It was the first time for Sophia to see Leila Ji in person. Leila was wearing a sapphire blue knee-length dress, with a coat of the same color over it.
Her long wavy hair was dyed blonde, drooping over her left shoulder.
Everyone said that Leila Ji was a beauty. And for once, the rumors were true.
Leila had wide eyes and thin arched eyebrows that complemented her straight nose. Her lips were painted in bright magenta.
She radiated an air of charisma and nobility.
But the guests suddenly noticed something. They turned to Sophia, who also noticed that her outfit and Leila's... looked alike.
Hers was light green, and Leila's was sapphire blue.
The former brought out Sophia's fair skin, while the latter made Leila look more mature and dignified.
Without realizing it, the crowd began comparing them.
And Leila undoubtedly won, leaving the ordinary Sophia to be jeered at.
But Sophia wasn't looking at Leila's clothes, she was watching Leila's movements.
When Leila saw Colin, she quickly gave him a big hug and happily held onto his arm.
Colin also flashed her a smile. They chatted affectionately, looking like a perfect match.
Despite their upbringing, the female guests were still interested in sharing gossip. Soon, all the ladies were gossiping about Colin and Leila. "I heard that Mr. Li got married. Look at them now, is Miss Ji his wife?"
"That's not possible. If that were case, the two families would gather together through their bonding. They wouldn't allow a secret marriage."
"Quite so. But apparently, they've been close friends since childhood. And look, they make a perfect match."
"Indeed!"
...
Leila had a good relationship with the Li Clan. Wendy and Jordan smiled warmly at her, as did Harold and Angie.
Looking at the scene, Sophia suddenly felt the urge to run away. She didn't know why she felt this way. Perhaps she felt ashamed, or she didn't feel like she belonged at all.
For the first time with Colin's family, Sophia felt inferior.
Remembering that Wendy would come to her after the ceremony, Sophia decided to stay. But she still tried her best to keep herself invisible.
After greeting the Li Clan, Dorothy entered the banquet hall. She glanced around, but to her surprise, she didn't see Sophia.
Dorothy was confused. Why wasn't Sophia sitting with the Li Clan as Colin's wife? She suddenly noticed a figure in green outside by the window.
It was Sophia. And her dress looked familiar.
Dorothy glanced back, and fixed her eyes on Leila. When she realized why Sophia wasn't here, a cruel smile emerged on her face.
Although Sophia was trying to seclude herself outside the hall, Wendy still took her back. Leading Sophia to the dining room, she settled her down in front of the table and got her something to eat.
"Sophie, have a snack. Dinner will begin soon!"
Sophia drew her gaze from Colin, and took the plate from Wendy's hand. "Okay. Thanks, mom."
"Why were you hiding away? Have some food, Sophie. Then I'll introduce you to a few friends." Wendy intended to make an introduction for Sophia.
But Sophia shook her head. "No. It's alright, mom... I... I'm not accustomed to such occasions."
Wendy was surprised. Was that the reason she was hiding away outside? Wendy contemplated on it and concluded that it was because she had just gotten out of jail a few months ago. She decided not to push her. "Okay, we'll have other opportunities. I'll introduce you to everyone next time."
"Thank you, mom." Sophia smiled gratefully at Wendy.
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