The Pierce family mansion was quiet.[]
After everything we’d just been through, I stared listlessly out the window.
“You knew about Ethan and Sophie?“}}
Marcus raised an eyebrow, his tone getting casual again.
The hotel they stayed at that night happens to belong to a friend of mine. I found out that same night, then had someone tail Sophie. When she went to buy pregnancy tests, I figured she was probably knocked up.“[]
That early?
Surprise crossed my face.]]
Marcus pressed his lips together slightly, his tone carrying a hint of something strange.
“What are you thinking? Feel like I should’ve given you a heads up about all this?”[]
shook my head, my tone flat.]
“We barely knew each other back then. It would’ve been weird if you had told me. I’m just wondering what Sophie’s real role is in all this.“]
“She’s got some morals, but not many. Sure, Ethan screwed up that night, but she’s a grown woman.
She slept with him without protection, knew she was pregnant, and still went to that company health screening that blew everything up. Doesn’t exactly scream innocent
I
to me.
When the Blackwoods offered money for the baby, site said yes. I mean, it’s her own kid–that’s pretty damn mercenary. And she knew about you the whole time but kept messing around with Ethan anyway. She’s either an idiot or a snake.“[]
Marcus’s breakdown hit me like a lightning bolt.[]
Before this, every time I’d encountered Sophie, she’d put on this timid, helpless act. I actually thought she was genuinely innocent.]
But like he said, if she was really this sweet, simple person, none of this drama would’ve happened.
Seeing my face light up with realization, Marcus said sourly: “You’re married to me now. Why are you still so interested in your ex’s business? Having second thoughts?”
“Not at all. I’m just thinking–if Sophie was putting on an act, she’s one hell of an actress. She completely fooled 0
- me.
And if she wasn’t acting, then thank God I saw Ethan’s true colors before I jumped into that mess. Who knows what would’ve happened later?”
Marcus smiled slightly: “So marrying him would’ve been jumping into a fire pit. What about marrying me?”
I looked up at him, studying his face for a long moment before making my judgment.[]
“Community service.”
He cracked me up, and the dark cloud over my heart finally started to lift.
Marcus stared at me for a moment, then said quietly: “Lily, you should smile more. You look beautiful
I pressed my lips together and looked down without saying anything.[]
I felt my ears get hot.[]
I when you smile.”
Coal Married
