Semua Bab Married To His Secrets: Bab 11 - Bab 20

Sophia stared at her phone screen, the bank account balance glowing back at her like a taunt.The number was lower than it had been yesterday. Lower than it should be. She'd been careful, rationing every dollar, skipping meals when she could. But careful wasn't enough when there was nothing coming in.She closed the app and set the phone face-down on her nightstand. Worrying about it wouldn't change anything. She needed a job. And until she got one, she had to make what little she had last.The plan had always been to save enough to move out, to stand on her own two feet by the time the year ended. But at this rate, she'd be lucky if she could afford groceries next month.She exhaled slowly and pushed herself off the bed. Dwelling on it wouldn't help. She needed a distraction.When she stepped into the living room, the early evening light was fading outside, casting the apartment in soft shadow. Liam was on the couch, the TV on but the volume low. Some crime drama she didn't recognize

Sophia stood at the kitchen counter, staring at the half-chopped vegetables in front of her. The knife felt heavy in her hand. Everything felt heavy lately.She heard the door open behind her, the familiar sound of Liam's keys hitting the counter."Hey," he said, his voice low."Hey." She didn't turn around. Just kept chopping, the rhythmic thud of the blade against the cutting board filling the silence.Liam moved into the kitchen, setting his bag down. She could feel him watching her, could sense the weight of his gaze even without looking."How was your day?" he asked.Sophia let out a short, humorless laugh. "Fine. Got a few more nos today." She shrugged, still focused on the carrots in front of her. "No big deal.""Sophia—""It's fine," she said quickly, forcing brightness into her voice. "I'm fine. Just... you know. Part of the process."But her hands were gripping the knife too tightly. And her smile—if she'd been facing him—would've been too strained to be convincing.Liam was

Sophia's phone rang just as she was pouring her second cup of coffee.Unknown number.Her heart skipped. She'd learned not to hope too much—but she answered anyway."Hello?""Ms. Reyes? This is Jennifer from Rue & Co. We'd love to schedule an interview with you for the marketing coordinator position."Sophia's breath caught. "I—yes. Absolutely. When?""Does next Tuesday at ten work for you?""Yes. That's perfect. Thank you so much."When she hung up, she just stood there for a moment, staring at her phone. An interview. An actual interview.She turned and found Liam in the living room, dressed casually in jeans and a T-shirt, scrolling through his phone. He glanced up when he noticed her standing there."Everything okay?" he asked."I got an interview," Sophia said, her voice tentative. "Rue & Co. Next Tuesday."For a second, Liam just looked at her. Then his face shifted—softened. A genuine smile touched his lips."That's great, Sophia. Really."She studied him, searching for the sha

Liam sat behind his desk, the city sprawling beneath him through floor-to-ceiling windows. His fingers drummed a slow, deliberate rhythm against the polished mahogany surface.The morning sun cut sharp angles across the office, but Liam's focus was elsewhere. His jaw was tight, his mind clearly working overtime behind his steady stare. A knock on the glass door pulled him from his thoughts."Come in," he said, his voice flat.Marcus stepped inside, tablet in hand, his expression as neutral as ever. He closed the door behind him with a soft click."Sir," Marcus said, moving to stand in front of the desk. "I have the report you requested."Liam's gaze sharpened. "On Edward?""Yes, sir." Marcus tapped the tablet screen, pulling up the file. "Complete background check. Everything you asked for."Liam leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled beneath his chin. "Tell me."Marcus began reading from the screen, his tone measured and professional. "Edward Foster. Thirty-one years old. B

The interview had been grueling.Sophia sat across from three stern-faced executives at Rue & Co., answering question after question about marketing strategies, brand positioning, campaign analytics. She'd stumbled once or twice, but recovered quickly, drawing on everything she'd learned, everything she'd prepared.By the time they thanked her and told her they'd be in touch, she felt like she'd run a marathon.Now, stepping out of the sleek glass building into the cool afternoon air, she exhaled a long, shaky breath.I did it.She didn't know if she'd gotten the job. But she'd done her best. And for the first time in months, that felt like enough.She pulled out her phone, ready to call a cab——and froze.Across the street, leaning casually against a modest silver sedan, was Liam.He had his hands in his pockets, his gray eyes scanning the building entrance. When he spotted her, his entire face changed—softened—and he straightened up, a small smile playing at his lips.Sophia's heart