"Sophie, let me exin..." Colby started, but Sophie cut him off, her voice firm. "There''s really nothing to exin. I already know what you''re going to say, and honestly, I don''t want to hear it."


    She paused briefly, letting her words sink in before continuing, "You know why James and I split up. I told you back then, if you ever betray or deceive me, I''m gone. No questions, no second chances." Colby stayed silent, seemingly absorbing little of what Sophie was saying.


    "From now on, we''re going our separate ways," Sophie dered. "You''ve turned into this unfeeling machine, Colby. Don''t hold me back. All I want is someone who truly loves me, and you... you just don''t have it in you." Her words were sharp, and those nearby couldn''t help but feel the weight of them.


    The people around them might not have known the whole story, but they could see the lengths Colby went to for Sophie. He''d risked everything for her, even his life. If that wasn''t love, then what was? "Alright, I get it," Colby replied, his voice thick with emotion.


    Sophie watched the light in Colby''s eyes dim and wondered if he truly grasped her meaning or was just going through the motions.


    In the past week, surely someone as smart as Colby should''ve figured out her reasons. Yet, at this moment, she couldn''t be sure if he genuinely understood or was just pretending.


    But she couldn''t let him step into the Aldridge family''s world.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    With the Silent Shadows watching, she couldn''t take any chances.


    Colby slowly released his grip on the


    е


    head of security. Once he was gone, everyone exchanged nces, wondering if this was really the end for them.


    Sophie remained rooted, watching Colby fade from view, unable to move for what felt like forever.


    The security team leader spoke up,


    "Ms.


    not


    , Mr. Aldridge said yout


    only healed yet. Maybe you''


    get some rest."


    belongs to en..


    Without Colby''s attentive care, Sophie''s shoulder wound had not only failed to heal but had worsened. She often forgot her meds, and her mind seemed distant, her thoughts adrift as she stared out the window.


    Just then, Harold''s car pulled up outside the gate.


    He approached Sophie and instructed the security team leader, "Stand everyone down."


    "Yes, Mr. Aldridge," the leader replied, as the Aldridge family''s security team dispersed.


    Harold, noticing Sophie''s paleness,mented softly, "I saw the whole thing. I believe Colby wille to understand."


    "He doesn''t get it," Sophie said, her voice tired and subdued. "I always thought... he''d understand."


    She meant to convey, "There''s nothing left to exin. I know what you''re trying to say, but I don''t want to hear it."


    But perhaps Colby only heard, "All I want is someone who loves me, and you, Colby, just can''t do it."


    As her vision blurred, and just before she lost consciousness, she heard Harold urgently call out, "Sophie!"