My Perfect Marriage

Chapter 10

Sophia rhythmically taps her nails on her desk, her eyes fixated on the clock as the hands seem to move in slow motion. The morning feels as if it's dragging on longer than a month-long jail sentence, and neither Johnny nor Leon has shown up for work yet. She's restless, unable to concentrate or focus, and nothing she does seems to alleviate the stress knotting up in her abdomen. By ten, she's irked at both of them for their unexpected absence, especially when they have a multitude of tasks to complete before lunch.

They each manage their own departments, and it's crucial for them to keep each other updated regularly. She has a stack of documents, six inches thick, that need both of their signatures alongside hers. They're also supposed to have a strategy meeting with the senior staff in less than an hour. They never miss these meetings, and it's more important than ever to stay on top of things with all the new investments coming in over the past few months.

She's refrained from calling Leon to find out his whereabouts because, after last night, she doesn't feel ready for another emotional confrontation. She doesn't trust herself not to snap at him when she's still emotionally vulnerable. Her mind is in turmoil, and despite taking one of her mother's Xanax pills at five in the morning to calm herself, it hasn't had any effect.

She didn't sleep at all, and she's finding it hard to concentrate or remain composed today due to sheer exhaustion. She tries to push everything out of her mind, but lately, it feels like she's losing her grip on the strings she's been holding onto so tightly. The more she tries to hold on, the more they seem to slip away. Her delicately balanced house of cards is starting to wobble, and the wind is only just beginning to blow.

She's experiencing the same heavy feeling in her gut and high anxiety tension that's been haunting her for hours. It's making her edgy. It stems from the feeling that Leon was acting out of character last night, unlike the Leon she's known all these years. She doesn't like it. It feels like she's losing control, and her reality is starting to fracture.

"Has my husband arrived yet?" She asks her assistant, Vina, through the intercom, her tone sharp. She knows well that Leon had no out-of-office appointments today, so there's no excuse for his tardiness. She's in a combative mood today, a state that's becoming more frequent as time goes by. She's even dressed for battle in a black tailored pantsuit and red spike heels.

"Yes, Ma'am. He's just entered his office with someone," Vina responds timidly. Sophia grinds her teeth and takes a slow, calming breath to quell her inner turmoil. Without thanking her assistant, she swiftly gathers the paperwork from her polished desk and strides determinedly towards Leon's office.

Sophia couldn't care less about Johnny's tardiness; he's merely a director after all. His presence isn't necessary at today's meeting, but the CEO, Leon, needs to be where he belongs and not messing around elsewhere. Johnny could take a year-long vacation, and this company would still function smoothly. If Leon took a week off, then it would cease to run at all without everything piling on top of her.

She strides past her receptionist and Johnny's without a second glance or checking if he's there, and she bypasses Leon's secretary even though she stands up to try and intervene. Always flustered at Sophia's appearance, it irks her that she still tries to stop her.

"Vice President Hale, the president has a guest from...." Sophia tunes her out, opens the door without knocking, and strolls in. No matter who is in there with him, as VP, she has the right to barge in if she feels like it, and most companies they deal with already know who she is. It's usually Sophia who handles any kind of meet and greet outside of their own company employees, so whoever it is should have come through her first.

She strides in, brimming with attitude, not pausing as her eyes scan his desk and see he's not there before turning right to his couch area and spotting him and his guest. Cozily in his seated area. She puts on her indifferent mask, her high and mighty posture, and smiles politely before heading their way. Acting as though popping in and finding a newcomer is a pleasant surprise.

She's a tall, leggy brunette in a tailored red dress and high-heeled shoes, a fitted jacket, and an air of superiority about her that suggests a higher position than an assistant. She's seated on one couch, holding a file, while he's on the nearby single seat, leaning towards her and explaining something as he spots Sophia. Nothing registers on his face or changes his demeanor, and he nods her way with a pasted-on half-smile and exudes polite vibes. His dimples barely show, and Sophia knows he probably had to force that out with extreme effort.

"This is our Vice President, Sophia Hale, my wife." He stands up to encourage her to come over, all Mr. Business, and her eyes stay locked on him as she closes the gap and slides in to sit down on the couch opposite whoever this is. Looking her over with interest and nodding with a gracious bright smile because she doesn't have the sense to stand to greet her as she should. She's attractive, slender, and probably around Sophia's age, only she has a much less severe fashion style and seems softer than Sophia's ice-cold imposing presence. Her femininity oozes in abundance.

"Ahh, I've heard quite a bit about you. I'm Celine White, the liaison for Biotech. Your husband has just finished updating me that our investment agreement is likely to proceed, and I was discussing the key points regarding the growth plans our company has for the next five years." Celine's voice is warm and silky, her lashes fluttering in Sophia's direction in a seductive manner. She smoothly uncrosses and recrosses her legs, extending her hand towards Sophia with a precision and elegance that inexplicably grates on Sophia's nerves. Celine's perfume lingers in the air between them, and Sophia can't help but recognize it as the same scent she wears.

"The pleasure is all mine," Sophia responds, reaching out to briefly shake Celine's hand. Her own hands feel like ice cubes compared to Celine's warm, velvety skin. For no apparent reason, Sophia finds herself taking an instant dislike to her. There's nothing overtly off-putting, it's just a gut feeling.

"Oh, your hands are so cold. Do you have indigestion? That can really affect the circulation in your hands. I have some antacids in my bag if you'd like some." Celine's smile is wide, soft, and overly caring. Sophia shakes her head, sensing this is an act to ingratiate herself. Sophia hadn't eaten today, so her blood sugar is low, which has nothing to do with acid if her body temperature is low. She's so accustomed to it that she hardly notices anymore.

"You skipped breakfast, didn't you? How many times have I told you not to do that?" Leon interjects, his tone stern and irritated. He eyes Sophia with a furrowed brow before she can respond. Rising from his seat, he strides to his desk and hits the intercom, leaving Sophia speechless.

"Yeah, get us a breakfast box for the VP and coffee with extra sugar and cream. Make it quick, thanks, Dee." He commands his assistant calmly and turns to head back their way. Despite herself, Sophia feels the rug pulled out from under her feet, unsure of how to feel or react. His unexpected request feels like a slap in the face. It's not just the food, but the fact he still remembers how she takes her coffee, even though they haven't shared one in years.

When he returns, Sophia avoids his eye contact, forcing a smile onto her face as though this is his everyday loving nature. She can't figure out if this is for Celine's benefit or if he genuinely cares about her at this moment. They often play-act the perfect happy couple for anyone who isn't family, and this is probably an extension of that. She decides not to overthink it.