Chapter 4

Public appearance

Sophia was standing behind the velvet curtains in the grand ballroom of The Watercrest Hotel. Her hand trembled a little as she held the fragile flute of sparkling water.

Through the partition, the muted roar of the press could be heard, voices rising heels clicking, and flashes popping.

She had the impression of a lamb who was ready to be fed to wolves. Outside, the media circled like sharks sniffing blood and the elite buzzed with curiosity.

This gala wasn't your typical one. She made her debut as Mrs. Sophia Drake in public.

Adrian looking dapper in a fitted black tuxedo stood close to her. “Ready?” he asked.

His face was unreadable giving off an air of authority. In an attempt to calm herself, she honestly replied, “ No.”

“Let's finish this up now.” His voice was low but firm as he leaned in. “Smile as we enter, calm and self-assured. And unless I specifically ask, don't respond to any direct questions.”

Sophia raised an eyebrow. “ Whoa. You have a real talent for making a woman fall deeply in love.”

Adrian gave a small grin. “Mrs. Drake just keep close.”

The curtains then opened. They were hit like a wave by the noise. Camera flashes erupted in a blinding thunderstorm.

Microphones were pushed forward. As they approached, reporters' voices clashed.

“Are Adrian and Sophia in love?”

“ Are you getting married or is this a merger Adrian?”

“ Did Julian Drake give the union his approval?”

“Will Bennett Global be saved as a result?”

The confusion, the questions and the lights all appeared at once. But Sophia remained in her position. Recalling his directions she put a delicate hand on his arm while elegantly tilting her chin.

As if he had done this all his life Adrian handled it all. Calm. Polished. Each word is a chess piece that has been placed with care.

With a politician's ease, he declared.  “We are thrilled to begin this new chapter together. This marriage is based on love,  family vision, and trust.”

Sophia almost choked on that one. But she played the part that was given to her and grinned for the cameras.

In a sea of staged pictures, Adrians hand rested lightly on the small of her back as the press conference came to an end.

It was courteous enough to spark rumors but possessive enough for headlines.

Sophia sighed as the photographers eventually withdrew. However, the night was just getting started.

In the evening she was standing next to Adrian at the Drake Foundations Annual Gala wearing an emerald green gown that embraced her figure.

Although it appeared to be a charity event everyone knew it was a planned show of wealth, influence, and good looks.

The gold trim and chandeliers glistened in the ballroom. As the elites mixed over champagne and flimsy laughter.

A string quartet played in the corner. Sophia's smiling face had started to ache. Adrian was effortlessly charming, always poised, and moved as if he belonged in this world.

When he spoke businessmen leaned closer. The lashes of women wearing couture gowns were too long.

Nevertheless, he remained close to Sophia, occasionally grazing her with his fingers as a quiet reminder that they were pretending to be real.

She pretended to care, holding her glass and taking a sip. Until she was startled by a deep voice.

“ Loving the trophy wife role?” It was a smooth venomous and sharp voice. Julian Drake.

Standing at a distance he had the appearance of a man sculpted from trouble and old money.

A smirking mouth, eyes too cold for someone so attractive, and in a midnight blue tux.

Sophia remained unfazed. “You still act like a snake in a suit.”

Swirling his drink, Julian smiled. “You adapt easily. All that desperation to save your company is showing. I can see it even with my eyes closed.”

Her eyes narrowed. “You must  be bored. Are you trying to get entertained by talking to me?”

His tone lowered, and he took a step closer. “You must exercise caution, Sophia. The game you're playing is one you don't understand.”

She didn't give up even though her heart skipped a beat. “And you believe you do?”

“I am fully aware of how this will end.” Even though he spoke calmly, there was danger in every word. “You are a pawn acting like a queen. However, pawns are always sacrificed first.”

With a voice barely above a whisper, she objected. “I’m not afraid of you. Haven't you done your worst? You ruined my father's reputation.”

Julian chuckled, his eyes had a glint of amusement. “I see. Is that what your father told you? You should be scared. Adrian is hiding something from you.”

She stiffened in shock. “Wh…What are you talking about?” She stuttered.

“Is everything alright with you two?”

Adrian's deep voice doused her curiosity and she turned swiftly to face him.

Julian smiled with ease. “Just welcoming the new bride to the family.” He took a glass of champagne from a waiter passing by. And raised his glass in her direction. “Let me make a toast. To the union of love and continued progress.”

“Thanks, cousin.” With a protective step, Adrian put a hand around Sophia's waist. “I made the right choice.”

Julian languidly lifted his glass. “You’re correct. She is now yours.”

He smiled mockingly and then melted into the crowd

Sophia's heart was racing. She turned to face Adrian. “He called me a pawn. Is there something I need to know?”

Adrian clenched his jaw. “Don't listen to him. He enjoys stirring things up.”

He paused looking around the throng. “Julian feels resentful of me. He has always been. He believes I took his position.”

Sophia's arms were folded. “So this our marriage was to irritate him?”

No Adrian replied, meeting her gaze. “It was for our mutual benefit.”

Too much felt left unsaid but she wanted to believe him. Nevertheless, the night continued.

Visitors came. The cameras swung. Waiters drifted by. She then smiled once more as though nothing was changing inside of her.

Julian stood by himself on the balcony looking out at the sparkling city lights long after the speeches and toasts had stopped.

Adrian walked over. “You should stop what you're doing. It's not going to work,” he said in a low voice.

Julian didn't look around. “You’ve always had a talent for acting. Acting as though you are the hero. The rescuer. The ideal son. She doesn't know, does she?”Julian said, turning to face him at last.

Adrian's face became stern. “Sophia is not your concern.”

Julian's smile was icy. “You’re correct. She is now your issue.

Adrian balled his fists.

The air tensed and Julian took a step forward. “The worst decision you made was to get married to a woman soaked in scandal. A woman you hardly know with a collapsing business to her name. She is a mistake, Adrian,” Julian's eyes blazed in anger.

“Whatever I do is none of your business,” Adrian growled.

Julian spoke in a whisper as he leaned in closer. “The board is keeping an eye. Investors are skeptical about your choice.

Do you think tonight's brief performance was enough? Tick-tock cousin. You don't know what's about to befall you.”

He turned and left leaving Adrian to bear the burden of the warning.