Chapter 4 288 Vouchers Chapter 4 Sophie's back was covered with horrifying scars. Fresh whip marks layered over old ones, crisscrossing like a map of endless torment carved into her skin. Her entire body seemed ravaged, every inch of skin whispering tales of suffering. Alexander stood frozen before her, his whip clattering to the floor. His face turned ghostly pale, eyes wide with shock and disbelief. His trembling fingers hovered near her wounds, afraid to touch and cause more pain. "How... how did this happen?" His voice rasped, thick with choked rage and anguish. Sophie lowered her head, a bitter smile twisting her lips. Had he finally discovered? Uncovered that the so-called Reformatory was actually hell? But what good would it do? Could the bright, laughing princess Sophie ever return? She couldn't. Before she could speak, Olivia's voice floated from behind-gentle yet resigned: "Sophie, I've forgiven you for push- ing me into the sea. Why trick Alexander like this now?" Alexander's expression shifted, uncertainty threading his words: "These... are fake?" Olivia laughed lightly, dismissive: "Of course! Didn't you say she's been locked inside the Reformatory these three years? It's the most reputable school in Washington. Where could she get hurt there? Alexander, don't fall for her lies." Relief flooded Alexander, instantly replaced by fury. He hurled the whip down, voice icy: "Sophie, you're hopeless! No food for you today!" Sophie nodded blankly. 0.0% 12:37 Chapter 4 288 Vouchers Skipping meals was routine at the Reformatory anyway. Sometimes she'd fought dogs for scraps when starving. "Fine," she whispered. She turned toward her room, silhouette frail yet unyielding. Inside, the maid Emily Johnson-who'd cared for her for years-entered with ointment. Tears welled instantly at Sophie's scars. "Miss Sophie, why didn't you explain? These scars aren't fake! Aren't you supposed to be studying at that school? How did you get hurt like this? Why not tell Mr. Alexander? He adores you-he'd be devastated if he knew!" Sophie stared vacantly at the floor. Emily's words stabbed like knives. Would he care? Maybe in the past. Back then, Alexander truly cherished her. When boys passed her love letters boasting sports car rides if she dated them, Alexander gifted her a garage of luxury cars worth millions to smash for fun, his voice dripping with fondness: "My girl won't be swayed by ordinary men. 11 When she had a fever, he'd abandon crucial meetings abroad, fly ten-plus hours, and keep vigil at her bedside until her temperature broke. Sophie winced through her cramps as Alexander brewed the Herbal Remedy Drink himself. He spoon-fed her while whispering soothingly, "Be good, Sophie. This will ease the pain." Tears welled in Sophie's eyes as she closed them softly. "Emily," she murmured, "I'm exhausted. Need to sleep." Emily dabbed her own tears before tucking the blanket around Sophie. "Rest well, Miss Sophie," she choked out. Sophie nodded, sinking into the pillow as silent tears soaked the linen. Her thoughts blurred into sleep. Dreams carried her backward. 44.1 % 12:37 Chapter 4 1288 Vouchers Alexander held her hand, taking her to the amusement park. He bought her ice cream, rode the carousel beside her- his smile tender, indulgent, as if she were his entire world. But those moments felt galaxies away. All... all in the past now.