Sophia's eyes narrowed as she stared at Marcus. She was trying to read his expression, to see if he was telling the truth or not. But Marcus's face was a mask, revealing nothing.
The stranger spoke up again, his voice dripping with malice. "You're not going to believe him, Sophia," he said. "He's a master manipulator. He'll say anything to get out of this."
Sophia's eyes flashed with anger. She didn't know what to believe, but she knew she had to get out of there.
Marcus took a step forward, his eyes pleading. "Sophia, please listen to me," he said. "I can explain everything."
But Sophia was beyond listening. She was consumed by rage and betrayal, and she couldn't bear to look at Marcus anymore.
Sophia turned on her heel and stormed out of the room, leaving Marcus and the stranger behind. She couldn't take it anymore, the accusations, the lies, the manipulation. She needed to get out of there and clear her head.
******
As she walked out of the restaurant where she was alr
