Chapter 3

Almost like self-punishment, I texted Sophie.

"Find out where they're going and book a nearby hotel room to invite him over."

She replied with an "OK."

In the following days, Sophie and Lucas became inseparable. At the office, they even openly exchange flirtatious glances. They would also slip into corners for intimate moments whenever they thought I wasn't watching.

He believed no one noticed, but the gossip had already spread like wildfire.

Sophie wasn't keeping things low-key as she'd promised. If anything, she wanted everyone to know she was his lover.

Whenever I walked past different departments, I constantly overheard their gossip.

"Have you heard that the boss' lady is getting replaced?"

"Sophie from reception, right? She's one of those graceful Southern belles. Pretty, charming, knows how to have fun, and a world of difference from Vivian, that old hag."

"Exactly. All Vivian knows is hammering us about performance targets. It's so annoying. Let's see how she makes a fool of herself."

I said nothing. Instead, I silently prepared for my resignation and withdrawal of investment.

Our five-year anniversary arrived right on schedule. Lucas had hinted for weeks that he would propose tonight.

Across the candlelit table, he looked the part in a deep blue suit. But his hands kept clenching and unclenching in his lap.

My mind was elsewhere as I wondered whether Sophie had already made a scene and his plan for her.

The resident singer began performing our song—Fairytale. It was his cue to play the prince and lead me to the dance floor. Instead, he gripped his phone, his face twisting into an apologetic mask.

"Sorry, Vee. That difficult client from last time is…"

Before he could finish, I waved him off.

He fled like he'd been granted a pardon.

I continued texting Sophie instructions from the restaurant.

From my seat, I guided Sophie through text messages.

First, I told her to calm him down. Then, she needed to tell him how important he was to her. I also warned her not to go too far. The goal was to make him feel essential, not like a burden. Just as I predicted, she had him completely under her control.

A moment later, a photo from Sophie appeared on my screen. It showed Lucas on a rumpled bed, his usually proud face softened with desire, his gaze uncharacteristically tender.

I knew him better than anyone. With the slightest effort, I could have him exactly where I wanted him. But I had no interest in playing that part. I would only ever be myself.

Lucas returned to the restaurant soon after. His suit was perfectly neat, but it carried the distinct scent of Sophie's perfume. Even the engagement ring he produced seemed tainted by her touch.

"The moment is ruined," I said before he could speak. "I won't accept a proposal like this. Try again. Perhaps at my family's investment conference next month."

Hearing that, he silently put the ring away.

That night, I saw Sophie's photo on her social media. Her hand was intertwined with Lucas', and a glint on her ring finger caught the light. It was the engagement ring that had been meant for me.

"Lucas said his girlfriend doesn't appreciate him and gave me the engagement ring instead. Does this mean he's going to marry me?"

I found her message laughable. He was the one who abandoned his proposal halfway to meet his lover, yet he blamed everything on me.

I scrolled through the chat log, reading Lucas' malicious lies about me.

"She uses her family's money to treat me like a dog on a leash. I've had enough!"

"Sophie, please don't leave me. I'll do everything I can to give you the best."

"Just hang on a few more days. Once the agreement's signed at the investment conference, we won't have to fear anyone."

Sophie then texted me.

"But he says the investment conference is crucial, and he's planning another proposal there. How do I stop him?"

I replied, "The conference is where Vanguard Tech and the Cruise family sign a ten-year partnership contract. If that contract is signed, they'll be tied together forever. You need to sabotage this event.

"All the business leaders and family friends will be there. It's time for you to stop hiding and make your grand entrance."