Seven Years a Shadow: The Stand-In's Escape novel Chapter 83

Amidst the commotion, phones and cameras were all pointed at my face.

I was speechless. Had I known this kind of situation would unfold, I would’ve at least put on some light makeup.

Ethan, however, acted with great confidence. "Let me formally introduce her to everyone. This is my wife, Sophia."

"The Cartier diamond necklace featured as the highlight of today’s auction was designed by my wife."

A wave of admiration swept through the crowd.

Their gazes were now filled with awe.

The classmates who had previously looked down on me immediately rushed forward to get on my good side.

"When we were in school, Sophia’s designs were always at the top of the class. Now she’s a globally renowned jewelry designer. As her classmate, I’m proud!"

"Isabella is just a small-time internet celebrity. She can’t even compare to Sophia."

"Isabella’s face is so overdone now. Sophia’s natural beauty is so much more stunning."

"Sophia, we haven’t seen each other in years. Let’s arrange a time to catch up soon."

I couldn’t be bothered with their empty pleasantries. I whispered a couple of things to Ethan and then left the auction site.

As soon as I stepped out of the hotel, Lucas caught up with me.

"Sophia, I underestimated you. What kind of tricks did you use to get Ethan’s attention?"

As expected, whether in this life or the last, Lucas never thought much of me.

In fact, my meeting with Ethan was quite a stroke of fate.

Five years ago, while I was studying at the Academy of Arts, I also volunteered at an orphanage during my free time.

It was there that I met Ethan.

He was a kind man, gentle and thoughtful with the children.

He was the one who always encouraged me to pursue my designs and helped me keep track of domestic and international design competitions.

During our relationship, Ethan never used his status or wealth to belittle or pressure me.

Instead, he opened his heart to me.

I once asked Ethan, "What if I get old and ugly in the future? Will you get tired of me and betray me?"

He answered, "Anyone can make sweet promises, but I want to spend my whole life proving my love for you."

"I wanted to continue creating and studying art and design, but did I have the time or money for that?"

"You say we grew tired of each other?" I said coldly. "Even when you were so broke you had no income, I still loved you wholeheartedly, wanting to live a good life with you."

"But you? You were never satisfied! You regretted marrying me and said that if you had another chance, you would choose Isabella!"

"Did you ever once see the effort I put in?"

Thinking about how my sincerity was betrayed in the previous life, my eyes couldn’t help but redden.

If I could, I would gladly forget that foolish past version of myself!

But Lucas retorted, "Don’t make yourself out to be so noble. Back then, you clearly regretted choosing me. You said you didn’t want to live a hard life with me, that I was a useless man!"

I was stunned. "When did I ever say that?"

After everything that happened in the past life, I truly had no feelings for Lucas anymore.

But now, to hear him deny and speculate about my true feelings and sacrifices, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for my former self.

Lucas looked at me with eyes full of resentment.

"This is what Isabella told me herself in the last life!"