**Chapter 4: A Web of Secrets**

Sophia's words hung in the air, leaving Mercedes feeling like she'd been punched in the gut. She glanced at Freddie, who looked equally shocked. The woman's piercing green eyes seemed to bore into Mercedes's soul, as if searching for answers. "Sophia, what are you talking about?" Mercedes asked, trying to sound calm despite the turmoil brewing inside her. Sophia smiled, her eyes glinting with a knowing light. "I know all about you and Freddie," she said, her voice dripping with an air of mystery. "I've been watching you, Mercedes. I know about your little trysts, your secret meetings. And I have to say, I'm a bit surprised." Mercedes felt her face heat up with embarrassment. How did Sophia know about her affair with Freddie? And what did she plan to do with this information? "How did you...?" Mercedes started to ask, but Sophia cut her off. "That's not important right now," Sophia said, her eyes flicking to Freddie. "What's important is that I know Freddie's not who you think he is. He's hiding something, Mercedes. Something big." Mercedes's mind reeled as she turned to Freddie. "What is she talking about?" she demanded, her voice shaking with unease. Freddie's expression was guarded, and for a moment, Mercedes thought she saw a flicker of fear in his eyes. But then, his mask slipped back into place, and he smiled. "Sophia, what are you playing at?" he asked, his voice smooth as silk. "Mercedes, don't listen to her. She's just trying to cause trouble." Sophia laughed, a low, throaty sound. "Oh, Freddie," she said, shaking her head. "You're as predictable as ever. But Mercedes, I think it's time you knew the truth. Come with me, and I'll show you." Mercedes hesitated, unsure of what to do. Part of her wanted to trust Sophia, to believe that she was trying to help. But another part of her was screaming to get away, to protect herself and her secrets. As she looked at Freddie, she saw a glimmer of something in his eyes, something that made her heart skip a beat. It was a warning, a signal that she needed to be careful. With a sense of trepidation, Mercedes stood up, her eyes locked on Sophia's. "Okay," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll come with you." As they walked away from the bench, Freddie's eyes followed them, his expression unreadable. But Mercedes could have sworn she saw a flicker of panic, a sense of desperation that made her wonder if she'd just made a huge mistake.