Chapter 42
Chapter 42:
Sophie gave an exaggerated roll of her eyes, fed up with David’s foolishness, then trailed after him toward the lounge.
He dug through a drawer, drawing out the suspense until he finally produced the red-string bracelet, its edges frayed with age.
Instead of handing it over, he clutched it in his fist, refusing to let go.
Out of nowhere, David pressed a bank card into her palm.
𝘚𝗵а𝘳е 𝘆оur t𝗵𝘰𝘶𝗀h𝗍𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝗴𝖺𝗅𝘯𝗼𝘷еlѕ.c𝗈𝗺
Her expression chilled over. “What’s this supposed to be, David p>
He squeezed the bracelet tighter, moving in until there was barely any space between them. “You wouldn’t have come if you didn’t still care,” he said, his smirk growing. “Let’s be real, Sophie. Adrian’s beneath you. You know you made a mistake. But Alice is expecting my child, so I have to do right by her.” He thrust the card at her again. “Take it. I’ll set you up in a nice place and cover everything. I’ll see you when I can, no strings attached p>
Sophie stared at him, stunned by his nerve. “Are you out of your mind? You really think I’d settle for being your side piece p>
David’s offer made her sick.
She snapped the card in half, tossing the pieces onto the table. “My husband and I have a strong bond. I don’t need your charity or your money. Hand over my bracelet, and I’ll never bother you again p>
She held back her frustration, deciding it wasn’t worth spending another minute dealing with him.
His cheeks flamed with anger. “You should be grateful I’m even giving you the option,” he snarled.
Sophie tightened her grip, fully prepared to rip the bracelet out of his hand if she had to. Trying to reason with him was a waste of breath.
Suddenly, voices rose from the next room.
“Why did you bring me here? I have nothing to say to you!” Alice’s shrill complaint cut through the wall.
Sophie and David both froze, listening.
A man fired back, his voice bitter. “Alice, don’t play dumb. I’m the father of that baby. You’re marrying him and pretending it’s his p>
“Shut your mouth!” Alice screeched. “Say another word, and I’ll ruin you. I must’ve lost my mind that night. Who would have thought your luxury car was a rental anyway p>
The man’s laughter was cold and mocking. “All you cared about was cash and a pretty face. My buddies told me, rent a flashy car and you’d fall for it in a second p>
“Shut your mouth!” Alice shrieked, her voice shaking with rage. “I did everything to get David to marry me, and this baby guarantees my place in the Lloyd family p>
Her tone dropped to a hiss. “Try to ruin this, and I’ll make sure you regret it p>
He just chuckled, his words growing crude. “That depends on you. Maybe I’ll take a spin with someone else’s wife now p>
Fabric rustled, and the implication was unmistakable.
David went sheet-white as the realization set in. Alice was about to make him the father of another man’s child and was fooling around behind his back on their wedding day.
He trembled with anger, itching to confront Alice immediately. Seeing his frustration, Sophie arched an eyebrow, fighting back a smirk.
Poetic justice. Someone like David deserved to get a taste of his own betrayal.
She stretched out her hand, her patience thin. “Hand over my bracelet. I’m finished here p>
With a flicker of dry amusement, she added, “You should probably go deal with your own disaster. I won’t get in your way p>
David panicked, latching onto her wrist. “Don’t leave—not yet p>
A wave of regret washed over him. It was his own weakness that had landed him with Alice and cost him everything with Sophie. If he allowed her to leave at this moment, there was a real chance she would disappear from his life for good.
For a moment, he tried to soften his voice, putting on an air of wounded sincerity. “Sophie, please. I messed up. Alice pulled me in, but you know you never wanted that ugly Adrian. Divorce him and come back to me. We’ll start over p>
His voice rose, growing desperate. “You married someone else, and I cheated on you. We’re even now p>