Chapter 157. He’s Married to Samantha

Freya POV

It’s a new day. Ryder had already left for work like usual. I stayed in bed a little longer, replaying everything that happened at the gala last night — the cold way he spoke to Alaric, the tension with Lincoln, the way he publicly claimed me in front of everyone.

He didn’t say a word about it when we got home, and I didn’t ask. I could tell he didn’t want to talk about his past or family. I’d respect that.

Just then, my phone buzzed with a notification. A text from an unknown number.

Unknown: Hey Freya, can we meet up at the café near the waterfront? I’d really like to talk to you.

A frown took over my face. Who the fuck is this asshole?

I typed back quickly: Who is this? No.

A few seconds later, another message came through — a photo of a man smiling in what looked like a luxurious café, followed by text.

Unknown: It’s Lincoln. Got your number from a mutual friend. Sorry for the secrecy.

I gasped, my hand flyin