Chapter 399
Sophia stood frozen in the walk-in closet, overwhelmed by the choices before her.
Ethan had filled the space with racks upon racks of designer outfits—couture gowns, tailored suits, luxurious cashmere sweaters—all in her size, all exorbitantly priced. But no matter how expensive the fabric, what did it matter?
What was her status in the Blackwood family?
Just the mother of his child.
Nothing more.
Still, Ethan had insisted she dress impeccably for tonight’s dinner at Blackwood Manor. For Lilly’s sake, if nothing else. She couldn’t embarrass their daughter.
Sophia finally settled on an outfit—a pristine white turtleneck paired with a burnt orange leather skirt. Simple, understated, yet striking. The contrast made her look effortlessly elegant, her slender neck accentuated like a swan’s.
She added knee-high boots and swept her hair into a high ponytail, elongating her silhouette.
When she stepped out, Ethan’s reaction was immediate.
His gaze darkened, possessive in a way that sent a shiver down her spine. The intensity in his eyes was new—raw, primal.
The thought of other men seeing her like this, especially at Blackwood Manor, where his cousin Liam and his circle of wealthy friends would be, made his jaw tighten.
He wanted to lock her away where no one else could look at her.
“What’s wrong?” Sophia asked softly, tilting her head.
“Change.”
She frowned. “Not formal enough?” She knew the outfit was simple, but she hated anything too flashy. Especially in that house, where she had been humiliated before.
She didn’t want to draw attention.
But Ethan’s expression was unyielding.
Gritting her teeth, she retreated back into the closet and chose something more extravagant—a deep emerald dress with intricate beading, something a noblewoman might wear.
When she emerged again, she looked every inch the untouchable aristocrat.
Cold. Regal.
She hated it.
It wasn’t the dress.
It was the fact that she didn’t belong in it. Women like Isabella Thornton or Charlotte Kensington could wear these clothes effortlessly—women with power, with names that carried weight.
What was she?
A nobody.
And Ethan—was he really her shield?
“Change,” he repeated, voice rough.
Sophia exhaled sharply. “I told you I didn’t want to go—”
Before she could finish, Ethan crossed the room in two strides and scooped her into his arms.
She gasped, shoving at his chest. “Ethan! What are you—Lilly will see—”
But he ignored her protests, carrying her back into the closet and kicking the door shut behind them. He set her down, pressing her against the wall, his body caging hers.
Her pulse spiked.
“What are you doing?” she whispered, voice trembling.
His fingers moved to the buttons of her dress.
Her breath hitched.
Last night had been enough. Why was he like this now? In the morning? With Lilly just outside?
Tears pricked her eyes. “Ethan, please. Think about Lilly—”
His hands stilled.
His voice was low, rough. “I don’t care about the curtains. No one can see in. And if they do—” His thumb brushed her jaw. “—I’ll make sure they regret it.”
She shuddered.
“But you’re right,” he murmured, exhaling. “Lilly matters more.”
His touch gentled.
Then, to her surprise, he stepped back and began unbuttoning her dress properly.
She stiffened. “Ethan—”
“I’m not taking you here,” he said, voice gruff. “Relax.”
He peeled the emerald gown off her, then turned to the racks, selecting a high-neck sweater and a loose, belted coat.
She blinked.
This… was not what she expected.
The outfit was mismatched, almost frumpy. The kind of thing a woman with no fashion sense would throw together.
She wrinkled her nose. “I’m not wearing this.”
Ethan arched a brow.
“I’ll look ridiculous,” she protested.
“Good.”
Her mouth fell open.
He smirked, tugging her close again. “If you’re going to insist on dressing like a queen, I’d rather you look like a clown. At least then, no one else will stare.”
She huffed.
But when his hands lingered on her waist, his expression darkened once more.
Because even in this ridiculous outfit, she was still the most beautiful woman in the room.
And that was the problem.