Chapter 6
The Rhodes estate was quiet.
After everything that had just happened, I sat by the window, drained, staring blankly outside.
“You knew about Nolan and Sienna?”
Beckett raised a brow, his tone slipping back into its usual playful lilt.
“The hotel they were at that night happened to be one my friend manages. I found out pretty much right away. Had
someone keep tabs on Sienna after that. When she went to buy a pregnancy test, I figured she was probably pregnant.”
That early?
Surprise flickered across my face.
Beckett pressed his lips together, a strange expression flickering through his eyes.
“What’s on your mind? Thinking I’m a jerk for not telling you sooner?”
I shook my head, my voice calm.
“We weren’t close back then. Honestly, it would’ve been weird if you had told me. I was just wondering… what kind of
person Sienna really is.”
“She’s got a sliver of a conscience-but not much. Yeah, Nolan messed up that night, but she’s a grown woman. No
protection, no follow-up, then showed up at a company physical knowing she might be pregnant? Doesn’t exactly scream
‘victim’ to me.”
“And let’s not forget-when the Everetts offered her money for the baby, she agreed. I mean, it’s her own kid. That’s more
than cold-it’s calculating. And don’t forget, she knew about you. Still kept tangling with Nolan. She’s either stupid or
shady. Pick one.”
His words hit harder than I expected-cutting through all the illusions I’d held onto.
Before, every time I saw Sienna, she looked so timid and fragile that I genuinely believed she was just caught in the
middle.
But Beckett was right. If she really were some innocent, good-hearted girl… none of this would’ve happened.
He must’ve noticed the realization sinking in, because his tone suddenly turned sour.
“You did marry me, you know. Why are you still so hung up on your ex? Don’t tell me you’re still carrying a torch for him.”
“Not even close. I was just thinking-if Sienna was acting, then she’s one hell of an actress. Totally fooled me. And if she wasn’t acting, then thank God I saw Nolan’s true colors before jumping into that mess. Who knows what would’ve happened otherwise?”
Beckett chuckled, the corner of his mouth tilting up. “So marrying him would’ve been a death sentence. What about marrying me, then?”
Chapter 6
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I lifted my head and stared at him for a long while before giving my answer.
“A public service.”
That made him laugh-and somehow, it made me laugh too. The gloom sitting heavy on my chest eased, if only a little.
He looked at me for a moment, quiet and steady, then said, “Maren….. you should smile more often. You’re beautiful when you do.”
I pressed my lips together and looked down, saying nothing.
Warmth crept slowly behind my ears.
Chapter 6
