The Billionaire’s Secret Bride

Sophie could barely breathe. Her vision blurred, and her face turned scarlet from the lack of air.

The man before her looked like a beast pushed to the edge—eyes bloodshot, expression terrifying.

"Let go!" Sophie struggled against his grip.

But Nathan Fu's fierce gaze remained locked on her, his fingers tightening as if he were truly going to choke the life out of her.

Panic surged through her. She couldn't die like this—not when there was still so much left to do.

Suddenly, an idea flashed through her mind.

Without warning, she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his.

Nathan froze on the spot.

She… kissed him?

The little maid actually kissed him?

He instinctively wanted to push her away—but her lips... They were soft. Sweet. Warm. Fragrant.

They reminded him of that night. Of her.

Caught in a daze, Nathan stood motionless—just long enough for Sophie to shove him away and dart several steps back, putting distance between them.

His face darkened as reason returned. Was he insane? How could he mistake this troublemaking maid for that girl?

The girl from that night wasn't her. She was pure. Untouched. Elegant.

That girl… was supposed to be Su Xue.

Nathan grabbed a few tissues from the desk, furiously wiping his lips as if they'd been contaminated. Then he crushed the tissues into a ball and threw them into the trash.

Sophie watched all of this—his disgust, his rejection.

He really thought she was filthy?

His next words confirmed it.

"This is your last warning. If you ever climb into my bed again, you won't live to see the sunrise."

His voice was cold, ruthless.

"And just to be clear," he added harshly, "even if I were into women, I'd only be interested in beautiful ones. Don't flatter yourself—I have zero interest in a clown-faced girl like you."

"Now get out!"

The words slammed into her like a slap.

Sophie didn't say another word. She turned and walked away.

Sophie splashed cold water on her face in the bathroom, trying to cool down the shame and anger burning under her skin.

She'd never step foot in the Yunli Hotel again.

Let Nathan hate her if he wanted. She owed him nothing. Once her grandmother was safe, she would disappear from his world forever.

She stepped out of the hotel, hoping to leave everything behind—but just as she took a breath of freedom, someone ran toward her.

"Hey! Clown girl! There you are—I've been looking everywhere for you!"

It was Julian Fu.

Sophie frowned. Her efforts to hide from him earlier had clearly been a waste.

"Master Julian," she said coolly, "do you need something?"

Julian grinned. "Harley Quinn, you're my girlfriend now, remember? Let's go—I'm taking you on a date!"

"…."

"Master Julian," she replied with forced calm, "that love letter yesterday wasn't written by me. If you don't believe me, we can compare handwriting. And besides—I don't like you. I'm not your girlfriend. I have things to do. I'm leaving."

She turned to go, but Julian's eyes suddenly widened in shock.

"Harley Quinn—your face!"

Her face?

Oh no.

She'd washed her face in the bathroom—and with it, the fake scar makeup she'd used to disguise herself.

Sophie instinctively tried to cover her cheeks, but it was too late. Julian rushed forward and wiped the remaining makeup clean, revealing her flawless, radiant face.

He stared, stunned. The "ugly girl" had transformed into a breathtaking beauty.

"Oh. My. God. Sophie—you're gorgeous! Why would you hide your face like that?"

Panic swirled in Sophie's chest.

She never imagined that Nathan's nephew would be the one to discover her secret. If he told Nathan, she really wouldn't live to see the next sunrise!

And sure enough… speak of the devil.

A tall, familiar figure emerged from the entrance of the Yunli Hotel.

Nathan had changed into a black tailored suit, his sharp figure descending the steps like a shadow. His assistant, Mr. Song, held the door of the black Bentley open with a respectful bow.

Good. He didn't see me. Sophie began to relax.

But then—

"Uncle! Uncle!" Julian shouted, waving frantically. "Come here quick! You have to see Sophie's face!"

Nathan stopped in his tracks. His eyes narrowed as he looked toward them, dark and unreadable.