Sunlight filtered through the leaves, scattering golden flecks across the ground.
Ethan stood beneath the tree, dappled shadows dancing across his broad shoulders.
"Sophia, I was truly happy just now."
His deep voice carried a faint note of disbelief.
She looked up at him.
"We're a couple now. I won't let you be my secret lover."
Her fingers tightened around his, their hands interlacing.
Ethan's dark eyes shimmered with emotion.
"It still feels like a dream."
Sophia smiled softly.
"I'm right here. How could this not be real?"
She remembered the Ethan of old.
The ruthless business titan who struck fear into hearts.
Now he stood before her, vulnerable and uncertain.
"Let's take things slow."
She spoke gently. "If we find we're not compatible—"
"We will be." His interruption was firm. "It can only be you."
The conviction in his gaze made her heart flutter.
Time seemed to slow between them.
She pointed toward the distant lake.
"Has anyone ever told you Deer Lake resembles you?"
Ethan followed her gesture.
"How so?"
"Calm on the surface, but hiding whirlpools beneath."
Sophia studied his fathomless eyes.
"Just like your gaze."
Her foot suddenly slipped on the weathered wooden steps.
The rotten plank creaked ominously.
"Ah!"
Sophia stumbled backward.
Ethan's arm shot out, catching her waist.
He pulled her securely against his chest.
"Careful."
His brow furrowed with concern.
Sophia steadied herself, pulse racing.
"I'm fine."
She took a calming breath.
Ethan released her, his fingertips lingering warmly.
"I'll have maintenance repair these steps."
"Alright."
As she nodded, two familiar figures appeared by the lakeside.
Chloe froze mid-step.
She'd come to discuss casino debts with Sophia.
Instead, she witnessed this intimate scene.
Jealousy coiled like a serpent in her chest.
She tugged Mrs. Winston's sleeve, feigning hesitation.
"Mother, perhaps we should come another time."
Mrs. Winston followed her gaze, face darkening.
"That harlot is Sophia Sullivan!"
Chloe pretended concern.
"That's Mr. Sullivan. We shouldn't provoke him."
Her words stoked the flames.
"Perhaps they came here together after last night's winnings."
Her nails dug into her palms.
Ethan's wealth dwarfed Liam's.
How dare Sophia climb so high?
The man Chloe stole meant nothing to Sophia.
Biting back rage, she affected innocence.
"To be so brazen... could the rumors be true?"
Her implication hung heavy.
"When she visited Sullivan Group years ago, perhaps they..."
Mrs. Winston erupted.
"So she was unfaithful all along!"
She stormed forward.
"Sophia Sullivan! Have you no shame in broad daylight?"
Mrs. Winston pointed at their joined hands, face contorted.
"When you begged Sullivan Group, was it in his—"
A sharp slap cut her off.
The crisp sound echoed across the lake.
A crimson handprint bloomed on her cheek.