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I just had to expose her. I told myself firmly.
"Mom, Dad, Ethan, I need to tell you something."
"That Sophia you keep talking about... she's not what she seems."
I was eager to explain, oblivious to their darkening expressions.
Suddenly, Ethan cut me off.
"Enough, Bella," he said, frowning. "You're exhausted. Rest now."
The words died on my lips.
The following days, I searched for a chance.
Every time I mentioned Sophia, they'd shut me down, faces grim.
Frustrated and helpless, I wandered downtown.
Who could I turn to?
A kind face came to mind.
My childhood sweetheart, my boyfriend – Liam Walker.
Remembering those three trapped years, Liam was the only one who'd never softened towards Sophia.
No matter how Sophia tried to cling or play the victim, Liam ignored her completely.
He would believe me.
I snapped into action, hailed a cab, and sped to Liam's office.
Perfect timing. Within a minute, Liam stepped out.
Seeing him again felt surreal, like stepping back in time.
Liam was my neighbor since diapers. I'd attached myself to him young.
Initially, he wasn't keen – I was too energetic, too restless.
He said he preferred quiet girls.
Everything changed the day I helped him recover his late mother’s keepsake.
After that, he let me in.
We fell in love naturally, and got engaged the year we graduated college.
But the day before our wedding… she became me..
Back then, I was trapped inside my own body.
I watched the eager light in Zhao You’s eyes slowly dim.
He trashed the wedding venue he'd painstakingly decorated.
Grabbed Sophia by the throat, begging for me to wake up.
But Sophia, unfazed by Liam's hatred, brought him lunch every single day without fail.
My heart ached seeing Liam's haggard face. He used to smile so much.
Now that I was back, I was determined to make it up to him.
Shaking off the memory, I watched Liam approach, nostalgia swelling.
Maybe he’ll jump for joy when he sees me, I thought.
As he reached the sidewalk, I bounded over and hugged him. "Surprise!"
Liam's eyes narrowed. After a moment, he stated firmly, "Bella. You're back."
He studied me intently, his gaze seeming to search for someone else.
Finally, he sighed, casually asking, "Where is she?"
Anger flared. "That thief who stole my body? Death would be too kind for her."
Lost in my happiness, I missed the flicker of unease on Liam's face.
He pressed urgently, "She vanished?"
His grip shook me. "Ow! You're hurting me!"
He released me, pulling me into a hug. "Bella, sweetie, I'm just...... so happy. I was terrified she'd come back. That's why I asked where she went."
I shook my head, pushing down the weird feeling. "She's... gone. Probably."
Liam stayed silent, just holding me tight.
I felt the warmth of his embrace, but couldn't see the expression hidden against my hair.
