Chapter 3
Dawn broke, and Adrian woke up, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead.
“I’m thinking we should postpone the wedding by a week. You probably haven’t recovered yet, so take these next few days to rest up.”
“I’m heading to work now, but call me if you need anything. I’m going to be your husband, and I’m basically your only family now, so don’t be a stranger.”
Afraid I haven’t recovered, or afraid that after we’re married he won’t be able to keep chasing after Sophie?
I swallowed my sarcasm and nodded quietly.
Whatever you think is best.”
God, what did I do to deserve such an understanding wife? Meeting you was the luckiest break of my life.”
dodged his attempt at another kiss and practically shoved him out of the bedroom.
he second Adrian left, Sophie posted a new Instagram story.
he photo showed Adrian’s law firm building.
aption:”Case closed! Had to come by and thank my incredible lawyer!”
age flared in my chest. I quickly got ready and caught an Uber over there.
he moment I walked in, a bunch of interns were huddled together gossiping.
Did you see that woman? She’s Mr. Cross’s client, and damn, she’s gorgeous. Plus they’re childhood friends-no wonder he went all out on this case. He hasn’t aken on stuff like this in years.”
It’s not just that Sophie and Mr. Cross go way back-the sick freak who died was supposedly their friend’s brother! What a disgusting piece of shit! Absolutely
ile!”
Not even sparing his friends-what a sick bastard! Thank God he jumped off that building..I was scared the law wouldn’t give him the death penalty. The astard got what he deserved! Jumping was too good for that piece of trash-should’ve castrated him first and made an example out of him!”
ly nails dug into my palms as I struggled not to break down completely.
made my way to Adrian’s office, where familiar voices drifted out.
How’s Riley holding up? She’s not giving you hell, is she?”
She’s always been pretty volatile, and after everything that went down, I doubt she’ll want to see me anytime soon. We’ve been friends forever though, and I now Matt wasn’t all bad deep down. Could you tell Riley I forgive Matt? Maybe that’ll help her move on.”
ophie was a master at having her cake and eating it too – taking every advantage while still playing the victim.
Adrian chuckled softly, sliding a coffee across to her.
That’s just how Riley is-petty as hell. Don’t take it personally. Twenty years of friendship… she’ll come around eventually.”
Besides, Matt hurt you. You’re the victim here. What right does she have to be pissed at you?”
Sophie’s eyes instantly welled up, her expression heartbreakingly vulnerable.
“It’s all my fault. If I’d realized how Matt felt about me sooner, maybe it never would’ve gotten this far.”
“I never imagined Matt could become that kind of person. Riley’s been taking care of Matt all by herself-please don’t let my situation mess up your relationship.
That was it. The fury in my chest exploded. I kicked the door open and marched straight up to her.
SLAP!
The sound echoed as tears streamed down her face like broken pearls.
“Riley? How did you-
Tm sorry, I didn’t mean
Before she could finish, an even harder slap landed across my cheek.
Adrian immediately pulled her behind him, glaring at me with pure rage.
“What the hell is wrong with you? Have you lost your goddamn mind?”
“I’m standing right here! Do I look invisible to you?”
My eyes burned as the stinging pain left my cheek completely numbs.
“She’s framing Matt. Was I supposed to just stand there and listen to that?”
What’s wrong with what she said? Matt was a rapist! He was a monster!”
This is a law firm, not some trashy reality show! Here we deal in facts and evidence!”
