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