Fear coiled within her as she thought of the messages Aurora had just sent her.

Did he read them?

The idea was frightening, and the reality seemed to have manifested. In her shock, she attempted to snatch her phone back, but Bennett moved away. "I didn't intend to snoop, but when your phone dropped, I saw your friend's message when I picked it up."

He paused, before diving in again, "So, you're marrying me just to escape Anthony?"

“Yes, I realize it sounds absurd, but it was the best solution I could come up with!"

“Really?”

Bennett returned the phone, his smile infused with disbelief. "I can't quite accept that."

Claudia reached out for her phone, ready to explain further, when Bennett interrupted, “Perhaps you should see what else your friend sent."

A feeling of unease twisted in Claudia's gut.

Opening her chat with Aurora, she wished she could just vanish.

"Cece, relax. You two are Legally married now. You can have sex.

Anyway, I'll leave you be. Bye. And be mindful of your injury!"

Bennett Likely only saw the former part of the message mentioning sex on notification since the phone was locked when he picked it up.

Nevertheless, regardless of what Bennett may have witnessed, Claudia knew that proving her innocence was close to impossible.

Suddenly feeling heat creeping up her ears, she held her phone in silence. After collecting herself, she mustered the courage to face the ever-calm Bennett, pleading, "Please, Let me explain."

“What can you possibly explain?" Bennett asked.

Claudia cast her gaze downward.

“Please, just hear me out."

“Well, proceed."

Claudia's face twisted with discomfort.

She nibbled on her Lower lip, hinting at her discomfort.

“My friend was simply blabbering. Please don't take it personally."