The Beginning Of All Sins

The staff left after turning on the TV for her.

Olivia sat there alone, bored with no interest in watching TV, so she perused the magazines on the table. Just as she reached for one, Sophie emerged from the other VIP room.

“Olivia.”

Sophie’s voice froze Olivia in place. She turned to face her.

Sophie approached with a grave expression Olivia had never seen before. “Olivia, you and Claude-”

Olivia’s heart clenched at Sophie’s words.

She continued, “Olivia, do you realize you’re betraying your marriage by getting involved with Claude? If our families find out, it’ll cause a storm.” Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

Sophie spoke in a panic, genuinely concerned for her friend and cousin, whom she had always treated like a brother. She understood the gravity of the situation.

“Sophie, it’s not what you think,” Olivia explained.

But how could Sophie believe her? She had seen enough to suspect otherwise.

To Sophie, Olivia was just lying to her.

“We’re good friends, Olivia. I’m saying this for your own good. Why are you lying to me?”

“I’m not, Soof. We’re really not like that.”

Olivia stood up and continued explaining.

Sophie was disappointed. She couldn’t believe Olivia was rejecting her well–meaning advice.

“What were you doing with Claude then? Am I mistaken? You two have definitely crossed a line.”

Olivia clenched her fists. She struggled to explain the events of the other day, knowing Sophie might not

believe her either.

She felt helpless.

Sophie went o

on, “Olivia, I’d support you dating Claude if you weren’t married to Mr. Tyler. But you are, and yet you’re flirting with Claude. Do you understand the Harris and Pearce families‘ ties? Claude was

engaged to Morgan, Mr. Tyler’s sister. Do you realize the implications?”

Naturally, Olivia knew that.

Worried that she wasn’t clear, Sophie added, “Their relationship was legitimate apart from not getting married. Claude is considered the Harrises‘ son–in–law. Do you know what people will say if you’re dating Claude?”

Olivia’s face turned pale, fully understanding the implications. She glanced at Sophie, her lips tightly

pressed together.

Sophie’s concem was solely for Claude and her friend’s well–being–she had no ulterior motives.

“Soof- Before Olivia could respond, there was a sudden thud at the door. They turned to find a staff member standing there, causing Olivia’s heart to lurch with guilt.

Sophie was also staring.

The staff member was holding a fruit plate. Clearly startled, she gazed at the two of them.