Chapter One Hundred-Thirteen

After a moment, Karina stared, unable to talk until she found her voice. "I know you're kidding and trying to brighten up my mood, but… that's serious."

Lucas shook his head, holding her hand. "I'm not kidding, Karina. I'm serious."

She was taken aback, and he continued, "I know this came out at the wrong time, but I'm concerned about your future and that of your daughter."

Still confused, she asked, "How do you mean?"

Lucas explained, "Aidan isn't going to stop seeing Sophie, and if he presses on, he's likely to find out she's his daughter. I know you don't want that. If we get married, I will be Sophie's father legally, and we can make Aidan stay away."

Karina nodded, considering his words. After all, she had already lied to Aidan that Lucas was Sophie's father. It wouldn't be hard to tell Sophie the same.

Lucas pressed on, "Just like we're faking a relationship to the public, we could have a simple marriage and pretend to be a loving couple to push Aidan farther away."

Karina conte