Sonia’s Worried
Only then did Jean realize what was going on. What did I just do? I can’t believe I forgot that we’re at
Mom’s party now. I caused a scene, and I’m making a fool out of myself right now. These guests must
think that I’m an idiot who’s embarrassing myself! Jean lowered her head to conceal her flushed face,
feeling ashamed.
Before the party started, Jean had reminded herself to be on her best behavior and to stay away from
any trouble. In the past, when she hadn’t gotten used to the life of the wealthy, she had often
embarrassed herself in front of others. She knew that she had caused plenty of issues for the Fuller
Family in the past years. After ruining their reputation for so many years, Jean had hoped that she
could finally present herself in a better manner that would change the public’s opinion of her. She
wanted others to recognize her as an elegant woman from a rich family.
However, the moment she saw Sonia, it was as if all of her elegance and generosity had been flung to
the back of her mind. She completely forgot about the party and confronted Sonia, humiliating the
Fuller Family once more. Jean felt like slapping herself on her face at the thought of what she had
done. I hate myself so much! I hate that I can’t control my temper. I could have approached Sonia when
she was alone, or confronted her after the party… Why did I have to act so recklessly?
“I’m sorry, Mom. I know that I made a mistake. I—” Before Jean could finish speaking, Rose held her
hand up to stop her. “You shouldn’t be apologizing to me. I think you owe Sonia an apology. Why did
you pick a fight with her? I want you to apologize to her now!” Rose barked in a stern voice.
“You want me to apologize to her?” Jean pointed at Sonia with disbelief written all over her face. Sonia
didn’t want to look at Jean, so she simply turned away from the woman. Zane adjusted the watch on
his wrist and said in a relaxed tone, “Madam White, Sonia is no longer the daughter-in-law you used to
bully and step on. She’s not related to the Fuller Family anymore, and she’s a guest invited by your
family. How could you, a host, shame your guest in such a manner? Shouldn’t you be apologizing to
her? Or… is this how the Fuller Family treats their guests?”
“Of course not,” Toby uttered before he turned to Sonia. “The Fuller Family doesn’t practice such
terrible manners and traditions.”
“Did you hear that? I want you to apologize!” Rose struck her cane against the ground as she gave
Jean her orders. Jean had always been afraid of Rose, and her entire body trembled when she heard
Rose shout. In the end, Jean turned to address Sonia in a resentful tone. “I’m sorry!” she hissed.
Sonia looked at her fingernails as she spoke in a calm voice. “You don’t have to apologize if you don’t
want to, Mrs. Fuller. Your insincere apology sounds like it was forced out of you—it’s almost as if
someone’s holding a knife to your neck or shoving your head against the wall. I’m genuinely afraid to
accept an apology like yours. I’m worried that you might hold a grudge against me and pick a fight with
me again in the future.”
“You—” Jean’s expression changed when she realized that Sonia had exposed her actual feelings.
Jean’s blood boiled and she was about to lose her temper at Sonia when she met Rose’s icy,
emotionless gaze. Even Toby was frowning and looking at Jean disapprovingly. I wouldn’t be so nice to
her if she weren’t my mother, who has taken care of me from birth.
When Jean looked at the identical expressions on both Toby and Rose’s faces, she realized that she
had been defeated. “Get lost, you embarrassing creature.” Rose gave her orders without showing any
consideration for Jean’s feelings.
Even Jean knew how much of an embarrassment she was. She was too ashamed to stay at the party
any longer, and she didn’t need to look up to know that all of the guests were staring at her with
judgmental gazes. With both her palms covering her face, she lowered her head and ran out of the hall.
However, Sonia happened to be standing in Jean’s way as she ran out.
It wasn’t clear if Jean had done it intentionally, but she bumped against Sonia’s shoulder as she ran
past Sonia. “Ah!” Sonia instinctively let out a soft cry as she lost her balance and stumbled backward in
her high heels. Sonia’s sudden movements made her lose control of the wine glass in her hand, and all
of the red liquid splashed out of the glass and onto her dress. The icy sensation made her feel
uncomfortable.
However, that wasn’t Sonia’s main issue at that moment. More importantly, she had completely lost her
balance, and fear spread across her face as she fell toward the ground. Rose, Toby, and Zane looked
scared when they realized that Sonia was about to fall. “Sonia!” Rose cried.
Both Zane and Toby were quick to respond—they held their arms out to catch Sonia. However, Zane
was slightly slower than Toby, and Toby managed to grab onto Sonia’s arm first. Once he got hold of
her, he pulled her in his direction so that she wouldn’t fall. His powerful tug sent Sonia falling directly
into his arms. However, the impact of Sonia’s body against Toby’s chest was too strong, and Toby let
out a grunt as he felt a sharp pain in his chest. His brows were knitted together, and drops of sweat had
formed on his forehead as he stumbled back. He only regained his balance after his back hit the table
behind him.
Despite the pain in his chest, Toby held Sonia tightly without letting go of her at all. He was worried that
she would fall if he loosened his grip. Both Rose and Zane heaved a huge sigh of relief once they
made sure that Sonia was safe. Although Zane was disappointed that he hadn’t managed to catch
Sonia before Toby did, he was also glad that Sonia was safe. As Zane stuck his hands back into his
pockets, a smile spread across his face.
Meanwhile, Toby pulled his arm away to let Sonia go. He lowered his head to glance at her, and he
seemed as if he was about to say something as he parted his lips. However, before he could speak,
Sonia grabbed his arms as she began to check on him. “Did you hit something just now, Toby? I heard
you crying out in pain. Did I hurt you?” she cried anxiously.
Rose was shocked when she saw Sonia worrying about Toby. “Sonia…” Rose muttered. Her hand that
had been holding onto her cane was trembling as she spoke. Zane was just as surprised. He had been
sipping on his wine, but his hand jolted in surprise when he saw how much Sonia cared for Toby, and
he nearly spilled his drink. Is Sonia… Is she and Toby… Zane’s face darkened as he tightened his grip
around his wine glass and pressed his lips together.
Toby, on the other hand, was staring fixedly at Sonia. His eyes had lit up so much that it seemed to fill
the entire room. Sonia didn’t realize how everyone had reacted to her actions—all she cared about at
that moment was whether Toby was injured. When she realized that Toby was silently staring at her,
she pursed his lips in annoyance. “Well, why aren’t you talking? Where does it hurt?”
Toby wasn’t even annoyed that Sonia was shouting at him. Instead, he curled his lips into a smile as he
responded in his deep and pleasant voice. “I’m fine. I didn’t hit anything.”
“Are you sure?” Sonia frowned as she glanced at him worriedly. “I clearly heard you—”
“I’m fine! I swear.” Toby’s voice was gentler than ever. Sonia eventually gave up on questioning him
when she saw the serious look on his face.
“What about you? Are you okay?” he asked.
Sonia had twisted her ankle, but she shook her head after flexing her foot a few times. “I’m fine as
well.” Her movements had been subtle, yet Toby managed to catch her moving her ankle. “Your leg…”
His gaze darkened.
“Sonia.” Before Toby could say anything, Rose interrupted him and walked over to Sonia. “Sonia, are
you—” Rose started in an excited tone.
“Grandma!” Toby stopped Rose from continuing, his eyes widening in shock as he knew what Rose
was about to say.
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