Chapter 5 Seeds of Doubt

Emily's return came without warning. She stepped into the mansion, suitcase in hand, and found Richard and Sophia in the living room, laughing over a story about a mishap with the auction printer. The sight of them-so relaxed, so in sync-hit her like a punch to the gut.

"Surprise!" she called, forcing cheer into her voice. But her smile wavered as she took in their closeness, the ease that seemed to mock her absence.

Richard jumped up, crossing the room to hug her. "Emily, you're back early! How was Paris?"

"Amazing, but I missed you," she said, clinging to him a little too tightly. She glanced at Sophia, who offered a warm smile. "Looks like you two have been busy."

"We've been working hard on the auction," Sophia said, her tone bright. "It's going to be incredible."

Emily nodded, but a shadow of doubt crept in. Over the next few days, she watched them-Richard's lingering glances, Sophia's quiet familiarity. One night, as they prepared for bed, she couldn't hold it in any longer. "Richard, is something wrong? You've been distant."

He sighed, raking a hand through his hair. "It's just stress, Emily. Work, the auction-it's been a lot."

Her eyes narrowed. "You've been spending a lot of time with Sophia. Is there something I should know?"

Richard's pulse spiked. "She's been helping with the auction. That's it. You know how much she cares about it."

Emily searched his face, wanting to believe him. "I trust you," she said finally, her voice small. "I just need us to be honest."

He pulled her into a hug, guilt clawing at him. "Always," he lied, knowing the truth was a weight he couldn't yet bear.