Chapter 69

Sophie’s POV
Two weeks earlier,I was lounging by the pool at my tiny rental apartment, flipping through a fashion magazine I couldn’t afford to subscribe to anymore, when my phone rang.
Ivy’s name flashed on the screen, and I almost ignored it. My little sister only called when she wanted something, but desperation made me answer.
“What do you want, Ivy?” I asked flatly.
“You need to come back. As soon as possible,” she shot back, urgency lacing her tone.
I frowned, confused. “Come back? Why? What’s going on?”
“Ryan kicked Kane out again. And—” she lowered her voice for effect, “—he’s divorced now. This is your chance, Sophia. The best one you’ll ever get.”
My heart gave a dangerous little lurch. For a moment, I couldn’t breathe.
“Are you absolutely certain they’re divorced?” I pressed into the phone, needing confirmation before making my move. “And there’s really nothing between them anymore?”
“Yes!” Ivy practically screamed. “They’re officially divorced. I saw the papers myself!”
“He’s actually the CEO of Blackwood now?” I couldn’t keep the excitement from my voice.
My sister’s whiny voice came through the phone. “God, Sophie, I’ve told you a million times already! Why didn’t you come back sooner? I’ve been trying to reach you forever!”
I rolled my eyes behind my sunglasses. Ivy always was dramatic.
“Listen,” she continued, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, “you need to hurry back. If you wait any longer, Ryan’s going to get snatched up by someone else. Your whole ’dead girlfriend’ mystique won’t mean shit once he’s moved on completely.”
That got my attention. I straightened my spine, clutching the phone tighter. “Fine. I’m coming back immediately.”
I hung up and immediately started packing my things. The few designer pieces I had left would have to do. I’d need to look my absolute best when Ryan saw me again.
Yes, I’m very much alive. Surprise, surprise.
The “death” thing was purely strategic. Ryan’s uncle Kane was getting too aggressive in the company succession battle, looking at me like I was a pawn to be eliminated. So I faked my death, and married a wealthy old man in Europe.
Best decision ever. Not only did I get to live in luxury, but I became Ryan’s perfect, untarnished memory – the girlfriend he’d never get over.
For years, life was good. My elderly husband was loaded and spoiled me rotten. I had servants, jewelry, vacations – everything I deserved.
Then two months ago, the old fool had the audacity to drop dead from a heart attack. Just like that, my meal ticket was gone.
His children – all older than me, can you believe it? – united against me immediately. They froze accounts, challenged the will, and eventually forced me out with barely enough to maintain appearances.
I’ve been living in limbo, selling jewelry piece by piece just to survive. I was about to target another wealthy old man when Ivy’s call changed everything.
Ryan Blackwood is CEO now. And divorced.
The position of Mrs. Blackwood is vacant, and who better to fill it than his resurrected first love?
The moment I stepped off the plane, I knew I was back where I belonged.
America—land of opportunity, especially for women who know how to play their cards right.
Standing in the airport in my custom-made cheongsam, I adjusted my sunglasses and smirked as I caught men staring. Even after all these years, I still know how to command attention. My body’s curves drew their eyes like magnets – exactly as I intended.
I slipped my sunglasses off, and caught the eye of a gorgeous blond man standing nearby. I threw him a flirtatious look, watching with satisfaction as he immediately made his way over.
“Can I get your number?” he asked in a hopeful tone, his blue eyes drinking me in.
“Sorry, darling,” I replied in perfect English, my rejection soft enough to keep him hoping. “I’m afraid I’m spoken for.” I offered a secretive smile before walking away, pulling my designer suitcase behind me.
Once I was safely in my taxi, I called Ivy again. “I’ve landed. Where’s Ryan now?”
“You just missed him,” she whined, and I could practically hear her pouting through the phone. “He’s gone on vacation with that pregnant bitch.”
My blood ran cold. “What did you just say? Pregnant?”
“Yeah, didn’t I mention that? She’s carrying his kid. They’re at some fancy private island resort—I got the details from Kane’s assistant.”
I nearly crushed my phone in my hand. A baby complicated things significantly. But I’d come too far to back down now.
I changed my flight destination to his city within twenty minutes.
During the flight, I rehearsed a hundred different reunion scenarios. Maybe I’ll claim amnesia? Or perhaps I was in witness protection? The possibilities are endless, and with Ryan’s devastatingly handsome face and billions in the bank, I’m willing to play whatever role necessary.
God, I should have waited before running off. If I’d known he’d become this successful, this quickly… I wouldn’t have given that Serena girl any chance at all.
When I learned they were vacationing on a private island, I followed. For days, I’ve been watching them from behind oversized sunglasses, pretending to sunbathe while plotting my return.
It kills me to see him smiling at her. Ryan used to look at ME that way. And she’s pregnant! With HIS child! The sight makes my stomach turn.
Tonight, I finally spotted Ryan walking alone along the beach. Perfect timing.
I changed into a white dress – angelic, innocent, just how he remembers me – and waded into the surf. When he was close enough, I let out a perfectly calibrated cry for help.
“Help! Please help me!”
Just loud enough for him to hear, not so loud as to attract others. I thrashed in the waves, making it look convincing.
Ryan didn’t hesitate. He rushed into the water, strong arms pulling me to shore. When we reached the beach, the recognition hit him like a physical blow.
Under the moonlight, I watched his face transform from concern to shock to disbelief.
“Sophie?” he whispered, his voice breaking. “Is that really you?”
I’d practiced this moment for weeks. With water dripping from my hair and my white dress clinging to my body, I looked up at him with wide, innocent eyes.
“Ryan?” I whispered back, reaching a trembling hand to touch his face. “Oh my god, Ryan… I finally found you.”