Chapter 335

Sophia couldn't bring herself to reply to Nathan.

Her heart was a tangled mess, wrapped tightly in layers of caution. She could only take things one step at a time.

Right now, her priority was excelling at her new job.

After finishing her tasks, Sophia bathed Lily and changed both of them into comfortable loungewear. When they returned to the living room, Ethan was already there, dressed casually as well.

The atmosphere between the three of them was slightly awkward—mostly for Sophia.

Ethan and Lily seemed unbothered.

Swallowing nervously, Sophia spoke first. "About what happened with Isabella earlier… I—"

"My daughter is my responsibility. You don’t need to worry about it," Ethan cut in firmly.

"Oh…" Sophia fell silent again.

Thankfully, Eleanor arrived with dinner, breaking the tension.

The meal was surprisingly warm, with Lily chattering animatedly between them. Her presence made everything feel lighter.

After dinner, Ethan played with Lily while Sophia retreated to the guest room to prepare for her first day at work. She sketched some designs, organized her materials, and checked the time—10 PM.

She hurried out, only to nearly collide with Ethan, who had just left Lily’s room.

"Did she fall asleep?"

"You didn’t sell the bracelet?"

They spoke at the same time.

Ethan answered first. "Took a few stories, but she’s out now."

Sophia bit her lip. "I didn’t sell it. It was a gift from Aunt Eleanor. I wouldn’t."

Ethan nodded. "Good."

He didn’t press further. That night, he didn’t initiate anything intimate, though she had half-expected—even half-hoped—he might.

He held back, likely because of her early morning.

The next day, Sophia woke before dawn. She carefully selected an outfit—professional but understated—and examined herself in the mirror. Satisfied, she headed to breakfast.

"I won’t be able to take Lily to kindergarten today," she told Ethan. "If I finish work early, I’ll pick her up. If not…"

"Nathan will handle it," Ethan said without looking up.

"Right. Then… I’ll head out."

"Bye, Mommy!" Lily chirped.

Ethan didn’t even glance at her.

Sophia was used to it.

She was quiet by nature, but Ethan was even more reserved.

Stepping outside, she inhaled the crisp morning air, her mood lifting. She walked to the bus stop, boarded, and arrived at work an hour and a half later.

Inside the elevator, two women chatted loudly, oblivious to her presence.

"Did you hear? That woman got caught again. Rumor is Mr. Blackwood won’t let her off easy."

"The latest gossip is he took his illegitimate daughter to Blackwood Manor yesterday. The brat caused a scene in front of guests."

Sophia stiffened.

The women didn’t recognize her.

"Honestly, why would the Blackwoods acknowledge a child from that kind of woman? She’s an ex-con!"

"Because she’s Ethan Blackwood’s only child. Of course they’d dote on her."

"Ugh. That woman’s just using the kid to climb back into his life."

"Please. Mr. Blackwood would never take her back. Not after her scandal six years ago. The family would never allow it."

"They’ll keep the child. The mother? Never."

"So Isabella Thornton is still his fiancée?"

"Actually—" The elevator dinged, cutting her off. The women blinked at Sophia.

"You’re getting off here too?"

Sophia smiled politely. "Yes."

"New hire?"

She nodded.

The women lost interest, resuming their gossip as they walked ahead.

"Did you hear about Isabella’s fight yesterday? If she keeps acting like that, Mr. Blackwood might drop her."

"With her grandfather’s backing? Doubt it. The other woman was the Thornton family’s niece—another desperate socialite trying to marry him."

Sophia tuned them out as she headed to HR.

The takeaway was clear: No one knew she and Ethan were married.

Not Isabella.

Not even the Thornton family.

Their marriage was just a piece of paper—a means to raise Lily.

Sophia wouldn’t dwell on it.

She had a life to rebuild.