Chapter 2: The Secret Behind Brooke’s Smile
Three days later, Lila stayed at her father’s countryside home.
For the first time in months, she slept without fear.
Marcus personally checked every door before going to bed.
Not because he thought an enemy would attack.
Because his daughter was finally something worth protecting again.
But Derek wasn’t giving up.
He hired the best attorney money could buy.
He claimed Lila was unstable.
He claimed Marcus had manipulated her.
And worst of all…
He claimed the baby might not even be his.
The accusation broke Lila’s heart.
“He’s trying to destroy me,” she whispered.
Marcus sat beside her.
“No.”
He looked at the documents in his hand.
“He’s trying to distract everyone.”
Lila looked confused.
“What do you mean?”
Marcus placed a folder on the table.
Inside were financial records.
Bank transfers.
Messages.
Photos.
“Derek and Brooke weren’t just having an affair.”
Lila opened the folder.
Her hands began shaking.
They had been planning something.
A fake divorce.
A transfer of property.
A life insurance policy.
Marcus’s expression hardened.
“They weren’t trying to get rid of your baby.”
A pause.
“They were trying to get rid of you.”
Lila covered her mouth.
The realization hit harder than any slap.
Derek never wanted freedom.
He wanted everything she had.
Her family’s inheritance.
Her father’s company shares.
Her future.
Brooke was not just a mistress.
She was his partner.
Meanwhile, Derek and Brooke argued inside a hotel room.
“You said her father would disappear after a few threats,” Derek shouted.
Brooke rolled her eyes.
“I didn’t know he was a former Ranger.”
Derek paced nervously.
“We need to fix this.”
Brooke smiled.
Then she pulled out a small envelope.
“What do you think this is?”
Derek opened it.
Inside was a document.
His face changed.
“What is this?”
Brooke leaned closer.
“The proof that Lila’s father has been hiding.”
Derek stared.
“What are you talking about?”
Brooke smiled.
“Marcus Reed isn’t just a soldier.”
“He’s hiding something.”
That night, Marcus received an anonymous message.
A single photograph.
His expression changed instantly.
Because the picture showed him…
Holding a newborn baby.
A baby from twenty-eight years ago.
May you like
And underneath the photo were five words:
“Your daughter knows nothing.”
