Page 105 of The Boss and the Wedding Mess
"We have something important to discuss with you. It couldn't wait," I say and point to the couch across from us. Marc and Stephanie look puzzled but sit down.
"This seems incredibly important," Marc remarks.
"It is. I need to talk to you about something. I have a suspicion, and I have to know what's really going on."
"If this is about our marriage..." Marc stammers.
"Yes, well, our marriage..." Stephanie speaks simultaneously. They look at each other and then back at me. Neither finishes their sentences.
"When you were at my place on Friday, a USB went missing. It contained a copy of the software I've been developing for a long while. Someone switched the drive for a blank one that I put in the safe. And you're the only one who could have done it." I stare at Marc. His expression turns to stone. He even slightly lifts his chin arrogantly, while Stephanie sits quietly next to him without making a sound. She probably knows that Marc stole the drive.
Their reactions are genuine. None of them is surprised or angry. They've just told on themselves.
Shit.
"What makes you think that?" Marc lies laughing nervously. "Why would I do that? Not to mention London was in your office too."
"It couldn't have been her. But yes, I suspected her the whole time."
"How long have you known her? A month?"
"That's right."
"And how long have we known each other? Since we were kids!"
"I know."
"So, you trust a woman you're sleeping with over your best friend?"
Even now, Stephanie doesn't react. This only confirms my theory.
"My best friend wouldn't steal from me. Or let's say... wouldn't make sure I go back to the States, so his marriage doesn't fall apart." Out of the corner of my eye, London’s looking at me, confused, while Stephanie stares at the floor with a bright red face. Marc glares at me.
Bull's eye.
“I’m here for the truth,” I say coldly. “And this season of “The Mole” ends today."
"Do you think I'm stupid enough to take something from you when I want your position? You agreed to leave. What does thishave to do with our marriage?" So, he wants to keep playing this game. I see.
"For a long time, I didn't understand what was really going on here. I thought it was coincidences, or that I was just imagining certain things, but it all makes sense when you put the individual pieces together. The puzzle is complete." I sigh quietly, because I never wanted to say it out loud: "Stephanie is in love with me."
As soon as I say this, she closes her eyes and looks slightly away. Marc sits like a statue. London, however, gasps.
It’s out in the open.
The truth needs to come out.
Things have been festering in the dark for far too long.
Chapter 31
London
I'm shaking all over.
Marc glares at Alexander, while Stephanie sits, hands folded, eyes closed.
"I even think you've been in love with me for years. That's why you've always rejected Marc."
