Secrets and Suspicions
Bella's POV
I felt the weight of betrayal sitting heavy on my chest. The way Sam reacted cold, dismissive, and secretive cut deeper than I ever imagined. I had thought that despite the complicated nature of our relationship, there was something real between us, something honest.
But now, I wasn't so sure.
I paced around my room, my thoughts spiraling. *What if he approached me intentionally? What if this whole thing, the contract marriage, and his sudden offer to help save my brother was part of some scheme?*
The connection between our fathers gnawed at my mind. Those pictures weren't just coincidences. Sam had known my father. He must have. And yet, he'd acted like he knew nothing, like our lives had just conveniently intersected.