Chapter 18 Though Victor had covered for Sophie regarding the plagiarism , his attitude toward her grew colder after returning . Sophie seethed with resentment , convinced Victor still couldn't forget Lily . That woman had slunk away like a stray dog , yet she was still haunting them . Grabbing her phone , Sophie texted Victor : " Victor , I think I'm sick . Could you come see me ? " As his longtime crush , Victor went despite his reservations . When he arrived , Sophie lay on the sofa in a camisole , her complexion perfectly healthy . Victor instantly understood her ploy , irritation flickering in his eyes . He turned to leave , but Sophie caught his hand . " I'm sorry , Victor . You've been so distant lately ... I panicked and lied . " Her agony softened his expression . Seizing the moment , Sophie pressed , " Stay for dinner ? " Victor relented , taking a seat at the table . Sophie poured two glasses from the decanter , offering one to him . 11 461 Chapter 18 288 Vouchers He accepted reluctantly . After two sips , a strange heat crept through his veins . Tugging his tie loose , he shifted uncomfortably . Sophie straddled his lap , fingers working at his shirt buttons . Realization dawned - this was her trap . Gritting his teeth , Victor shoved her off his thighs . Sophie crashed to the floor , stunned . As Victor staggered toward the door , she lunged , wrapping her arms around him from behind . " Don't go ... " she pleaded , voice trembling . Victor slammed her against the wall , eyes blazing . " All these years , I believed you were gentle and principled . Even your missteps seemed born of devotion . But drugging me ? Unthinkable . " Repeatedly rejected and now manhandled , Sophie's facade shattered . " You're rejecting me because you still want Lily , aren't you ? " " What does Lily have to do with this ? " Sophie's laughter turned shrill , almost unhinged . " You claim Lily harassed you , that you despised her ! Yet you basked in her attention - you never stopped caring ! " " Get a grip , " Victor snapped , staring at her distorted expression . He pushed past her and left . 11:46 33 Chapter 18 288 ( Vouchers Back home , Victor dealt with his physical discomfort before collapsing onto his bed . Sophie's accusation echoed : You basked in her attention . You never stopped caring . He murmured the words , then retrieved the torn photo fragment from the amusement park . Fingering the tiny piece , memories flooded him - seven years of Lily pursuing him , trailing his every step . Only then did Victor have to admit Sophie was right - he'd indeed gotten used to having Lily around him without even realizing it . The next day , Victor went to find Emma . " Where's that room footage you wanted me to see earlier ? " Emma was caught off guard by his sudden question . " What footage ? " " The video from when Sophie and Lily were in the room during the fire . " Emma looked at him mockingly .. " Didn't you say you trusted Sophie ? You promised to watch it that night , but Sophie just had to call and you believed her again . Why come asking for it now ? Regretting things ? Trying to win Lily back ? " Victor couldn't argue against Emma's sarcasm . Seeing Victor's silence , Emma continued . " Too late . Lily messaged me days ago saying she has a boyfriend now . 11 42 Chapter 18 Benjamin , I think . " " A boyfriend ?! " Emma flinched at Victor's sudden shout , taking a moment to respond . " Lily's with Benjamin now . " Victor refused to believe it , yet Emma didn't seem to be lying . 238 rouchers " Impossible . She must be using Benjamin to get to me , " Victor muttered distractedly . 114700 Chapter 19