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Sophia’s voice was thick with emotion.
"This past year… thank you."
Initially, she’d felt little for the Harrisons.
All her love was for the Thompsons.
Over the year, Mr and Mrs Harrison never pressured her.
They conSophiatently reached out – meals, gifts, care packages.
Gradually, she’d accepted their love.
She’d thought she could love both families equally.
Instead, the Thompsons had abandoned her first.
"Silly girl, meeting you makes me so happy! It wasn’t hard at all!"
James smiled warmly.
"Ready to go? Don’t want Mom and Dad waiting?"
Seeing Sophia finish half the bubble tea, James restarted the car, heading home.
The Harrisons lived in the suburbs.
The Thompsons lived downtown.
So the Thompsons assumed the Harrisons were poor.
They didn’t know the Harrisons owned property downtown too; Mr and Mrs Harrison simply preferred their spacious suburban home, especially since their large factory was nearby.
Living there was convenient.
James drove Sophia home.
Mr and Mrs Harrison and their younger daughter, Chloe Harrison, were waiting.
Upon entering, everyone presented their gifts.
Mr Harrison offered keys to a luxury sedan.
Mrs Harrison handed over the deed to an apartment near campus.
Chloe proudly presented her piggy bank, emptying all her savings for Sophia.
"Mom, Dad, Chloe… these are too generous. Thank you."
Sophia accepted each gift and embraced each family member.
Seeing their warmth, especially Chloe’s adoring gaze, filled her with emotion.
Chloe seemed thrilled just to have a Sophiater.
"My gift. My credit card. Unlimited. Buy whatever you want; money’s no object."
James handed Sophia a sleek black card.
"James, thank you."
Sophia’s tears flowed freely as she hugged him tightly.
The Thompsons’ cruelty was washed away by the Harrisons’ love.
"Silly girl, why cry? We’re family! Loving you is natural!"
Mr Harrison patted Sophia’s shoulder, his own eyes suspiciously damp.
He wiped them discreetly.
"You must be starving after exams! Let’s eat!"
The meal was Sophia’s first at the Harrison home.
It was lavish, featuring all her favorites.
She ate heartily, chatting with her family, the hours flying by.
That night, perhaps because her phone was off, she slept soundly.
The next morning, she turned on her phone to find multiple missed calls from Lucian.
He’d come looking the previous night but dismissed the address she’d sent.
He hadn’t found the Harrison home.
"Sophia Thompson, hiding from me for some guy? Shutting off your phone? Afraid I’ll break you up?"
Lucian’s texts were angry.
"Fine! You chose them over us! I won’t look for you again! Good luck!"
"When you’re cheated, hurt, don’t come crying to me!"
Lucian, likely exhausted from searching, gave up.
He sent one final text late at night.
Sophia read Lucian’s messages.
Wanting to explain felt pointless.
She ignored them.
Winter break day one: James took her to her art lessons.
The day flew by.
Day two: The Harrisons had a family gathering at their countryside lodge.
Sophia joined.
The atmosphere was joyful.
Laughter filled the air during barbecues, karaoke, and games.
The Harrisons lacked scheming or arguments; their harmony felt utopian.
Day three: More art lessons.
Day ten: Mr and Mrs Harrison attended a charity gala.
Sophia accompanied them, needing a gown.
While parking, she encountered Lily.
