Days grew increasingly busier as Sophie began settling into her new role at Yan's Group, gradually gaining confidence in the workplace and earning quiet respect from her colleagues. But one evening, after finishing her usual reports and returning home, she sat silently on the edge of the bed, staring down at the invitation in her hand. It was for her college class reunion. Her heart felt heavy just looking at it.
The memories tied to her college years weren't warm or nostalgic—in fact, they were mostly filled with quiet loneliness. As the illegitimate daughter of the Lin family, she had always been treated as an outsider. While her grades had been good, her background made her an easy target for whispered gossip and subtle mockery. She had no desire to see those faces again, the ones that once pitied or judged her. And now, even though she had married into the most powerful family in the city, Sophie didn't feel the need to flaunt her status. She didn't want to go just to prove herself.
Just as she was about to set the invitation aside with a quiet sigh, a pair of strong, familiar arms wrapped gently around her waist. Leonard leaned in, resting his chin on her shoulder, his warm breath brushing against her neck. "What's wrong?" he asked, his voice low and comforting. Sophie leaned back slightly into his chest, fingers fidgeting with the corner of the card. "It's my college reunion," she murmured. "I was thinking of skipping it."
Leonard glanced down at the invitation, then back at her, sensing the hesitation in her voice. "Why?" he asked, tone gentle but expectant. Sophie looked down, her voice soft. "Back then, I didn't have friends. Most people avoided me or looked down on me because of my family background… I just don't want to face them again." Leonard didn't say anything at first—he simply held her tighter, his warmth surrounding her like a shield.
"Sophie," he said after a moment, his voice strong and steady, "you don't owe anyone an explanation or an apology for who you are. You're not that girl they once knew—you've grown into someone strong and kind, and you're my wife now. If anyone dares disrespect you, they'll answer to me." Sophie turned to look up at him, her eyes meeting the unwavering fire in his gaze. His words struck something deep inside her, loosening a weight she hadn't even realized she was carrying.
Slowly, she nodded. "…Alright. I'll go." Leonard's lips curved into a confident, satisfied smile. "Good. I'll pick you up when it's over." Sophie raised an eyebrow, teasing. "You don't have to go through the trouble—" But he cut her off with a look, his tone final. "I want to. I want them to see exactly who my wife is." Sophie's heart fluttered as she leaned into his chest, her earlier anxiety replaced by a quiet strength. With Leonard by her side, maybe this reunion wouldn't be so bad after all.
At the class reunion, the venue was nothing short of luxurious—an upscale restaurant draped in ambient lighting, with crystal chandeliers overhead and polished marble floors gleaming beneath designer heels. Laughter echoed through the grand space, mingling with the soft clinking of wine glasses and the low hum of conversation. But the moment Sophie Lin stepped inside, all chatter seemed to fade into stunned silence. Heads turned as if drawn by an unseen force.
Dressed in a sleek, form-fitting navy work dress that highlighted her elegant figure, she looked nothing like the quiet, overlooked girl her former classmates remembered. The simple yet refined cut of the dress exuded professionalism, while the subtle detailing at the waist hinted at her sense of style. Her long, dark hair flowed in gentle waves down her back, catching the light with each step, and her soft makeup accentuated the delicate curve of her lips and the quiet confidence in her eyes.
"That's… Sophie Lin?" someone whispered in shock. "She used to be so plain," another murmured, eyes wide. Lucas Wei, who had once casually flirted with her during university, suddenly felt a twist of regret. He'd written her off back then—too soft, too forgettable. But now, Sophie looked like she belonged on a magazine cover. Graceful, polished, confident. His gaze lingered, filled with a new interest.
But Sophie didn't waver. She greeted familiar faces with a polite smile but kept her distance. She wasn't there for small talk or to relive old gossip. She was there to show them—without a word—that she had grown beyond their judgment.
As she walked toward the main dining area, a sharp, overly sweet voice called out.
"Sophie Lin," Lina said, her tone fake-friendly and too loud to be genuine. Sophie turned to see her, still surrounded by the same group of girls who used to whisper behind her back. Lina raised her glass with a smirk. "You've changed so much. I almost didn't recognize you. I guess money really does work wonders."
A few girls giggled. But Sophie remained calm. She tilted her head slightly, her voice poised and cool. "Or maybe I just realized I never needed your approval to begin with."
The room went quiet for a moment. Lina's smile faltered.
"Sophie and I crossed paths at the park the other day," Lina said loudly, her voice cutting through the room and grabbing everyone's attention. She leaned back with a smirk, clearly enjoying the spotlight. "You won't believe it—her husband? He acted like a total child. Throwing a tantrum in public! Sophie had to hold his hand like she was babysitting him." Lina laughed mockingly, and some classmates chuckled too—though a few shifted awkwardly.
Sophie sat quietly at the edge of the group, her face calm and unreadable. She didn't flinch, didn't defend Leonard. She wasn't ashamed of him—not at all. These people didn't know the real Leonard, and their shallow laughter didn't matter.
Lina misread her silence, her grin widening as if she'd struck a nerve. "Seriously, Sophie?" another girl added, feigning sympathy. "You're married to a guy like that?"
