Replacement Bride Left With His Baby (Sophia and Easton) novel Chapter 60

**TITLE: The Case of the Bleeding Shadows by Emma Blackwood**

**Chapter 60**

Sophia had not envisioned herself in this particular place tonight. Her presence here was purely circumstantial—she was merely acting as a guide for the clients of Rothea Designs, who had chosen this hotel for their stay after arriving from the airport.

Once she had ensured that the clients were comfortably settled in their rooms, she and her colleague, Emily, were making their way to the parking garage when they unexpectedly came across Easton and Stella.

The sight before them was intimate, the couple enveloped in an embrace so gentle and affectionate that it felt almost sacred. Sophia felt a pang of discomfort in her chest; the tenderness of their connection was palpable, and she couldn’t bring herself to intrude upon such a private moment.

With a measured calmness, she turned to Emily and said, “Please, could you fetch the car? I’ll just wait here outside.”

As the elevator doors slid shut, carrying Sophia back up to the lobby, Emily shot a scathing glance at the “loving couple” before rolling her eyes in exasperation.

It was two years ago that Easton had first captured Emily’s respect with his generous donation to the orphanage. That act had painted him in a favorable light, but after last week’s incident at the convention center, where he had come to Sophia’s aid, her admiration for him had grown even more. However, witnessing the pain etched on Sophia’s face tonight altered everything. In that moment, Emily could only see Easton as a self-serving player.

The shadows of their past loomed large; the reason for Easton’s divorce five years ago was no secret, and the sight of Stella, the woman responsible for that heartache, ignited a fierce anger within Emily.

With her jaw clenched, she slid into the car and let out a sharp honk that echoed through the night.

The blaring horn startled Easton and Stella, causing them to break apart, their moment of intimacy shattered.

As the car rolled past, Easton caught a fleeting glimpse of a woman whose presence stirred a sense of familiarity within him, though her name danced just out of reach.

Once the car had disappeared from view, Easton’s expression darkened, the warmth of their embrace replaced by a chill. “That was too far, Stella,” he said, his voice laced with icy detachment.

“But you need me tonight,” Stella insisted, taking a step closer, her eyes pleading. “Let me help you.”

The throbbing headache that had been nagging him was intensifying, and he pressed his fingers to his temples, trying to ease the pressure. “I’m fine on my own,” he replied tersely. “Just go.”

“I’ve always been here for you during these episodes. Why are you pushing me away now?” Stella’s voice trembled with a mix of frustration and desperation.

Years had passed, and she had waited patiently for any sign of commitment from him. The silence that hung between them had begun to fester, leaving her feeling bitter and resentful.

With his headache worsening and irritation bubbling beneath the surface, Easton climbed into the car and instructed the driver to head straight home.

*****

During the drive, Emily couldn’t help but steal glances in the rearview mirror at Sophia.

Since entering the car, Sophia had remained silent, her gaze lost in the blur of the passing scenery, her thoughts seemingly miles away.

“Sophia? Are you alright?” Emily’s voice broke through the silence, concern threading through her words.

At work, Emily adhered to formalities, but in the privacy of their friendship, she felt the need to reach out more personally.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” she pressed, hoping to draw Sophia back from her reverie.

The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken words and unresolved feelings.