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Julian came home.

When he saw Sophia, his expression shifted — something cold and tired crossed his face.

"Why are you here?"

Sophia ran to him and pointed at me. "Julian, you married someone without telling me? Make her leave!"

Julian flicked her on the forehead.

"Behave. Call her Lily."

"But—"

"Or I'm enrolling you in boarding school."

Sophia looked at me with profound resentment and muttered, "...Lily."

Julian told the housekeeper to take her home.

When she was gone, I looked at Julian.

"Why did she call me Lily instead of... something else?"

Not sister-in-law.

He wouldn't quite meet my eyes.

"Julian." I placed the marriage license on the table between us. "If you think of me as a sister, then we're just siblings. We can go sort out the divorce tomorrow. But if you think of me as your wife — then be honest with me. About everything."

He sat down heavily.

"Ivy," he said. His voice came out slowly, like it cost him something. "You're Elaine's biological daughter."