From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress Chapter 153: Blame Turned Black

A jumble of feelings churned inside him. He drew the shaking Sophia into his embrace and let out a heavy, weary sigh. "Sophia, do you think this is easy for me? If there were any other option—any at all—I would never put you and Jeremy through something like this."

His sincere words, along with the comfort of his arms, brought a little warmth to Sophia's chilled heart.

Still, she wasn't ready to let go of her last hope—Lucas' parents. She lifted her tear-streaked face to his, voice choked. "But... your mom and dad? They adore Jeremy. Would they really stand by while you do this? Would they let people call Jeremy a fatherless child?"

Something shadowy passed through Lucas' eyes.

He gave her back a gentle pat, sounding certain. "If it's for the best—for all of us—they'll come around."

Sophia stopped fighting and went quiet.

She buried her face against his shoulder, playing the part of the obedient partner.

In the dim light, no one could see that behind her lowered lashes, all the earlier love and reliance had drained away, replaced by a bitter, growing resentment.

She pushed every bit of blame onto Riley, twisting it into something dark and ugly.

If Riley hadn't clung to the title of Mrs. Ashford... if she hadn't picked this moment to make trouble, threatening Lucas with divorce... then none of this would be happening.

Why should she and Jeremy have to endure this kind of shame?

Why did Riley get to stand above it all, reaping the benefits without lifting a finger?

While she had to hide away with her son and take the fall?

Vicious thoughts spread through Sophia's mind like weeds.

If only... Riley would just disappear for good.

Then nothing would stand in her way anymore.

*****

Meanwhile, back at Riley's apartment.

Sebastian had been sitting there for a while, and he showed no sign of leaving anytime soon.

The room was quiet—so quiet that Riley could hear her own heartbeat, quicker than usual.

She felt awkward. Honestly, she didn't know what to do with herself.

Especially after that sudden hug.

After all, she and Sebastian were only engaged on paper.

So... she couldn't just tell him to get out.

Not when he'd shown up right when she needed someone most.

She couldn't be that ungrateful.

Time dragged on in silence. The air between them felt thick, almost sticky, and Riley found it hard to breathe normally.

She cleared her throat and finally glanced up at the man across from her. "So... are you hungry?" she asked, her voice coming out a little dry.

Then she added, slightly flustered, "I mean, it's late. You probably didn't have a real dinner. We could still order something for delivery, though."

Riley's hint was pretty obvious.

Sebastian didn't miss it.

Something flickered in his eyes as he caught the embarrassed look she couldn't quite hide.

The corner of his mouth lifted just slightly—a faint, knowing smile, as though he'd seen right through her little act but chose not to call her out on it.

He gave a small shake of his head. "No, I'm fine. It's getting late—I should head out."

Riley met his calm gaze and felt a wave of relief, followed by something else she couldn't quite name. She stood up quickly, a little flustered as she walked him to the door, mumbling polite goodbyes like "drive safe."

But just as she was about to close the door, Sebastian paused.

He turned slightly, his tall frame shifting. One hand came up, resting casually against the doorframe to keep it open.

His eyes looked like the ocean at night—deep, unreadable, and just a little amused.

"Next time you want me gone, you don't have to dance around it."

Riley's cheeks warmed.

So he'd understood everything. He'd just been playing along.

It left her both embarrassed and oddly defensive.

"So... you prefer the direct approach, is that it?" Riley shot back, trying to hold her ground.

Sebastian let out a low, quiet laugh.

The corner of his mouth curved again, as if he liked her response.

"Now you know for next time."

With that, he dropped his hand from the doorframe and turned toward the elevator.

Riley stood there a moment longer, then finally closed the door as if waking from a daydream.

Her face stayed warm. Her mind kept replaying his teasing tone and the look he gave her right before leaving—the one that said far more than his words had.

That man... was getting way too good at this.

*****

Inside the elevator, Sebastian's gaze drifted absently to the floor indicator.

Downstairs, he slid back into his car. His long fingers tapped lightly against the steering wheel. After a moment, he picked up his phone and called his assistant.

"Find a realtor. Ask around about the 18th floor of Building 6—see if any of the other residents besides Riley are interested in selling."

"Yes, Mr. Torres. I'll get on it right away."

"Good." Sebastian ended the call. His eyes cut through the windshield, staring out into the dark night.

Back upstairs, Riley stepped out of a hot shower, the steam still clinging to the air.