Their Queen's Back - Chapter 21: Chapter 21

Yeah, are you two finally tying the knot? You and Matthew have been together for three years now—it's about time, isn't it?
Everyone knew Sophia and Matthew were dating—he'd picked her up from work more than once, and they'd all seen it.
Sophia's hands stilled. She said calmly, "No. Matthew and I broke up. There'll be no wedding—nor will there ever be."
Sophia's blunt breakup announcement—"It's over. There's no future."—left her coworkers frozen mid-congratulation, their teasing words dying on their lips as the room fell silent.
Fortunately, everyone was tactful enough not to touch on anyone's sore spots.
"Out with the old, in with the new, Sophia. Who knows? You might meet someone even better."
Sophia smiled and said, "That's exactly what I think."
Sophia flashed a bright smile at her colleagues.
Just then, the boss, wearing his gray shirt, wiped the sweat from his forehead as he strode over, his steps brisk and determined.
Alright, everyone, stop what you're doing! I've got an announcement to make.
Listen up, everyone! A major company wants to partner with Morningstar Inc. As you all know, our company is small, with barely any partnerships, and we're on the verge of collapse—the slightest setback could bankrupt us. This deal is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to change our fate. Who will take on this responsibility?
Someone asked, "Boss, which company is it?"
"It's Synergy International Group."
"Wow!"
Oh my god!
"Synergy International Group? That's one of the top five conglomerates in the world! Boss, are you out of your mind? There's no way this is real."
Boss, I must be dreaming!
The secretary adjusted her glasses—her usually impeccable composure now flickering with unreadable emotions.
"I can hardly believe it myself, but it's true—their team will be at our office this afternoon."
"Boss, is this for real? Should we go back and change into something more formal?"
Yeah, yeah! I gotta go home and do my makeup!
I gotta get a haircut!
Sophia was stunned. "I can't believe our tiny Morningstar Inc. is about to be acquired by Synergy International Group!"
No need for that—they're just stopping by for a quick look. The actual negotiations will be at the hotel. Now, let's see who's coming with me.
Hearing this, everyone immediately looked down—including Sophia. But the boss's gaze landed right on her. After all, when it came to the most beautiful, outstanding, and hardworking employee in the company, Sophia was undoubtedly the one.
"Sophia, you're the one. Go change into something more formal, then come with me to greet the representatives from Synergy International Group."
Sophia gasped—before she could recover from the shock, her colleagues suddenly burst into applause.
"Boss, are you sure I'm the right person for this?" Sophia asked in stunned disbelief.
"I'm just a regular employee," Sophia thought to herself, feeling uncertain.
"Of course you can do it, Sophia. You're the perfect representative for our company."
Honestly, just her looks are enough to make our whole company look good.
"Perfect," the boss thought.
"It was worth keeping her after all," the boss thought to himself, feeling satisfied with his decision.
Sophia nodded. "I won't mess this up," she told herself with quiet determination.
Ever since Sophia humiliated her last night, Lily had been stewing in rage. Her face contorted with fury as she violently pounded her pillow, wishing she could tear Sophia to pieces.
At that very moment, Matthew entered the room. Sensing someone behind her, Lily instantly whirled around.
When she saw it was Matthew, the ferocity in her eyes instantly vanished, replaced by a pitiful, doe-eyed expression.
Lily said, "Matthew, you're finally here! You didn't answer my calls or reply to my messages—I thought you didn't want me anymore. If you really want to break up, just tell me straight. Please don't give me the silent treatment. I can't take it."
Lily forced a pained smile and put on a brave face as she spoke to Matthew.
Matthew walked over, gently took Lily's hand, and pulled her into his arms. "Sweetheart, how could I ever give you the silent treatment? I was at the old family home last night—you know my grandparents aren't in the best health, and I often go back to spend time with them. I try not to use my phone around them, so I'm really sorry. If you're still upset, hit me if it'll make you feel better."
