The Substitute's Contract: Seven Days to Reset My Life

Chapter 7

Ethan Smith had no choice but to give in to Sophia Sinclair’s demand, steeling himself to search outside.

The night was deep, and the trash bins outside the villa stood empty. After questioning the cleaners, he learned the garbage had already been transported to the suburban disposal site. He drove there, spending the entire night digging through the foul-smelling waste. His fingers were cut by broken glass, his suit stained with filth—yet the pearl necklace was nowhere to be found.

By dawn, he dragged his exhausted body back to the villa. The house was silent, save for the faint glow from the study. Sophia was reviewing documents, not bothering to look up as she asked, "Did you find it?"

"No," he rasped. "I turned the entire dump upside down."

"Oh. It was behind the bookshelf." She closed the file casually. "You should’ve come back sooner if you couldn’t find it."

Ethan clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. "You said I had to find it."

Sophia paused. Over the years, he had never once refused any of her demands—even when she coldly declared she didn’t want children, he had simply nodded in quiet acceptance. The realization stirred something unfamiliar in her chest.

"Go take a shower," she said, her tone uncharacteristically soft.

Ethan didn’t explain. He was too tired to speak.

The next morning, a notification jolted him awake. Birthday greetings from major banks reminded him—today was his thirtieth birthday.

Alone in the empty villa, he lit a candle. As the flame flickered, the doorbell rang.

Sophia’s assistant arrived with a tailored suit. "Ms. Sinclair is waiting for you on the fifth floor of the Night Gala."

He changed and hurried to the venue—only to freeze at the sight before him. The banquet hall was adorned with a banner that read, Happy Birthday, Alexander Huxley! Sophia and Luna were standing arm in arm with Alexander, their faces radiant.

"Dad!" Luna stomped her foot in annoyance. "Why did you invite him?"

Alexander smirked. "I heard today was also Mr. Smith’s birthday. It must be lonely celebrating alone." He gestured to the mountain of gifts. "These are all from Sophia and Luna. Care to pick one?"

Ethan shook his head calmly.

"At least make a wish, then." Alexander pointed to the three-tiered cake.

This time, Ethan didn’t refuse. Closing his eyes, he whispered silently:

"May we never meet again in this lifetime."

As the candlelight faded, Sophia suddenly met his resolute gaze—and for the first time, her heart lurched inexplicably.