Sofia's POV
“I told you to smile, to play your part,” he hissed, his fingers ghosting over my waist where he had just hit me. “And yet you continue to test me.”
“I’m sorry,” I whispered, the words falling from my lips without thought. I knew it wouldn’t stop him, but it was instinct now—to apologize, to pacify, to survive.
Alex exhaled sharply, his grip loosening just slightly before he smoothed a hand over my hair, tucking a loose strand behind my ear. The sudden gentleness made my stomach turn.
“Fix your face,” he said coolly. “Leyla is watching.”
At the mention of her name, my head turned slightly, and sure enough, at the far end of the hall, Leyla stood with her arms crossed, a glass of champagne in her hand, watching us with a mixture of amusement and burning hatred.
I swallowe
