Hurried footsteps echoed through the grand foyer of the Reid family mansion as Theodore and Bella rushed in, their hearts pounding with a mix of worry and apprehension. The first person they encountered was Claudia, her face contorted in a sneer.
"Theodore, you've finally arrived," she said with disdain. Her icy gaze then flicked to Bella. "Why on earth did you bring her here?"
Theodore's jaw clenched. "She is my wife," he growled, possessively intertwining his fingers with Bella's. "And this is her home as well."
A cruel smile twisted Claudia's lip. "Oh dear, so your little secret is out in the open. Your marriage is just a contract, isn't it? She is hardly your real wife."
Bella gasped, her hand flying to her mouth in shock. Theodore, sensing her distress, squeezed her hand reassuringly.
