CHAPTER 5
1133 Words
SOPHIA
There was a knock at the door and Jace stepped in without waiting. He looked me up and down and gave a short nod.
“That’ll do,” he said simply.
“You clean up well too,” I said, unable to stop the words.
He looked amused and walked over. “You don’t look like a maid anymore, small brain. You look like a wife.”
I didn’t know what to say to that so I just grabbed my purse and followed him downstair.
✦ JACE ✦
I tried not to stare as Sophia stood still for the help to finish fussing over her makeup.
A message from Kyle buzzed through. I stepped aside and walked down the stairs, replying with a quick voice note.
When I looked up, she was standing at the top of the stairs. A maid held her hand lightly as she walked. Her teal dress clung to her body and flowed as she moved, and the slit was cut high enough to show the lace edge of the garter belt underneath.
My jaw tensed as my gaze dropped to her legs and climbed back up. She wore simple diamond jewelry and her hair was brushed down in soft waves, parted in the middle and tucked behind one ear. The gloss on her lips caught the light.
“You look stunning,” I said, clearing my throat.
She gave a nod. Her eyes were still guarded.
“Shall we?” I asked.
***
“This isn’t going to be easy, Sophia. You want to turn back now? Just say the word” I said as we reached the event.
“I’m ready,” she said with a small sigh.
I gave the signal for the driver to open the door. I stepped out first and held out my hand for her. She took it without hesitation.
Cameras went off as soon as we stepped onto the red carpet. The press had been waiting. They didn’t know her and that made them hungrier. Sophia’s name would be everywhere by tomorrow and so would the questions.
I kept my arm around her as we walked. My smile didn’t waver, but I was already counting the seconds until I could leave. I hated nights like this but my company didn’t run on silence and privacy. It ran on image. Reputation. Appearances.
We hadn’t taken more than a few steps inside before my mother came rushing toward us.
✦ SOPHIA ✦
“Good evening, mum. How—” Jace didn’t get to finish.
Anita swept past him and pulled me into a hug.
“So you’re the one marrying my son?” she said with a wide smile.
“Yes, ma,” I answered softly, glancing at Jace for help. He looked just as surprised as I was.
My palms were clammy and my new phone wouldn’t stop buzzing in my purse. I hadn’t even posted anything yet but Jace tagging me was enough to send my follower count climbing past half a million. I barely knew how to stand in heels, let alone act like I belonged in a room full of CEOs, designers and women who looked like they were born in pearls.
I should turn around and walk away but Anita gripped my hand and pulled me into the crowd. I saw Jace’s jaw tighten as he watched her walk away with me. He looked like he had something to say but stayed silent.
✦ JACE ✦
I felt Kyle tap my shoulder.
“Hey man. Where’ve you been all day?” he asked.
“With Sophia,” I said. “We went out. Got some things done.”
“You just met her?”
“Don’t worry about it.”
Kyle gave me a look but stayed quiet for a second. Then, “She’s pretty. You guys actually look good together. Bev said the same thing.”
I turned. “What did Bev do now?”
“Nothing. Just—hey Bev,” Kyle said as she walked up.
She wore a bright dress that caught too much light. Always overdressed for every occasion. Always loud.
“What were you two gossiping about?” she asked, eyes flicking to me.
“We were just saying Jace should relax for once,” Kyle said. “Tell him, Bev.”
“Oh I agree,” she said, her voice too sweet. “Your fiancée is stunning, by the way. Where is she from?”
I didn’t answer. I looked at her and said, “Being childhood friends doesn’t mean you get to ask personal questions.”
Kyle laughed and tried to change the subject but I wasn’t listening anymore.
“By the way,” I said, turning to Bev. “How did you even know we were engaged?”
“You’ll find out in a second,” she said, then nodded toward the stage.
My stomach dropped.
Anita stood with a mic, smiling at the crowd.
“Thank you all for being here tonight. We’re gathered to celebrate the engagement of my son, Jace, and his beautiful fiancée Sophia.”
I clenched my jaw.
I had told her we’d announce it in a week. Clearly, she had other plans.
“Please welcome the couple as they come share their love story,” she added.
I walked to the stage and helped Sophia up. She looked like she wanted to run. I took the mic from my mum and smiled at the crowd.
“We’re grateful for everyone here tonight,” I said. “And to those who helped plan this. But as for our love story, we’ll save that for the wedding day. Right, my love?”
I turned to her.
“Yes, darling,” she said smoothly. “Thank you again for being here.”
People clapped and cheered. Then staff walked out with the boxes.
I was going to do this in private. But now that it was happening, I didn’t see the point in backing out.
I dropped to one knee.
“Sophia,” I said. “Will you marry me?”
She didn’t speak right away. She looked at the ring. Then at me. Then at the crowd.
Anita nodded at her from the front row, smiling like this was all hers to control.
Sophia gave the faintest smile.
“Yes,” she said.
The crowd erupted. I slipped the ring on her finger and stood. I leaned in for a kiss.
She didn’t pull back. Her lips parted slightly. I moved closer.
Then a voice rang out through the speakers.
“STOP!”
I turned.
A woman stood at the edge of the stage, holding a mic. I knew that face.
And I knew nothing good would ever came out of seeing it again.
- Writer
