Revenge is best served cold

Chapter 1436

"No matter what life throws our way, I'm sticking with you. If you ever feel worn out, just lean on me. With me around, nobody's gonna hurt you."

"We promised to walk side by side, remember? So if you get tired, you can lean on me too."

Sophie met Colby's gaze with sincerity. "Don't think I'm just a girl-I'm tougher than you might guess. With me here, I won't let anyone harm you either."

"You silly thing."

Colby gently tapped the tip of Sophie's nose with his finger. "You talk a big game. If that day ever comes, you really think I'll just stand by and watch you charge ahead?"

"Why not? There's a saying, right? How does it go again...?"

"Who says women aren't as strong as men?"

"Exactly, that's the one."

The morning breeze in Summerfield painted Sophie's cheeks a rosy hue, and her hand, adorned with a wedding ring, gripped Colby's hand more firmly.

"Colby... are you scared?"

she was really

but the thought of her friends standing by her side always offered some comfort. Yet lately, her dreams were haunted by those masked figures at the Pearl Hotel, with the black curtains lifting slowly, dim lights, and the chilling cries of

running was her only escape

felt all too

real, Sophie could almost feel the

slicing her throat, followed by

studied Sophie, unable to provide a solid

he didn't know what it felt

on the brink of loss was when

who made him want

times-how to smile, how to look gentle, how to

Jealousy, anger, anxiety...

all

like he was

Sophie

Colby wanted to lay his secret

to tell her he