Chapter 2 - THE CONFESSION IN THE MARBLE HALLWAY
The heavy electronic deadbolts on the front doors engaged with a series of sharp, metallic CLACKS, echoing down the marble hallways as the mansion's automated defense protocols took effect. Suited guards moved in rapid formation across the foyer, drawing their weapons to low-ready positions and taking cover behind the grand marble pillars.
Sophie froze where she stood, her arm tightening around Ruby’s waist. Her heart hammered against her ribs as she looked at Miles—the man who had protected her for twenty-four months under a false name, the man whose ruthless reputation had kept her safe from the shadows of her past.
"Me," Sophie whispered, her voice barely carrying across the vast foyer.
Miles stared at her, his jaw clenching as he processed the revelation. The woman he had trusted inside his inner sanctum, the quiet assistant who had taken care of his private estate, had been living under a manufactured identity under his very roof.
"My real name is Sophie Bennett," she confessed, her eyes glossy with unshed tears. "I ran two years ago. I forged the papers, the background check, the references... everything."
Miles took a half-step closer, his broad frame looming over her, though his hands remained held out in a guarded gesture to avoid startling the terrified child in her arms.
"Who’s in that car?" Miles asked, his voice dropping into a low, deadly register as he pointed toward the idling black sedan visible through the rain-streaked glass.
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Sophie looked past his shoulder, staring through the tall windows at the dark vehicle sitting motionless beyond the iron gates.
"My husband," Sophie said softly.
