Masked Desires

Chapter 17: Sophie

I woke up the next morning feeling strangely heavy, like the weight of my own lies was pressing down on me. The memory of last night played in my mind.

As I lay in bed, listening to Killian's steady breathing beside me, guilt gnawed at me. He wasn't exactly the loving husband, but I knew he was possessive, protective in his own way. If he found out I'd lied, that I was going to be working in a place like that, he'd lose it. And yet, a part of me didn't care. I was tired of being caged, of having every aspect of my life controlled.

I slipped out of bed carefully, making sure not to wake him. As I padded across the floor, I thought about the conversation with Leo. The job offer had been unexpected, but something about it had intrigued me. Maybe it was the danger, the thrill of doing something forbidden. Or maybe it was just the chance to be something other than Killian's pretty, silent wife.

I quickly got dressed, choosing a simple summer dress with thin straps, a floral print, and a bow at the front. I tied my hair into a ponytail since it was a hot day. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, and for a moment,  I looked different—like someone who was about to start leading a double life.

As I made my way downstairs, I tried to push the anxiety away. I couldn't afford to second-guess myself. I had to be convincing, to make Killian believe I was just going to work at a harmless lingerie store. The less he suspected, the better.

When I reached the kitchen, I found Marie already bustling about, preparing breakfast. She greeted me with a warm smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Good morning, Sophie."
Marie raised an eyebrow, her smile widening. "Killian finally let you work, huh?"

I nodded, swallowing down the guilt.
Then I saw Killian walk down the stairs buttoning his suit shirt he looked exhausted. He took a seat next to me on the dining table.

"Thank you, Killian," I whispered still can't believe he let me work, resting my head against his chest. He didn't respond, just stroked my hair in that familiar, soothing way. I could hear his heartbeat, steady and strong, and for a moment, I almost regretted lying to him.

Killian's phone started buzzing, cutting through the silence of the room. I watched as he picked it up, his face still clouded with exhaustion from the long day. Without even glancing at the caller ID, he answered, his voice rough and tired. "What do you want?" he muttered, rubbing his temples.

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and I strained to catch any hint of the conversation. Suddenly, his expression shifted. His shoulders straightened, and his tired eyes brightened as he replied, "Yes, babe, don't worry. I'm coming." His tone was completely different—almost eager. Excited, even.

My stomach twisted as I watched him end the call, a slight smile playing on his lips as he stood up. Without a second glance in my direction, he headed upstairs, the phone call already making him forget I existed in the room.

I stared after him, my chest tightening with a mix of anger and hurt. He didn't even acknowledge me. Not a word. Not a look. Nothing. It was like I was invisible. I clenched my fists, trying to swallow down the bitterness rising in my throat.

Fine. If that's how he wants to play it, then I'll play along too. I certainly don't regret taking that job at the club now. It was the first step in getting my life back, in taking control of something—anything—in this messed-up situation. Once I earned enough money, I'd be able to put my plan in motion.

I was going to leave him. I didn't know how or when, but I was determined to find a way out. Killian might think he owned me, that I was just a piece in his twisted game, but he was wrong. I was going to get out from under his control, one way or another.

And when I did, he'd never see it coming.