Chapter 8:The first seed of Doubt

Sophia barely spoke on the drive home. Ethan noticed, of course. He wasn't stupid.

"Sophia," he said, glancing at her while steering through the dimly lit streets. "You're upset."

She scoffed, looking out the window. "Oh, you think?"

Ethan sighed. "It was just a meeting."

Her head snapped toward him. "A meeting with your ex who clearly still has feelings for you?"

"She's just an investor," Ethan insisted.

Sophia let out a humorless laugh. "Oh, really? Because she looked at me like I was the secretary who spilled coffee on her Prada."

Ethan stayed silent.

"And the way she said 'old friend'?" Sophia continued, shaking her head. "She wasn't just implying history, Ethan. She was staking a claim."

He sighed, gripping the wheel tighter. "You're overthinking this."

"No, Ethan," she said coldly. "I think I'm finally seeing things clearly."

They arrived at their penthouse, and Sophia wasted no time heading inside. She needed space before she said something she'd regret.

But Ethan wasn't letting this go.

"Sophia," he called, following her into the living room.

She turned sharply. "What aren't you telling me?"

Ethan ran a hand through his hair. "I told you everything—"

"No, you didn't." She crossed her arms. "I saw it on your face when she showed up. There's something else between you two."

Ethan's jaw clenched, but he didn't deny it.

Sophia felt her stomach sink. "Wow. So I'm right."

He exhaled. "It was a long time ago. Before I even knew you."

"That doesn't mean she's over you," Sophia bit out. "And it definitely doesn't mean I should be okay with you meeting her alone."

Ethan sighed. "I don't have feelings for her, Sophia."

"Maybe not." She narrowed her eyes. "But I think she still has feelings for you."

Silence.

Ethan didn't argue.

And that—more than anything—made Sophia's heart ache.

She turned away. "I'm going to bed."

Ethan reached for her arm. "Sophia—"

She shook him off. "Not tonight, Ethan."

Because tonight, she wasn't sure if she was fighting for her marriage… or against something she was destined to lose.

—

To be continued…