I had always been reserved and composed around Richard, but today I completely lost control.

It seemed to have startled him as well. He hurriedly pulled me into his arms, kissing my cheeks. "You are my wife, Sophia. You are my only wife."

"But you lied to me, Richard. Honesty is essential in a marriage. Deception is the last thing we need." I sniffed, trying to hold back the tears that were about to fall.

If things between him and Susan were truly innocent, there would have been no need for deception. The photo and message came from an unknown number. Everything pointed to one thing: Susan and Richard's relationship was everything but uncomplicated.

"I'm sorry, Sophia," Richard admitted, dropping his head in frustration. "I kept it from you because I was afraid you'd misunderstand and get jealous."

"Susan recently went through a difficult emotional time—she divorced. I gave her the bracelet just to console her."

"I only see her as family—nothing more."

His explanation was earnest, but I was unsure whether I could believe him.

A woman's intuition is often accurate. Today in the living room, I sensed something was wrong between them.

It was almost laughable; they didn't seem like family at all. They looked like lovers.

"I..." I began, wanting to ask more, but Richard pressed me against the wall and kissed me.

He wrapped one hand around my waist and the other behind my head, deepening the kiss. I tried to resist, but he pried my lips open, his tongue tangling with mine in a fervent dance.

Richard was an expert at kissing; his intensity overwhelmed me, leaving me defenseless.

When he finally backed away, I was leaning heavily against the wall, breathing hard, my legs quivering and weak.

"Sophia, trust me, please?" Richard whispered softly in my ear. "Susan is my stepmother's daughter. My father always told me to take good care of her."

"And besides, you know how much I owe to Susan's mother."

His eyes were filled with sincerity, and I found myself staring into them for a long moment before I finally nodded.

‘For the baby's sake, trust him one more time, Sophia. After all, Susan is indeed his stepsister. Although they aren't related by blood, they are still family in name.’

"Susan has already departed. I'll see her less from now on," Richard replied, handing me the pink diamond bracelet. "Since you like it, keep it. I'll get you anything you want. How does that sound?"

I grasped the jewelry and nodded slightly.

Maybe I was being overly sensitive? Richard always treated me kindly. And, after all, I'd been secretly in love with him for years. How fortunate I was to marry the person I had longed for.

I placed a hand on my abdomen, suddenly remembering that Richard didn't know about the baby yet. I had hidden the ultrasound report in the gift I prepared for him for our anniversary, hoping to surprise him, but he still hadn't opened it.

I sighed, deciding to go to the hospital for a checkup in a few days and then tell Richard about the pregnancy.

Of course, that was only if he remained faithful to our marriage.

But I didn't expect that before I could tell him everything, another twist of fate would hit us.

That day, it was Richard's grandfather's birthday. He was taking me back to the family estate for Henry's birthday celebration.

In the late afternoon, I finished work early and waited at the company entrance. I worked at Richard's company—Luxora Group—and my performance over the years had been excellent. Luxora Group was a prestigious company, and I had always been diligent, never letting my marriage to Richard affect my work ethic.

A luxurious Bugatti Veyron pulled up in front of me, and Richard got out of the car, naturally taking the bag from my hand.

"Sorry for making you wait, Sophia." He hugged me and kissed my cheek.

I couldn't deny that I craved his embrace. Being with him always made my heart flutter.

We chatted and laughed as I approached the car. Just as I was about to open the door, I noticed Susan sitting in the passenger seat, smiling at me.

My smile instantly faded.

"Susan?" I looked at her in shock.