Sophie didn't react. She kept her hands folded calmly, refusing to be pulled into their drama. But while others laughed, one person didn't—Lucas. He wasn't amused. Instead, he saw an opening and stepped closer to Sophie, his voice smooth. "Sophie," he said, flashing a charming smile. "It's been a while."
Sophie turned to Lucas with a calm, neutral expression. "Lucas," she said simply, polite but distant. He gave her his usual confident smile, the kind that had likely charmed many before. "You've changed… in a good way," he said, watching her closely. Sophie didn't reply, her silence prompting him to try again. He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "I heard you're married, but if you ever get tired of—"
"I'm not interested," Sophie interrupted, firm and steady. Lucas blinked, caught off guard. "I'm happily married," she added, leaving no room for doubt.
Lina, watching nearby, let out a mocking scoff. "Happily married to a fool? Sophie, are you really okay with that kind of life?" she said, her voice laced with sarcasm.
The room went quiet.
Sophie took a breath and looked directly at her, then around at the others. "Leonard is not a fool," she said clearly. "He's kind, he's loving, and he's my husband. That's all that matters to me."
Before Sophie could respond, a deep, familiar voice cut through the room. "She is."
The crowd fell silent.
Sophie turned, and her heart skipped a beat. Leonard stood at the entrance, dressed in a sharp black suit that fit him perfectly. His tall frame, confident posture, and piercing gaze drew every eye in the room. The playful man Lina had mocked was nowhere in sight—this was a powerful, composed CEO whose presence demanded respect.
Lina visibly stiffened, her face paling as she stared in disbelief. The man she had just ridiculed now exuded authority and quiet strength.
Leonard walked calmly to Sophie's side, his hand resting lightly on her lower back, firm yet reassuring. Then he turned to the group, his voice cool and clear. "I'm Leonard. Sophie's husband."
The room fell into stunned silence. No one could quite believe what they were seeing. Lina's hands trembled as the truth hit her—Leonard wasn't the fool she had mocked. He was confident, commanding, and clearly nothing like she imagined. Lucas clenched his jaw, visibly uncomfortable, his earlier confidence gone.
Sophie, standing quietly beside Leonard, let a small, satisfied smile curve her lips. She didn't need to explain herself—Leonard's presence had done that for her.
He turned to her gently. "Ready to go?"
She nodded, slipping her hand into his. As they walked out, not a single person spoke. The mockery was gone, replaced by regret and disbelief. And in that moment, Sophie realized she had won—without arguing, without fighting.
In the car, the city lights blurred past the windows. Leonard drove calmly, one hand on the wheel, the other resting lightly on Sophie's lap, his thumb stroking her hand in slow, soothing circles.
"How was the reunion?" he asked, eyes flicking briefly toward her.
Sophie sighed and turned to him. "About what I expected," she said. "Same gossip, same judgment."
Leonard's jaw tightened slightly. "Did anyone upset you?" he asked, his voice low and protective.
Sophie hesitated, lightly tracing the edge of her seat with her fingers. "Not exactly upset," she said quietly, "but Lina brought up seeing us at the park. She laughed about you, and the others joined in." Her voice was calm, but a hint of frustration slipped through.
Leonard's fingers tapped the steering wheel, his face composed but his irritation clear. "And you just let them talk like that?" he asked, half annoyed, half impressed by her restraint.
Sophie gave a small, tired smile. "There was no point arguing. They're shallow. Their opinions don't matter."
He was quiet for a moment, then sighed. "You're too patient sometimes," he murmured, a mix of affection and frustration in his voice.
Sophie chuckled softly. "I didn't need to say anything. The moment you walked in, the room went dead silent." Her eyes twinkled with amusement. "They thought you were a fool. But when they saw you… I think Lina nearly fainted."
Leonard chuckled, pleased. "Serves them right." Then, after a beat, his tone shifted. "What about Lucas?"
Sophie blinked. "Lucas?"
Leonard's grip on the wheel tightened slightly. "He came up to you."
Sophie sighed, squeezing his hand. "He did. I turned him down right away."
Leonard's jaw tensed. "What did he say?"
"He complimented me, tried to act familiar. Then he started saying something else, but I cut him off before he got to it," she said.
Leonard scoffed, his voice sharp. "He was about to ask you to reconsider, wasn't he?"
Sophie nodded slowly. "Probably," she said, her voice soft but sure.
Leonard's grip on the steering wheel tightened, his knuckles going white. "The audacity," he muttered, clearly annoyed.
Sophie reached over and placed a calming hand on his. "Leonard, it doesn't matter. I shut him down right away."
He still looked tense, eyes fixed on the road. "Guys like him only want what they can't have. He ignored you before, but now that you've changed, suddenly he's interested."
Sophie squeezed his hand gently. "I don't care about him," she said, firm and clear.
Leonard glanced at her, his dark eyes searching hers for any doubt. But she met his gaze steadily, a soft smile on her lips. "You're the only one that matters, Leonard. No one else."
His expression softened into a small, satisfied smirk. "Good," he murmured, his tone warm and slightly possessive. Then, deeper, "Because I don't like other men eyeing my wife."
Sophie laughed quietly, amused. "I belong to you, Leonard," she teased, her voice light but sincere. "No one else."
His eyes darkened with emotion. He brought her hand to his lips and pressed a slow kiss to her fingers. "I like hearing that," he whispered.