She smiles politely, studying my outfit. I don’t miss how she covertly glances at my left hand, where the engagement ring is missing.
“Is Mr. Singhania home?” she asks, stepping into the kitchen with the cleaning supplies.
“No, he’s at work.”
“Rough night?” She points under her eyes, then at me.
The dark circles I couldn’t tame from all the crying last night. I’ve been avoiding thinking about how I’ll rectify the blackmailing situation with Nathan. It’s my mess. Kianshouldn’t have to clean it up. I should confess everything to him. Doing so would take away Nathan’s leverage over me.
But the god-awful fear residing like a boulder inside my chest won’t let me.
I get hives every time I think about it.
What if Kian thinks I’m sick in the head? He says nothing can tear us apart, but what if this does?
Sonya clears her throat, jerking me out of my thoughts.
“Sorry,” I mumble, leaning against the counter. “I have a lot on my mind.”
“Is everything okay?” Concern etches her soft voice.
“Yeah, yeah, I need to catch up on some sleep.” Pushing off the countertop, I turn around and grab the pan. “Would you like some tea? I’m making it.”
“No, thank you. I don’t want to be in your hair.”
“It’s all right. I’d love some company.” I pull out tea leaves and sugar while the water boils on the stove. “Have a seat.”
“Okay. Just this once.”
She dusts the attached dining room while I make the tea. Once it’s ready, she washes her hands in the sink and takes a seat across the kitchen island from me.
Lifting the cup, she blows and takes a sip. “Oh, this is very nice.”
“Thanks.” Curious, I ask, “Are you married?”
“No, never.”
“Why not?”
“I wanted to when I was young. As I grew older, I realized people put too much stock in it. You can be just as happy being single.”
My brows draw together. “So, you’ve never been in love?”
“Of course I have,” she utters with a sad smile. “But nothing that lasted forever.”
“What about kids?”
Longing fills her eyes as she glances away, muttering, “That, I regret. I wanted a kid, but not a husband. In my time, you couldn’t have one without the other. I would’ve been a pariah. I didn’t want my kid to suffer because of my greed.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“I’ve made my peace with it. I know it’s not my place to pry,” she says nervously, then tilts her head. “Aren’t you engaged to Mr. Singhania’s younger brother?”
“I am.”
“Then why do you live with Kian?” It’s the first time I’ve heard her call him by his name, which shocks me. “Are you having an… affair? I’m not judging, I promise.”
“It’s complicated.”
