Revenge is Best Served After Reborn (James)

Colby came back from overseas a week later, and by then, gossip about his and Sophie's marriage had hit fever pitch. Rumors were flying everywhere some folks said Sophie had checked out of the marriage and was now spending her days in Devonport, hanging out with young, handsome models. Others went so far as to claim she had a younger man stashed away at home and was romantically involved with Harold, the new head honcho of the Aldridge Estate.

Hashtags like #Sophie ColbyDivorce, #Sophie HaroldShacking Up, #Sophie ClubSugar Daddy, and #SophieOurRole Model were lighting up the trending lists. By noon, Sophie strolled downstairs from the second floor, munching on a sandwich, and couldn't help but chuckle at what was trending on her phone. "Harold, someone said you're willing to be the 'other guy' for love. Want to take a look?" Sophie teased, handing her phone over to him.

You've got to hand it to this generation of internet sleuths-they've got some skills. A bunch claimed to be students from Eastwood College, dishing out details on Sophie and Harold's past, recalling how they used to be inseparable two years ago at school. Even a notorious photo of Sophie leaving a nightclub wearing Harold's clothes resurfaced. Back then, the PR teams of the Aldridge and Burke families managed to sweep it all under the rug.

Once these stories hit the web, everyone thought they were onto something. Harold, however, wasn't amused. With a stern look, he said, "You've had your fun and stirred the pot. Isn't it time you gave me a proper explanation?"

Sophie, seemingly unbothered by the chaos outside, didn't ask him to shut down the rumors, just letting the world speculate. "I've already explained everything that needed explaining. Isn't it time you let it go?" she said, settling onto the sofa and continuing to scroll through the news. Her finger paused when she saw the headline #Colby TravelsMilesForWife.

Harold, sitting across from her, said, "Colby's back in town. Have you thought about how you're going to deal with him?"

Sophie's smile faded slightly. "There's nothing to deal with."

"I know you're letting rumors fly to make The Silent Shadows think you two are done, but when Colby's standing right in front of you, can you really treat him like a stranger and gothrough with it?" Harold asked sincerely. "If you want me to step in, I'll figure out a way to keep The Silent Shadows in the dark about your misunderstanding."

"I know he must have his reasons, and I can tell myself maybe he's just scared of losing me. But until he says it himself, it's all just my wishful thinking," Sophie replied, looking at Harold. "Don't worry, I'll be alright."

"Okay, I trust you," Harold said as he got up.

Seeing him about to leave, Sophie asked curiously, "Where are you off to?"

"This guy, who's willing to be the 'other man' for love, has a role to play," Harold replied, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Meanwhile, at the airport, Colby,

looking a bit worse for wear from his journey, stepped off the plane. Never one to hide who he was, he had no idea how big the story about him. and Sophie had blown up back home. Passersby shot curious glances his way, and soon, à swarm of camera flashes was directed at him.