Replacement Bride Left With His Baby (Sophia and Easton) novel Chapter 2

**TITLE: The Case of the Bleeding Shadows by Emma Blackwood**

**Chapter 2: Divorce Agreement**

Sophia’s life had settled into a rhythm that could only be described as monotonous. Ever since the day she exchanged vows, her existence had been marked by a series of predictable routines. Other than the occasional social gathering that felt more like an obligation than a choice, her days were consumed by the solace of her art studio, where she poured her heart onto canvas.

One bright morning, as sunlight streamed through her studio window, Sophia felt a flutter of excitement. She had just uploaded her portfolio for the entrance exam to the prestigious Japoria Academy of Arts. When the notification pinged on her phone, confirming that her submission had been accepted, a genuine smile broke across her face, illuminating her features.

With her heart racing, she picked up her phone and dialed May’s number. “May, I need your help. Can you draft a divorce agreement for me?”

May’s voice came through the line, laced with disbelief. “Sophia, are you absolutely certain about this decision?”

Sophia could hear the hesitation in May’s tone, but she understood. Those photographs had left a mark on everyone who had seen them, and even May, with her unwavering support, felt the urge to lash out against the betrayal. Deep down, she knew Sophia was resolute; once her mind was made up, there was no turning back.

“Yes,” Sophia replied, her voice steady yet heavy with unspoken emotions.

Even though she had spent the entire night wrestling with her thoughts, vocalizing her decision still sent a wave of sadness crashing over her. After all, it was she who had initiated this union in the first place.

Sophia inhaled deeply, her voice adopting a calm demeanor. “Once you finish drafting the agreement, please send it to me as soon as you can. I know the dissolution of our families’ alliance will be a lengthy process, but I refuse to wait.”

May agreed, and they ended the call. In the quiet aftermath, Sophia steeled herself and dialed her uncle Edward’s number, followed by Julian, her cousin. She braced herself for the inevitable lecture that would come from both men, knowing they would not take her decision lightly.

A week later, May sent the first draft of the divorce agreement to Sophia’s phone. As she meticulously read through each clause, a sense of finality washed over her. She called May back, her voice firm. “The agreement looks good. Print it out, and I’ll swing by your office later to pick it up.”

“Of course,” May replied, her tone supportive.

That afternoon, Sophia arrived at May’s law firm, her heart racing as she collected the freshly printed divorce agreement. She didn’t linger; she was on a mission.

Without wasting a moment, she climbed into her car and drove straight to the Foster Group headquarters. It was her first visit to the imposing building, and a part of her couldn’t shake the feeling that it might also be her last.

“Mrs. Foster, what brings you here at this hour?” Gordon Lowell, Easton’s secretary, looked genuinely taken aback by her unexpected arrival.

With a nod, he led her into Easton’s office. Without a single superfluous word, Sophia placed the divorce agreement on his desk, her expression resolute. “It’s time to end this marriage,” she declared, her voice steady and unwavering.

Easton didn’t bother to look up from the papers scattered before him. His voice was cold, laced with disdain. “Sophia, mind games like this won’t work on me. And stop using Grandma’s illness as a weapon against me.”

Sophia took a breath, her fingers deftly signing her name on the document, her movements precise and deliberate. “Take a moment to review it,” she said, maintaining her composure. “If everything meets your approval, just sign it.”

Finally, Easton lifted his gaze, the irritation on his face palpable. “Enough with the theatrics. Leave and go home.”

Sophia’s voice was icy as she responded, “I’m back—the Mrs. Foster everyone expects me to be. But truthfully, I’ve always been just a placeholder in this family, never truly belonging.”

Easton’s brow furrowed, confusion mingling with anger. “Do you even comprehend what you’re saying?”

“I know precisely what I’m saying, Easton,” Sophia replied, her tone unwavering. “It’s time to end a marriage that has become unbearable for both of us. I can only imagine the relief you’ll feel.”

A flash of contempt crossed Easton’s face. “The Roth family has fallen from grace. You’re choosing to walk away now? Without the support of Foster Group, do you honestly believe your family can survive this storm?”

“Perhaps it’s time for you and your family to experience what it feels like to be left with no escape,” she shot back, her voice sharp.

“When Easton hit rock bottom, you decided to vanish and study abroad. Now that Foster Group is thriving, you return, expecting to cash in on our success?”

Stella’s expression darkened. “Don’t distort the facts. My plans to study abroad were set long before Foster Group faced any issues. If I hadn’t left, you would never have had the chance to worm your way into his life.”

“But isn’t it a shame?” she continued, her voice dripping with malice. “Easton didn’t seem to care much about you. He left Jenston the very next day after your wedding and flew to Menolia just to see me.”

Sophia raised an eyebrow, her smile frosty and laced with sarcasm as she interrupted, “So you’re openly admitting that Easton cheated on me during our marriage, and you’re the homewrecker who crawled between us—the quintessential side-piece, right?”

“You—” Stella was taken aback by Sophia’s composure. It felt like trying to hit a pillow; there was no impact, and before she could regroup, Sophia had flipped the narrative on her.

Suddenly, Stella spotted a familiar figure approaching. In a moment of desperation, she grasped Sophia’s hand, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Mrs. Foster, I swear, there’s nothing between me and Mr. Foster. All those photos and trending topics are just rumors. Please, just hear me out.”

Sophia’s brows knitted together in confusion. Instinctively, she pulled her hand away. “What’s wrong with you, Stella? Just let me go.”

They continued to grapple when, without warning, Stella stumbled and fell right in front of Sophia, just as Sophia had released her grip.

Sophia hadn’t even had a moment to process what was happening when a tall figure stepped in behind them, swiftly reaching out to steady Stella before firmly pulling Sophia away.

Caught off guard, Sophia twisted her ankle, her back and waist slamming hard against the elevator doors. A sharp pain shot up her spine, and to her dismay, she felt a dull ache forming in her abdomen as well.

Sweat beaded on Sophia’s forehead as she instinctively clutched her stomach. Easton, having witnessed the commotion, leaned over, concern flickering in his eyes.

“Don’t touch me. Keep your fake sympathy to yourself,” Sophia hissed, her voice a mixture of pain and defiance.