Three Years Wasted I Married Mr. Right novel Chapter 13

Before Sophia could step in, a maid intercepted her immediately.

“Mrs. Evans has a dress ready for you. Let’s get you changed before you join the party,” the maid said, guiding Sophia toward the stairs.

In her casual flannel and jeans, Sophia stood out awkwardly among the formally dressed guests.

The maid led her through a side entrance, making her feel like some dirty secret being smuggled in.

As they rounded the stairwell, someone came hurrying down. Before Sophia could move aside, the woman barged right into her.

She caught herself against the wall, barely keeping her balance.

The woman’s bejeweled clutch hit the marble floor with a crack, spilling its contents everywhere.

Rubbing her sore shoulder, Sophia looked down and found herself staring at an empty condom wrapper lying conspicuously at her feet.

Sophia was just bending down to retrieve the fallen item when another hand swooped in, grabbing it and quickly stuffing it into her clutch.

She looked up and froze the instant she recognized the face. “Emily?”

Seeing Emily at the party was no surprise-the event was in her honor, after all. But the opened condom wrapper told a completely different story.

Sophia’s stomach clenched. She knew that brand and style all too well-it was Lucas’s preferred kind.

The realization hit her like a physical blow. Then her eyes caught the vivid love bite on Emily’s neck.

Even through the carefully applied makeup, the mark stood out like a confession.

“You…” The word caught in Sophia’s throat, each breath sharp and painful.

Emily scooped the items off the floor and shoved them back into her clutch. “It’s not what you think,” she said quickly. “Nothing’s going on with Lucas and me.”

Her explanation only made the situation appear more suspicious.

Olivia Young was engaged to Sophia’s brother, David Evans, making the lost earring all the more significant.

Though Sophia had never seen the jewelry herself, she understood its importance immediately.

Pushing aside her personal worries, she smoothed her gown and followed Wendy downstairs.

Downstairs, Olivia was in a state of anxiety about the missing earrings, while Margaret stood by her side, keeping a supportive arm around her shoulders.

When Margaret noticed Sophia, her eyes narrowed. “You stole Olivia’s earrings?” she exclaimed, her voice sharp with accusation. “And you couldn’t even be bothered to hide the fact?”

Margaret’s eyes were like daggers, and every accusing word cut deeper than the last.

Sophia stared in stunned disbelief. “What are you talking about? I’ve never stolen anything from anyone.”

“Don’t you dare lie to me!” Margaret’s voice turned shrill. “Those are the family heirlooms meant for Olivia. I excused your humble background and poor manners, but I never thought you’d sink to stealing.”