc‘ I an eyebrow, her eyes glued at his. The two had already confessed to each other. “Are you-” Before she could finish her words, he took something from the compartment of the car and handed it to her.

“What is this?” she asked as she opened the velvet box. “A ring?” he already gave her one.

Marry me?” he asked.

“I thought we were already married?”

“Again.”

She widened her eyes, surprise flickered in her gaze as she stared at the blue diamond.

“And if I say no?” she asked, smiling.

“Then I’ll ask you again tomorrow.”

“What if I say no again?”

“I’ll simply ask you to marry me every day until you say yes…” he turned his gaze towards the road. “It’s not like you have a choice or something…”

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She pursed her lips as she took the ring and placed it on her ring finger. “Then… I guess I will be forced to marry you again.”

6 years later

Sofia opened a box that Miss Amores handed her. “Please make sure that everything is well taken care of…” Sofia said and Miss Amores slowly left the room without saying another word.

Sighing, Sofia held the metal box closer before she opened it. Almost immediately, she found the pictures that she was looking for.

A family picture of her, Lawrence, Charlotte, and her mother Eunice. Aside from this, there were other images of Sofia and Daniel and some other things from the past. Just a few hours ago, she received news that Charlotte unfortunately ended her own life. She had been in a mental facility for years now an ‘t seemed that she was not able to handle everything and just wanted to leave.

For years, Charlotte had always been her sister, a confidant, her best friend. Sofia never thought that one day, Charlotte would betray her and hurt her. Sofia examined the images for the last time before she got up and walked

towards the fireplace. Without having second thoughts, she dumped all of the contents of the box on the fire, letting it consume it.

“What are you doing?” A voice suddenly echoed behind her. She immediately turned and found Karina standing by the door, her long flesh–colored gown perfectly accentuating her figure. “Why did you send everyone out?” Karina had a look of worry on her face. “Please don’t tell me you are having cold feet?”

“What are you talking about?” Sofia snorted.

“This gown of yours suits you better than the last…” Karina said. “I didn’t think that pregnancy would make someone’s body this good.”

“Stop it.”

“I am not joking. Since you gave birth, your hips seemed to have become wider…” Karina narrowed her eyes at Sofia’s chest. “And we can start talking about-”

k

“Silly…” Sofia flicked her best friend’s forehead. “Where’s mom?” she asked.

“Hiding somewhere… she’s a nervous wreck. After all, this would be the first marriage that she would be with you.” Karina laughed. “I told her this would not be the last either. After all, that husband of yours decided to renew your vows every five years. She wouldn’t stop fidgeting.”

Sofia thought of her mother who woke up just six months ago. She smiled at the thought of wearing another one of Eunice’s designs.

“She’s probably with Jenny… Don’t worry about it. I know she’ll get used to it soon.” Karina said. “By the way… you look lovely.”

“I know…” Sofia smiled. She was wearing a pink–colored ball gown that her mother designed. It was a simple yet elegant gown that she loved so much.

“I can’t wait for you to get pregnant for the second time and give me another niece to tease.”

“…” Sofia rolled her eyes. “Where is Nico?”

“With his father,” Karina shrugged. “Alexander wouldn’t want his son to see you first. That selfish man would probably put his own son in a cage if he needed to. Good thing Adam and Hugo are with them.”

Sofia laughed at that. The thing is, Karina’s words might just be right. Lately, Alexander’s rivalry with his four–year–old son, Nico Alexander Beaumont was reaching its peak. The fact that the two looked identical almost made this rivalry comical.

“We should go… I think everyone’s ready.” Karina said. She stared at Sofia. “Nervous?”

Sofia looked at her friend in disbelief before she chuckled. “Really?”

“Right. This will be your third wedding…” Karina giggled as she walked towards the door. Then she slowly opened it, revealing Sofia’s mother Eunice, Alexander, and Nico outside.

A beautiful smile appeared on Sofia’s lips. She walked towards her mother who looked like she was about to cry then towards Alexander who was already approaching her with a smile on his face.

He then held his hand towards her. “Ready?”

“Always,” Sofia said as she took his hand.

Sofia and Alexander walked away, the firelight casting flickering shadows on the retreating figures. The past burned in the hearth, leaving only warmth and the promise of a future together.

THE END…