Saying that, Matthew took Lily's hand and guided it toward his own face, as if inviting her to slap him.
Matthew lied—for the first time ever, he'd done so to the woman he loved.
But to avoid raising her suspicions, he had to use this excuse to get through this for now.
Matthew thought angrily, "It's all Sophia's fault! If she hadn't made unreasonable demands and upset me, I wouldn't have had to lie to Lily."
Lily couldn't bear to. She jerked her hand back as if shocked, her voice honey-soft.
"Matthew, I believe you, I really do. Please don't be like this. I've always been afraid I'm just a burden to you, that's why I... I'm sorry, Matthew. I'm just so terrified—terrified that you'll all abandon me."
Seeing Lily so pitiful, Matthew felt a fresh wave of guilt wash over him.
"Lily, don't say such nonsense. You're the love of my life—I could never leave you."
Lily nodded and sniffled. Deep down, she felt both moved and secretly a little proud of herself.
"Really, Matthew? But... I know I could never stay with you forever. I'm just a commoner—I don't deserve you. You and Sophia are the perfect match."
Matthew's blood boiled the moment Lily mentioned that woman.
Sophia actually dared to talk to me like that—but that wasn't even the worst part.
What really gets me is, she still hasn't come crawling back to beg for my forgiveness. Does she actually think I won't call off the engagement?
"Don't you dare mention that woman to me again, Lily," Matthew said firmly. "I'll break off the engagement with her and marry you instead."
Hearing this, Lily's eyes sparkled with delight, her grin stretching from ear to ear—she was so thrilled she almost couldn't hide it. But she quickly bit back her excitement, telling herself, "I can't let anyone see how happy I am."
"Matthew, you really don't have to do this for me," Lily said gently. "Yes, I saved your life, but I did it willingly—I never expected anything in return. Honestly, marrying Sophia would be the best outcome for you, and it would serve the Quinns's interests as well."
Matthew gently stroked her head, his eyes brimming with tender pity.
Matthew thought to himself, "What a wonderful girl Lily is! She ended up with all these health problems just because of me."
I can't let her down.
"Don't talk nonsense. You're the one I love. Whatever I had with Sophia was nothing but an act," he said.
Lily let out a couple of weak coughs, her little face as pale as snow. With trembling fingers, she reached out and gently caressed Matthew's cheek.
"Matthew," Lily said softly, her voice growing weak. "Just hearing you say that is more than enough for me. I really never dared to dream of anything more..." Her words faded as she was overtaken by a fit of gentle coughing.
As Lily spoke, her coughing fit intensified, startling Matthew into urgently calling for the doctor.
The attending physician glanced at Lily with a grave expression and said earnestly to Matthew, "She needs monthly blood transfusions. Has she had hers yet this month?"
Just as the doctor finished speaking, a nurse burst in through the door, her shrill voice echoing down the corridor.
Lulu Clark glared at Matthew and snapped, "Are you trying to kill my sister? She's lying in that hospital bed because of you! If it weren't for my sister, you wouldn't even be alive right now. All she needs is just a little blood transfusion each month, and you can't even do that? You dote on your precious fiancée, but are you really going to turn your back on my sister after everything she's done for you?"
The speaker was Lily's older sister, Lulu. Standing beside her was her husband—Lily's attending physician—a rather plain-looking man.
Lily struggled to sit up, clutching her chest as she gave Lulu a weak, pleading look.
"Sis," Lily said, her voice both weak and firm, "I won't let you talk about Matthew like that. He has his reasons—he's not that kind of person. If you say one more word against him, I'll really get mad at you."
Lulu let out an exasperated sigh and walked over to gently pat her sister's hand.
Lulu looked at Matthew with a pained expression, her eyes full of reproach.
"Matthew!" Lulu snapped. "Only my sister is this kind! Would anyone else treat you so selflessly, without a single complaint? Search your conscience! She said she doesn't want to be Quinn young mistress—she just wants you to be happy. Is this how you repay your life-saver?"