I'd always kept my emotions in check around Richard, but today, something in me snapped.

He seemed shocked by my outburst, pulling me close and kissing my tear-stained cheeks.

"You're my wife, Sophia. My only wife."

"Then why lie?" I choked out.

"Marriage needs trust, Richard. Not secrets."

If everything was innocent between him and Susan, why hide it?

That anonymous photo, the mysterious message - it all pointed to something deeper, something wrong.

"I'm sorry," Richard sighed, running his hand through his hair.

"I didn't tell you because I knew you'd get the wrong idea. Susan's going through a rough divorce - the bracelet was just to cheer her up. She's family, nothing more."

His words sounded sincere, but something felt off.

What I'd seen in the living room wasn't family affection - it was something else entirely.

Before I could press further, Richard's lips found mine.

His kiss was demanding, expert - the kind that usually made my knees weak.

One hand curved around my waist while the other cradled my head, and despite my anger, my body responded.

When he finally pulled back, I had to lean against the wall to stay upright.

"Trust me," he whispered. "Susan's mom helped raise me after my mother died. Dad always said to look after her."

Looking into his earnest eyes, I wavered. For our baby's sake, maybe I should give him one more chance?

They were family, after all - even if not by blood.

"She's gone now," Richard said, holding out the bracelet.

"I'll see less of her. And I'll buy you anything you want - just name it."

I took the bracelet, nodding slightly.

Was I overreacting? Richard had always been good to me.

After years of secretly loving him, I'd finally become his wife. Wasn't that enough?

My hand drifted to my stomach, thinking of the ultrasound picture hidden in his unopened anniversary gift.

I'd tell him about the baby soon - after my next checkup.

If he stayed faithful.

But fate had other plans.

That afternoon, we were headed to his grandfather Henry's birthday celebration at the family estate.

I finished work early at Luxora Group - Richard's company where I'd earned my own reputation through hard work - and waited outside.

Richard pulled up in his Bugatti, stepping out to take my bag with a kiss. "Sorry to keep you waiting."

His touch still gave me butterflies, and we were laughing as we approached the car.

Then I saw her - Susan, sitting in the passenger seat with that perfect smile.

My own smile vanished. "Susan?"