My Ex's Enemy Became My Husband

The Stranger

Chapter 2: The Stranger

Sophia's POV

The tears kept flowing as I wiped them away.

I stopped in front of my car and opened the door. For a moment, I just stood there, unable to move. Then I rested my head against the open door and let the tears come.

I had spent three years loving Ryan. Three years believing he was the man I would marry. And in one afternoon, everything had fallen apart.

I slid into the driver's seat and drove away. I didn't know where I was going. I only knew I needed to get as far away from the Laurent estate as possible.

After driving for what felt like forever, I finally pulled over when I was sure I was nowhere near the estate. I turned off the engine and sat there, staring blankly through the windshield.

My mind couldn't process what had happened. Every time I closed my eyes, the scene replayed itself. Ryan's shirt on the floor. Emma's dress beside it. The bed. His hands in her hair. His smile.

Three months.

Fresh tears filled my eyes.

I reached into my bag, pulled out my phone, and dialed a number.

Chloe. My best friend since childhood.

The phone rang three times before she finally picked up.

"Heyyy, babes!" Her voice came through cheerfully. "Have you announced it yet? How did it go? Mrs. Laurent!" She teased playfully.

I could already imagine the grin on her face.

"Hello? Babes, why aren't you talking? Did something happen?"

Before I could stop myself, a sob escaped my lips. Then another. And just like that, I broke down.

"Hey, Sophy. What's wrong? What happened?"

"I... I... Ryan..." I tried to speak between sobs, but the words felt stuck in my throat.

"Ryan? What happened to Ryan? Is he sick?"

I wiped the tears streaming down my face. "Ryan..." My voice cracked. "Ryan is cheating, Chloe."

She went silent. "Oh my God."

"I'm... I'm so sorry, bae. I'm so, so sorry. You don't deserve this. Oh you poor thing. Ryan's a dick."

"He's cheating on me with Emma, Chloe." My voice broke. "For three f*****g months."

"What?" I heard her shout through the phone. "No... No, this can't be happening. Why would Emma do this? No, why would Ryan cheat on you with Your sister?"

"I don't know, Chloe." I swallowed hard. "I really don't know. I still can't believe it."

My voice sounded hoarse as I stared blankly at the road ahead.

"Where are you now? Are you at home?"

"I'm in the car." I looked around, realizing I had no idea where I actually was. "I don't know where I am. I just needed to get away from all of them." My voice trailed off. "I can't go home, Chloe. Mom and Dad knew, but they didn't tell me."

"Oh, dear..." She went quiet for a moment before sighing. "Get out of the car. Take a taxi and drive to my apartment."

Right. Chloe was abroad. She'd gotten a job and decided to stay there.

"I don't want to bother you."

"You're not bothering me. Just go there, okay?"

I smiled despite the ache in my chest. "Okay."

"I wish I was there with you, bae."

"I know, Chloe." My voice came out cracked.

"Now get out of the car. Get a taxi, okay? I'll have someone deliver your car."

"Okay."

"I love you so much," I whispered.

"I love you more and more, bae. Take care of yourself. I promise you're going to be fine."

I smiled weakly. Then I ended the call.

She's lying.

I wasn't fine. And I knew I wouldn't be for a long time.

I stepped out of the car, took a taxi, and drove to her apartment. By the time I arrived, I felt completely drained.

I stepped inside and locked the door behind me. As soon as I reached her bedroom, I collapsed onto the bed.

The moment my head touched the pillow, memories of the worst day of my life came flooding back. I cried. I sobbed until my chest hurt. Eventually, exhaustion took over and sleep carried me away.

The next morning, I woke up with swollen eyes and dry lips. I hadn't eaten since breakfast the previous day.

I slowly sat up on the bed, and my stomach growled painfully. For a moment, the memories started rushing back again. Ryan. Emma. My parents. The Laurent estate.

I closed my eyes.

No. I was done crying. At least for today.

I got out of bed and headed for the shower.

I didn't feel alive. I simply moved through the morning because I didn't know what else to do.

After showering and getting dressed, I stepped outside the apartment and spotted my car in the parking lot. I needed fresh air.

I grabbed my keys, got into the car, and drove around until I found a nearby restaurant.

I sat at a table by the glass wall while a waitress brought me pasta and coffee.

I stared at the food. I wasn't hungry.

Still, I picked up my fork, twirled some pasta around it, and forced myself to take a bite.

I barely tasted it. Everything felt bitter.

I managed to eat half the plate before asking the waitress to take it away.

I wrapped both hands around the coffee cup, took a small sip, and placed it back on the table. Then I turned toward the glass wall.

Outside, life continued as if mine hadn't just fallen apart. Children played with their parents. Couples walked hand in hand. People laughed. Some stopped to take pictures together.

I watched them with a bitter smile.

How strange. The world hadn't stopped just because mine had.

Then I felt a presence across from me.

I slowly turned.

A man was sitting in the chair opposite mine. He had a well-defined face, a sharp jawline, and neatly styled black hair. His expression was completely unreadable. Cold. Expressionless.

Even from across the table, I could smell his expensive cologne. Judging by his suit and the effortless way he carried himself, I knew he was wealthy.

My brow furrowed. Why was he staring at me?

He cleared his throat. "I'm Damien Laurent."

I froze.

Damien Laurent?

The cold billionaire. More importantly, Ryan's cousin—the man Ryan had always spoken about with barely concealed hatred.

My stomach tightened.

Why was he here? What did he want from me?

"Sophia Bennett," he said.

My eyes widened.

How did he know my name?

I had never met him before. Aside from Ryan's parents, I had barely met anyone from the Laurent family. So how did he know who I was?

I stared at him suspiciously.

He leaned back slightly, his expression remaining unreadable.

"I have a proposal for you.”