Chapter 364

Early in the morning, Mason Shaw woke to find Sophia Sun already out of bed. The sheets were still messy, a silent reminder of what happened the night before. Honestly, it hadn’t felt special—just one time, carried out more out of duty than desire. It was Sophia’s first time. Afterward, she clung to him, murmuring that she belonged to him now. Thinking back, Mason felt like it had happened in another lifetime. He couldn’t help but recall the real love he’d once had, the kind that was no longer his. Without glancing at the blood-stained sheets, Mason tossed off the thin blanket, got up, and headed straight for the bathroom. … Downstairs in the kitchen. Sophia was helping Mrs. Shaw prepare breakfast, looking every bit the picture of a caring and capable partner. Mrs. Shaw, being no fool, took one look at Sophia’s bashful smile and knew it—mission accomplished. Relief flickered across her face. At last, Mason saw the light. He finally realized Sophia was the right one for him. Mrs. Shaw f