Chapter 31

Nicholas's eyes widened as he took a step back, his mind racing to comprehend the accusations. His mother's face turned pale, her eyes darting back and forth between Sarah and Nicholas.

"Your...your mother leaked the photos to the media?" Sarah's voice trembled with rage. "She blackmailed my mother and forced me to marry you? This was your plan all along, wasn't it?"

Nicholas's mother took a step forward, her hands raised in defense. "Sarah, no, it wasn't like that..."

But Sarah wasn't having it. She turned her attention to Nicholas, her eyes blazing with fury. "And you knew everything, didn't you? You knew your mother's plan, and you went along with it. You used me, Nicholas. You ruined me once again."

With a swift motion, Sarah slapped Nicholas across the face, the sound echoing through the room. Nicholas felt a stinging sensation, but it was nothing compared to the pain he saw in Sarah's eyes.

He knew this day would come. He had hidden his mother's secret, hoping to protect himself