hands." Sophie's calligraphy was distinctively delicate, exquisite, and hers. Her words were expertly constructed to pierce and hurt, and each l

cliner. The space around me became indistinct, the study's once-familiar surroundings taking on an unsettli

ad arrang

he'd played tricks on Lucas, set up the miscommunications, and given him falsehoo

lly. He had never once questioned Sophie's intentions, always believing her words over m

d it so simple

art as a result of every rejection and harsh comment, and I finally saw why. Since the beginning, Sop

t, however, was t

n. However, another part of me hesitated-the one that had been hurt and scarred by his repeated rejection

used to work in the study as a haven, but these days it seemed confining, like the

created on the marble flooring by the early morning light that poured through the windows. For a short while, I was thankful for

cks as I went past the grand st

air

kly, especially as I was still in disbelief at Sophie's admission. I battled to con

impossible to decipher. His beady blue eyes found mine, and for a split second, none of us

sured steps. He stopped as he got to the bottom, look

I took a hard swallow.

his face as his eyes narrowed sl

leverage. However, I swiftly brushed the idea aside. I had had enough of lies, secrets, and being in the dark. I ha

I extended the letter toward him

redict what would happen. Then he grabbed the letter

something about his expression that I had nev

spy as he said, "Th

eelings engulfing me. Lucas, she's been playing you like a puppet. You trus

little while, staring into my eyes as if he were looking for evidence of dishonesty. How

e letter, giving it a small cr

you've never trusted me. You've treated me like I'm nothing from the day we got m

ning inside of him, the turbulence in his eyes. However, I didn't give a damn.

ceed?" I questioned, putt

eered down at the letter onc

Lucas, what happens now? Are you even concerne

the first time. I have never seen such rawness and vulnerability befo

s more than just a handy wife. I wanted to believe him. However, th

that you're concerned. since I am unable to con

because the pain was too great for even a little bit of solace. He nodde

Claire, I'll show you how. Howeve

for evidence of insince

he had been oblivious to the whole time. Although my head was skeptica

re I could say anything. Lucas's face furrowed

He mumbled, not so mu

s as I watched him bluster to the door. The instant h

nt smile suggesting that she had just emerged victorio

at me with scarcely veiled disg

going to be difficult, and my heart fell. Sophi

andwiched between Sophie and me, fearing that he was about to lose everything. Soph