He Wanted a Pet, I Left Him Behind

Chapter 3

Elena stared at Marcus.

"I didn't push her. Check the security footage."

Sophia went pale.

Her lips trembled. "I..."

"What is there to check?" Chloe snapped. "Someone like you is rotten to the core. You're just jealous of Sophia."

Marcus said nothing.

He held Elena's gaze for a long moment, then bent down and lifted Sophia into his arms.

"Chloe, call a doctor."

Elena's vision blurred as she watched them leave.

She stood there until her legs became numb.

'I am his wife, yet he thinks I'm the one who did something disgraceful?'

A soft, bitter laugh escaped her.

Marcus certainly knew how to hurt her.

She pressed a hand to her chest, desperately trying to convince herself that Dummy and this Marcus Hale were two different men.

A doctor arrived in a rush and left just as quickly.

Marcus stayed in Sophia's room all night.

Elena knew she only had to wait a little longer.

Once Diane's money arrived, she could leave for good.

The next morning, Elena came downstairs and saw Marcus and Sophia sitting close together on the couch.

Marcus stiffened when he noticed her.

He subtly shifted a little farther away from Sophia.

Elena pretended not to see.

"Ellie." Marcus stood and blocked her path. He stepped closer. "Ellie, Sophia's ankle hurts. I was only taking care of her."

"Mhm."

Her flat response unsettled him, though he couldn't explain why.

"Ellie, are you mad at me? About yesterday, I..."

Elena simply pulled out a thumb drive.

"The security footage from yesterday."

"Marcus, I still feel awful. Can you take me to the hospital?"

Sophia cut in, a thread of panic in her voice.

Marcus hesitated, but in the end, he nodded.

"Ellie, you've always been understanding. Sophia's injury is more serious. I have to take her to the hospital now." He kissed Elena's forehead. "I'll make it up to you when I get back."

Then he lifted Sophia and walked straight out the door.

Elena caught Sophia's smug smile.

Disgusted, she kept rubbing the spot on her forehead where Marcus had kissed.

Proving her innocence had been pointless.

'Forget it. A man like that isn't worth holding on to.'

After they left, the money Diane had promised finally reached Elena's account.

Elena packed her luggage and went to the visa office to request expedited processing.