CHAPTER 257

I sat on the edge of my bed, staring down at my hands as William’s suggestion hung in the air between us. The practical side of me knew he was right: that his idea could save my image from the scandal.

But it felt as if something intangible was pressing against me, keeping me from agreeing outright. Pretending to be with William to save my reputation felt like a betrayal towards Leon somehow.

Seeing my hesitation, William pulled a chair close and sat down, leaning forward so that he was right at my level. “Margarette, I get it,” he said quietly, his voice gentle. “You don’t have to feel bad about considering this. It’s just a cover up. I know what Leon meant to you, and I’d never ask you to forget that.”

I looked up, taken aback by his words. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to…well, I just… I feel like I’d be crossing a line,” I admitted, trying to put into words the unease gnawing at me. “Even if it’s just for show, I don’t want anyone to think I’ve moved on from Leon so quickly. I don’t even