In truth, she didn't look like this.
Sophie was the real daughter of the Sullivan family.But years ago, the family had brought home the wrong child and raised a fake daughter—Rachel Sullivan—while Sophie had grown up in the countryside, forgotten.
When the truth finally came to light, the Sullivans brought Sophie back.But when they saw the long scar marring her face and learned she came from a poor, rural life with no education or polish, they refused to acknowledge her publicly.
She was forced to live in the servants' quarters like a stranger in her own home.Most of the family ignored her—but Emily, the so-called second daughter, delighted in humiliating her.
Sophie had once wanted to return to the countryside where she at least had her dignity.
But before she could escape, the Sullivan-Lancaster marriage alliance was reignited—and Sophie was dragged back into the scheme.Her grandmother was taken hostage, and Sophie was forced to become Emily's substitute once again.
She was being controlled like a puppet.
Sophie narrowed her eyes, masking the cold fury behind her calm expression.She had to save her grandmother. No matter what it took.
Meanwhile, upstairs in the master bedroom, Ethan Lancaster had just stepped out of a cold shower.
Clad in black silk pajamas, he stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, the glow of the city casting a golden sheen across his chiseled features.
He poured himself a glass of vintage red wine, letting the rich aroma linger in his mouth.
And then—He remembered her.
That girl.Her kiss had been clean, tender, and fragrant—sweeter than the finest wine he'd ever tasted. Unforgettable.
Ethan rolled his tongue thoughtfully, the memory burning in his veins.
By all logic, he should've confronted Emily when he caught her earlier.But for some reason, he hadn't.A strange hesitation lingered in his heart—something he didn't want to admit.
"Shh… don't ask. If you must ask, I'm your wife~"
He set the wine glass down and lay on the enormous bed.
This was the bed she had slept in for two years.He inhaled—and sure enough, her scent still lingered on the pillow.
That soft, soothing fragrance…
It had been there last night too.And for the first time in years—he had slept soundly.
He, who had suffered from chronic insomnia for years, had finally slept—because of her?
Could it be that he needed her scent to fall asleep?
Driven by this sudden thought, Ethan got up and headed downstairs.
In the living room, Sophie had already been up for some time.She was arranging delicate branches into a vase, trying to stay busy and unnoticed.
She didn't hear him approach.
Suddenly, two large hands slid around her waist.Through the thin fabric of her blouse, she felt the warmth of a powerful chest pressing against her back.
She stiffened immediately, her whole body frozen.
She didn't need to turn around to know who it was.Only one man in this house would dare to touch her like this—Ethan Lancaster.
But why?
Why was he holding her?
Had he recognized her?
Before she could react, she felt his breath against her neck. His voice was low, magnetic, and confusingly gentle."Emily… why do you smell so good today?""What perfume is that?"
With a loud thud, Sophie's heart nearly jumped out of her chest.
Her cheeks flushed bright red.She spun around at once."Sir, you've mistaken me. I'm not the young mistress!"