The morning light poured through the oversized windows of the penthouse, illuminating the sleek marble countertops.
After my narrow escape from Marcus’s office, I hadn’t been myself, especially after what I witnessed. The world around me seemed to fade, my mind racing even as my eyes remained fixed on the coffee before me.
“What should I do? Even if I report this to Dad, he’s not going to believe me,” I muttered under my breath.
My hands trailed over the coffee mug as I let out a deep sigh. After our marriage, Marcus had managed to win over my father with his so-called charming personality. It was a good thing back then, but now…
I grabbed the mug, chugging the coffee down in one go. The bitter taste blasted against my tongue, overpowering the sugar and milk I had added.
The sound of footsteps made my ears perk up, and I tilted my head slightly, glancing over my shoulder.
Marcus and Layla strolled in together, his hand resting on her shoulder as they laughed softly. The moment Marcus’s eyes landed on me, he created some distance between them.
I scoffed, pretending not to notice their intimate position, and turned my attention back to my mug on the counter.
Marcus walked up to me, placing his hands on my shoulders. My body stiffened under his touch.
“Hey, babe. Why are you home so soon? I wasn’t expecting to see you here. Aren’t you supposed to be at work?” he asked with a smile.
A smile that once had the ability to send butterflies fluttering in my belly now made my skin crawl with disgust. My hand instinctively moved to push his away, and I did so slowly.
“What?” I muttered under my breath. “Can’t I stay in my own house?”
Marcus’s brows knitted together as he watched me carefully. His gaze darted to Layla before returning to me. “Or is there a reason you don’t want me here?”
His laughter cut through the air, light but tense. Layla crossed her arms over her chest, stepping closer.
“Sasha, stop being so sensitive,” Layla said, her tone clipped but laced with mock concern. “Marcus and I just came back because he needed a break from work. As his secretary, his health is my top priority.”
Her rose-scented perfume hit my nostrils as she moved closer. My face hardened.
Layla’s eyes glimmered with something unspoken, and for the first time, I noticed the underlying disgust and anger buried in them.
Marcus cleared his throat, his phone buzzing in his pocket. “I’ll be back. I need to take this call,” he said, already walking away.
I hummed nonchalantly, not lifting my gaze from my mug.
Layla leaned in slightly, studying my features. Her round eyes hovered over me, but I didn’t flinch.
“Sasha, you look really pale. Are you okay?”
I turned to her, smirking. “I didn’t expect my husband’s secretary to care so much about me. I thought he was your top priority.”
Layla’s composure faltered for a split second, but she quickly masked it with a forced smile.
“You should take better care of yourself, Sasha,” she said, her voice dripping with condescension.
“Stress isn’t good for…” Her eyes flicked to my abdomen briefly before returning to my face. “…your health.”
My stomach twisted. Did she know? Was she aware that I was carrying Marcus’s child? I forced myself to stay calm.
“Thanks for the advice, but I don’t need your lectures about my health,” I said, keeping my tone neutral.
“Do you think he’ll stay once he knows the truth?” she asked, her voice low and venomous. “Marcus isn’t exactly the type to settle down. You know that, don’t you?”
I stared at her, willing myself not to react. My fingers tightened around the mug again, but I didn’t flinch.
“I’m his wife. What exactly are you trying to say?”
Layla smirked, taking my words as an invitation to continue.
“You’re smart, Sasha. Surely you’ve noticed. Marcus doesn’t like complications. And, well…” She gestured vaguely toward me. “You’re looking more complicated every day.”
I swallowed hard, saying nothing.
When I didn’t respond, Layla leaned back, her smile widening. “You think loyalty will save you, don’t you? That if you just love him enough, he’ll choose you.” She laughed softly, the sound cutting through the air like a blade. “It’s pathetic, really.”
“You’re just a secretary,” I scoffed, my voice sharp. “What right do you have to lecture me about my relationship? Stick to your paperwork.”
That was enough. I stood abruptly, the chair scraping against the floor as I rose.
“You wouldn’t understand loyalty,” I said sharply, turning to leave.
“Loyalty?” Layla repeated, laughing again. “Oh, Sasha. You’re living in a fantasy. You think he’s loyal to you?”
I ignored her, walking away before she could see the cracks in my composure.
Her laughter followed me out of the kitchen and I headed straight to my room.
I had to think of something really fast. But the question was 'what could I do?'
I stopped at the hallway gazing at marcus in his study pacing about. His face was tight with confusion. His hands were on his hips.
"Was something going on?" I mumbled to myself.
