Chapter 8

Chapter 8:

Sophie moved without thinking.

Before Adrian could stop her, her hand had already tugged at the edge of his mask, lifting it just enough to expose a glimpse of skin.

For the briefest second, a small patch near his eye showed—smooth and flawless, not a scar in sight.

Adrian immediately yanked the mask back into place and stepped away, putting distance between them. “I’ll handle it,” he said curtly. “I’ll wash it myself.” Then he turned and disappeared into the bathroom.

Sophie bit her lip, regret instantly sinking in.

She hadn’t meant to pry; her curiosity had just gotten the better of her.

𝗖𝗁𝘪n𝘦𝘴e 𝗻𝘰ve𝗅s 𝘵𝗋𝗮𝗻s𝗅аt𝗲𝗱 o𝗻

Adrian had been hiding behind that mask ever since childhood, scarred and unwilling to show his face. It was obvious he didn’t want anyone looking at him.

And yet, in that tiny glimpse, she hadn’t seen anything ugly at all around his left eye.

She imagined something far worse—like a jagged scar slashing from his forehead down across his nose, the kind of mark that couldn’t be missed. That had to be the reason he always covered himself, avoiding curious stares and cruel whispers.

When Adrian returned, freshly cleaned, Sophie scrambled to ease the tension.

She grabbed another plate of pasta, setting it down in front of him. “You know,” she said lightly, twirling noodles on her fork, “you could drop the mask at home. Chill a little p>

With her mouth half-full, she added, “We’re married. Nothing to hide, right? Everyone’s got a face p>

Adrian pulled out a chair and sat across from her. His expression gave nothing away. “I’m used to it,” he responded simply.

“Alright.” Sophie nodded, not pressing him any further.

She knew scars could be a sensitive subject. If wearing the mask made him feel safe, she wouldn’t push.

But her own thoughts weren’t calm. Michelle had promised to tell her where her mother was, and the weight of it buzzed in her chest. The more she thought about it, the faster her fork moved, as if shoveling food could quiet her nerves.

Adrian twirled some pasta around his fork and took a bite, surprised by the taste. He almost said something about how good it was but stopped short, distracted by Sophie. She was eating quickly, almost desperately, like she hadn’t had a proper meal in days.

Adrian stayed quiet, took another bite, and let her be.

She wolfed down the rest of her food, dabbed at her mouth with a napkin, and hopped to her feet. “I’m heading out. Don’t bother with the dishes. I’ll sort them later p>

Before Adrian could even open his mouth, she was already halfway to the door.

Then she stopped, spun around, and hurried back. “Uh, hey,” she said awkwardly, pulling some cash from her bag. “Buy yourself some new clothes p>

The words felt clumsy even as she said them. Two hundred bucks wasn’t much—not for someone like Adrian, who used to live a life she couldn’t even picture. Probably not even enough for one of his old ties. But it was all she could spare.

She had ruined his suit, and last night he hadn’t had anything to wear but a towel.

Adrian’s face darkened. He raised a hand, ready to push it away. “Keep it. I don’t need it. I’ve got money p>

Sophie pushed the cash into his hand before he could argue. “Stop being stubborn p>

And with that, she bolted out the door.

The slam echoed through the quiet apartment.

Adrian looked down at the wrinkled money in his palm, his jaw tight. He didn’t know whether to be irritated or amused. Was this her way of pitying him? Or was it her subtle way of saying he had fallen too far?

Meanwhile, over at the Barnes family’s estate, Alice caught sight of Sophie on the security camera and shot upstairs like a rocket. “Mom! Sophie’s here p>

Michelle came down at her own pace, hand sliding down the banister. “Why are you making such a fuss p>

“You don’t think she’s here to stir up trouble, do you?” Alice fussed, running her fingers nervously through her newly styled curls. “I bet she saw Adrian’s wrecked-up face and decided she wants out p>

Michelle responded, “Calm down. She’s got nothing. Her husband’s broke, remember p>

That seemed to calm Alice down. She leaned in, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “But seriously, Mom, what did you say to her that day? How did you convince Sophie to marry Adrian so fast p>

Michelle motioned for the maid to open the door. A sly smile spread across her red-painted lips.