The New Year was approaching, and Olivia’s belly had grown so large that it could no longer be concealed. She hadn’t changed much overall, but her face had become rounder, and her figure had undergone some changes. Pregnant women rarely remain unchanged unless they maintain long-term exercise and have a naturally good physique.
When Sophia saw her, her expression was calm, and she had no intention of interacting. Just as she was about to walk away, Olivia called out to her.
“Sophia, we’re old acquaintances. You can’t even say hello when you see me?”
Olivia’s eyes seemed to pierce through Sophia, scanning her up and down with obvious malice.
Sophia curled her lips and smiled. “Is it necessary?”
“Of course, it is! We haven’t seen each other in so long. Isn’t it fair to have a little chat?”
Sophia let out a cold laugh. “When people chat, it’s usually because there’s something worth reminiscing about. I don’t think there’s anything left between us.”
Olivia’s expression turned cold, and her gaze suddenly landed on Sophia’s right hand. She sneered:
“Oh? You’ve got someone now? Is that a ring he bought for you?”
Sophia moved her fingers slightly but didn’t deny it.
“Your boyfriend must not be very well-off, huh? Is he just a salaried worker?” Without waiting for Sophia to reply, Olivia laughed smugly. “Look at the ring he bought you—it’s so small! What a cheapskate. Can you even see the diamond? And you’re wearing it? You were once abandoned by Henry, the man from the Scott family, who gave you such a hefty alimony. You even bought yourself a sports car. How could you be stingy with this? Or is it that this man is your little boy toy?”
At this point, Olivia felt a little more balanced internally.
Although Henry wasn’t reliable, at least he wasn’t stingy with her. The ring he bought her was worth millions, far larger than the one Sophia was wearing.
She sneered. “I’m just saying, Sophia. Even if you’re divorced and no one wants you, you shouldn’t lower your standards this much. You’re acting like you’re snatching up items about to expire in a supermarket clearance sale.”
Sophia had had enough and her expression grew colder.
“Olivia, don’t overestimate your worth just because I’ve shown you some courtesy!” Sophia sneered. “Yes, I’m divorced. So what? You’re not divorced—oh wait, correction, you never even got married. Henry left you at the altar, and the whole world knows about it. Aren’t you supposed to be so capable? You chased away me, the original wife, thinking you’d become Mrs. Scott. Too bad he didn’t even want you! Kim isn’t someone to mess with, is she? Did you think all women are as easy to deal with as me? Forget it. Focus on yourself. Don’t think just because your life is miserable, everyone else has to be too. Do I really need to spell it out for you?”
“You… Even at my worst, I’m still better than you!” Olivia gritted her teeth in anger. “I live in a mansion! Drive a luxury car! My husband is rich! I’m a thousand times better off than you!”
“Right, right! You’re absolutely right! You’re better off than me! So why are you still comparing yourself to me?”
“You…” Olivia couldn’t out-argue her and was shaking with rage.
Sophia had no interest in dealing with her further and turned to leave.
Behind her, Olivia spat angrily, “What’s so great about finding a poor guy? Acting so high and mighty!”
After venting, she felt a bit better but still somewhat dissatisfied.
She had always compared herself to Sophia, assuming that Sophia would live miserably after her divorce. Now that Sophia was indeed dating a poor boyfriend, Olivia felt smug. Yet her own life wasn’t as ideal as she let on. Kim visited her home every day, making her life unbearable. She didn’t dare to make too much of a fuss, knowing everyone could see that the family patriarch’s health was failing. She was still waiting for her share of the inheritance.
Now, Henry spent his nights with Kim, leaving Olivia to endure her lonely nights alone.
Only she truly understood the bitterness of it all.
—
Sophia didn’t give Olivia a second thought. She was busy renting out the house she had recently purchased.
The property was essentially a luxury home. While renting it out wouldn’t make for a great investment, it was by the riverside and far from the clinic. With her mountain house newly renovated and unoccupied for the time being, it made sense to rent it out. Tens of thousands of dollars in rent each month could pay off the mortgage.
With this in mind, she posted the rental information. Her neighborhood rarely had rental listings, as most residents owned their homes. Not long after posting, someone contacted her—a foreign executive coming to the country looking for a high-end apartment to rent and renovate. The person wanted a three-year lease. Sophia was more than happy to oblige.
