002 - One Chance

Nation’s ideal husband. That was what people called Adrian Beckett—a title Sophie had helped him earn. 

A self-made man, building his kingdom within just one generation. Beckett Holdings went public after only three years, and on the announcement livestream, Adrian had turned to Sophie and proposed. The internet loved it. Proof that romance wasn’t dead, they said.

What a performance they had put on. Both of them, it turned out.

Their black Audi stopped in front of a high-end, fine dining restaurant. Adrian stepped outside, handed his keys to the valet driver.

“Take care of her, alright?” he said to the driver, patting the roof of his car before walking over to the passenger door, opening it for Sophie. “After you, my lady.”

Sophie giggled, then gave her hand away for Adrian to escort. Truly a picture of a perfect couple. They walked into the restaurant, letting the waiters guide them to their designated special rooftop seat. A pair of new-money, yet they moved in perfect harmony and unison as if they had always belonged in this world.

Adrian pulled her a chair, perfectly serving her until the appetizer arrived and their meal began. Sophie picked up her utensils, started eating with impeccable table manners. Adrian smiled, his face couldn’t even hide his awe.

“I like watching you eat,” he said. “It’s always so beautiful.”

Sophie’s hands stopped. She lifted her head. What she found was Adrian, looking at her with what looked like genuine affection.

Were it not for the photos she saw earlier, Sophie would swoon and fall all over again.

“I tried my hardest,” Sophie responded with a shy smile. “I can’t embarrass you.”

Adrian had always needed that from her—someone who elevated him without overshadowing him. One drunken night, years ago, he slipped and said it plainly: "I'm glad you have the grace to suit me, Sophie."

She smiled then too. The same smile. She was beginning to think it was the only one he ever actually saw.

“Nonsense,” Adrian said. “Nothing you do will ever embarrass me, darling.”

Sophie said nothing. She just smiled—the same shy smile she always flashed—and continued eating.

Just as the main course was set, Adrian’s phone started to ring. He reached for it, and after reading the caller ID, he swiftly declined. He smiled at Sophie, a gentle, boyish smile, just like their college days. “You will enjoy this. It’s your long-awaited dover sole meunière. You’ve always wanted to try it, right?”

After three years, Sophie’s face knew to light up on cue. As the seafood dish was placed before her, she glanced at Adrian who was cutting up his wagyu steak. When his eyes met hers, he gestured and urged her to eat.

Then Adrian’s phone rang again.

This time, Adrian was visibly perplexed. He saw the name on the phone, weighing something before finally declining it again.

“Who was it?” Sophie asked with a practiced concern. She didn’t need to. She could roughly guess.

“Just someone from work,” Adrian replied. “Don’t worry, just eat. You have to see the dessert I ordered for you.”

But before long, his phone rang once more.

“Adrian,” Sophie said, “it could be important.”

Adrian held back a groan. He finally stood up, apologetically stepping away. The moment Adrian’s figure disappeared into the stairs, Sophie’s smile dropped.

As expected, it was Julia Hall who called. Sophie saw that name in a flash.

She had thought she was prepared. That from now on, Adrian would leave her like this more often. Gradually, Adrian would start prioritizing Julia over her. She could almost guess what his reasons would be: important project, something at work. Julia’s position as an associate granted her that much loophole to exploit. Sophie thought she could let go. After all, her role as a wife was just make believe.

So when she felt a phantom hand gripping her heart, even she was surprised.

It seemed that somewhere in her subconsciousness, she had hoped to make it real.

As her mind wandered, she received a message. From her brother.

“Your divorce lawyer is ready. Just give me the word, and I’ll send him flying to you. I’ll make sure you get everything you deserve.”

Sophie’s fingers hover. For the first time since she found out about the affair, she felt doubt.

“Thank you, brother,” she finally typed. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

One chance.

Sophie inhaled. She picked up her fork again, eating her meal.

She needed to confront Adrian. As she thought, blindsiding him like this wasn’t right. Sophie had her own secrets, too, so she was willing to give Adrian a chance.

Just once.

It’s not like she didn’t have a way out, anyway.