nens. Harold and Margaret Grayson were already seated when Sophie and Alexander arrived-Harold i
y, air-kissing both cheeks. "You two look wonderful tog
back. "Fast work, young man. I like a man
's back-warm, steady-as he guided her to her se
erformance she hadn't fully rehearsed. She hadn't told anyone the
cores, Margaret's charity work. Alexander was effortless-attentive, charming, occasionally brushing Sophie's hand or tucking
-perfectly seared halibut-Marga
"How did you two actually fall in love? Alexander's nev
lexander. He met he
ke being challenged. I didn't like being dismissed. Somehow that turned into late nights at the office, ar
ly. "Sparks and respect
see why he chose you. You brin
he conversation shifted to lighter things. But Sophie'
the powder room, Sophie murmured,
oms, she pulled out her phone and diale
g. "Soph? You okay? You've been
with the Graysons. Fake engagement dinner. And... Elena, I need t
oftened. "Okay. I'm righ
went to alone after Dad's anniversary? The guy in the black mask who bought me a drin
u refused to give details about because you sa
his shirt came open-I saw the scar on his left shoulder. The same one I traced with my fingers tha
for a beat. Then:
him, not even you until right now. Every time I think about saying it, I freeze. Because this whole thing started with blackmail and some old revenge motive tied to Da
irst-breathe. You're not alone in this anymore. Yo
"More than anything. I already love this little life. I
im when you are ready-when you know it's safe, when you know what you want from him. But Soph, from everything you've told me, the man who kissed you last night? The o
t her eyes. "I
're home safe. And if he pushes too hard tonight-if he tries to
rough tears. "Too late f
careful with your heart. And your body. Yo
to steady herself, fixed her makeup in the hall
. His eyes searched her face-concern flicke
y?" he asked qu
mile. "Just needed a
mises to meet again soon. Harold signed the final merger document
der's hand stayed at Sophie's
down to the car,
iet after th
s gaze. "J
en he lifted her hand to his lips, p
d quietly, "you can tell
art st
ed to be
believe so b
er-two lives tangled in one tr
ame out... nothing wo
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