Chapter 418

Sophie was terrified Evelyn might misinterpret her intentions. She quickly clarified, "Evelyn, if he refuses to come, that's his choice. But you must attend! You're my closest friend. Without you there, I won't go through with the wedding."

"I'll be there," Evelyn assured her. Sophie exhaled in relief. "Perfect! I heard about your leg injury. How is it? I wanted to reach out sooner, but Dominic was still recovering, and I worried you might not be in the right headspace."

"My leg's improving."

"Thank goodness! Let's go shopping tomorrow!"

Evelyn examined her uncovered wound. Though no longer bandaged, the scar remained visibly angry. "It hasn't healed completely yet."

Fortunately, her wardrobe contained numerous long skirts to conceal the mark.

"Then I'll visit you tomorrow. Don't worry - I won't mention Dominic at all," Sophie promised firmly.

"Alright."

The following morning, Sophie arrived before the twins left for preschool. She carried overflowing bags - fruits, snacks, toys, new outfits, and an enormous breakfast spread.

Evelyn gaped. "Sophie, this is too much! Lily told me you visited daily while I was gone, bringing gifts each time."

"My pleasure!" Sophie handed over the breakfast before lifting Evelyn's skirt hem. "Good heavens! That's horrific!"

"It doesn't hurt much anymore."

"What kind of relationship ends like this?" Sophie muttered before changing subjects. She distributed toys to the children. "Off to school?"

"Aunt Sophie, I wish you'd marry today so I could skip," Lily pouted, dragging her backpack reluctantly.

"Sweetheart, why avoid school?"

"I want to stay home with Mommy," Lily confessed.

"Lily, I'm returning to work tomorrow," Evelyn reminded.

"Exactly why I want today off! With you and Aunt Sophie here, please let me stay!" Lily begged with puppy-dog eyes.

Before Evelyn could respond, Sophie snatched the backpack away. "Done! One missed day won't hurt. Preschool isn't like proper school yet."

She shot Evelyn a meaningful look. "If I ever have kids, you'll spoil them rotten," Evelyn sighed.

"When your mom returns to work, you'll go back to school," Sophie cooed, cuddling Lily. "If I had a daughter this adorable, I'd hire private tutors! Couldn't bear sending her away."

"I'm only saying this because I'm free to indulge them. You're a career woman!" Sophie added hastily. "Though socialization before elementary school is important..."

Evelyn sipped water thoughtfully. "Sophie, stop walking on eggshells. It's unlike you."

Sophie arched a brow. "Then what happened with Dominic?"

Evelyn froze.

"You told me not to tiptoe," Sophie pointed out. "But I can guess - couples' fights are deadly serious."

Evelyn shook her head. "Stop speculating. Someone's at the door."

The children and Sophie perked up.

"Who is it?" Michael emerged from his room - wearing only boxer shorts. Sophie lunged, shoving him back inside.

"Have some decency! Don't corrupt innocent Lily's eyes! How many times must I remind you?" she scolded.

Michael rolled his eyes. "Aren't you modern women supposed to appreciate good physiques? This is art!"

"Put on clothes!" Sophie slammed the door behind him.