Her Divorce, His Downfall (Sophia and Damian) novel Chapter 188

Boast

Only by pretending to be a poor young man had Lucas ever stood a chance of getting close to Amelia, and now that they were finally together, he loved her more deeply than he could put into words.

No one among his friends could ever know that the privileged young heir of the Hunt family willingly acted like a lovesick fool every night, just to coax the woman he adored into having sex.

The secret would have made them laugh at him for a lifetime, and he would never let that happen.

Lucas snapped back to his senses at once, shoving his phone into his pocket and letting out a scoff, his tone stubborn and defensive.

“In love? Don’t be ridiculous. This is just a fling, something new to pass the time. Don’t you find it amusing watching these ‘good girls‘ talk seriously about the future and scrimp and save to buy you gifts? It’s like child’s play.”

Weston blew a lazy smoke ring, one eyebrow arched with a teasing smirk.

“You’re all talk, you know that? No need to put on an act with:09

1. us. You’re clearly head over heels for her. I’ve never cean vou

keeping up this innocent act for so long.”

“Hell no!” Lucas‘ handsome face flushed scarlet as he snapped back instantly.

“We slept together months ago! She’s completely head over heels for me. I offhandedly mentioned liking an LV belt, and she worked three part–time jobs to save up for two months just to buy it for me. It was only a matter of time, anyway.”

He spoke hurriedly, the childish pride of a young man unwilling to lose face in front of his friends dripping from every word.

What he failed to notice, though, was the flicker of raw emotion in his eyes when he spoke of Amelia loving him and working multiple jobs–pride was only a small part of what he felt.

Damian clapped Lucas on the shoulder, motioning for him to calm down, his tone earnest and warning.

“Have your fun, Lucas, but know your limits. The Summers family has been growing close to your father lately, and you know as well as I do that an arranged marriage between elite families is a foregone conclusion.

“You and that girl are from two different worlds, Chase the thrill if you must, but don’t let it turn into a mess you can’t escape. And how long can you hide your identity as the Hunt heir? If this blows up, it won’t end well for her either.”

15:09

“Damian’s right. Call it quits before you get in too deep. You

know your father’s temper–this arranged marriage is set in stone. Don’t create trouble for yourself, and don’t… hurt her too badly.”

A surge of irritation coiled in Lucas‘ chest at their words, and the image of Amelia lying peacefully beside him, her features soft and gentle, flashed unbidden into his mind.

“I get it, I’ve got it under control!” He took a sharp drag of his cigarette, the harsh burn of the smoke searing his throat as he forced down the strange ache in his chest and let out a self–deprecating laugh.

“I’m not done having fun yet, am I?

“I’m still young. When I’m finished, I’ll make it up to her–set her up for life with wealth and luxury. She won’t have wasted her time with me.

“If she wants to marry, I can arrange a match with any prominent figure in New York, just as long as she’s willing.”

As if trying to comfort himself and ease the bitter twist in his heart, Lucas added firmly, “She’d have a far better future that way than following some ‘poor nobody‘ like me.”

Sensing Lucas‘ darkening mood, Weston tactfully changed the subject. “As long as you know what you’re doing.

15:09

Warmth he didn’t even realize flooded Damian’s chest at the mention of Sophia.

It had only been two years since their wedding, and they were still deeply in the throes of wedded bliss.

He’d cared for her too much to burden her with the stress

of motherhood too soon, so he’d always been careful with contraception.

He’d wanted to cherish their time alone for two or three years before starting a family.

Little did Damian know that this thoughtful choice would become the greatest regret of his life.

It was something that would gnaw at him with crippling sorrow every time he thought of it.

How could the intense, endless intimacy of those three years have been anything but real?

Yet no matter what he did later, Damian could never thaw her frozen heart.

If they’d had a child back then, would he and Sophia have ever ended up at each other’s throats?

Damian’s eyes shone with unmasked sweetness, a soft mile 09

“My wife is perfect–sweet, obedient, trusting, and loving. She gives me all the respect and freedom I could ask for, never checking up on me. I love her more than anything, Weston, and you’ll just have to envy me for it.”

Weston snorted in disdain, the sound dry and dismissive.

“You’re really out here trying to sell people on the whole American marriage dream. Did the government put you up to this? Are you like a secret agent for their ‘get hitched‘ campaign? Spill it!”

Damian chuckled lightly, a lazy smirk on his face. “Cut the nonsense. Just admit you’re jealous–we won’t tease you for it.”

Then, he emphasized the last word with a playful jab. “Lone wolf.”

Weston snapped, stung by the taunt, “Shut your damn mouth! You have no idea how it feels to be single. Showing off like that again, and you’re paying for the whole night.”

Damian said, “Fine by me. I’ve got more than enough money.”

“C’mon, Lucas, let’s go have some fun. Quit moping…”

The group laughed and joked as they headed toward the Platinum Palace Club.