Arrogant Bride

A Shocking Encounter

Sophia stepped into the buzzing café, her heels clicking against the tiled floor as the aroma of fresh coffee enveloped her. She had escaped the chaos of wedding planning for a rare moment of peace. With her laptop inside her bag slung over her shoulder, she looked every bit the composed business woman she once was before her life spiraled into this sham of an engagement.

“Large cappuccino, please,” she said to the barista, flashing a polite smile.

As she waited, her eyes sweat across the room, searching for a quiet corner. Her gaze froze when it landed on a familiar figure seated near the window.

It couldn’t be.

But it was.

Ethan Cross, his dark suit impeccably tailored, was sipping coffee and speaking to a striking brunette in a red dress. The woman leaned in, laughing at something he said, her hand brushing his arm in an all too familiar gesture.

Sophia felt her stomach twist.

The barista handed her the coffee, snapping her out of her daze. She took the cup and marched over to Ethan’s table, her steps purposeful and her heart pounding.

“Am I interrupting?” she asked, her tone sharp as she loomed over them.

Ethan looked up, his expression flickering with surprise before settling into his usual calm. “Sophia. Didn’t expect to see you here.”

The brunette turned, her green eyes sparkling with curiosity. She was stunning of course.

“And who’s this?” Sophia asked, her voice tight as she glanced at the woman.

“I’m Vivian,” the woman said smoothly, her smile wide. “An old friend of Ethan’s, back in the days of college.”

“Old friend?” Sophia repeated, raising a brow.

Ethan sighed, gesturing to an empty chair. “Would you like to sit down, or are you planning to interrogate me in front of the entire café?”

Sophia crossed her arms, ignoring the invitation. “I think I’ve seen enough.”

Vivian chuckled, as though she found the tension amusing. “Ethan didn’t tell me his fiancée had such a fiery personality. You’re even more beautiful in person, Sophia.”

Sophia blinked, caught off guard by the compliment. “Thanks,” she muttered, her irritation undimmed.

Ethan stood, his towering frame drawing her attention. “Vivian and I were just catching up. It’s nothing for you to worry about.”

“Worry?” Sophia scoffed. “I’m not worried. I just find it interesting that you have time for cozy chats while I’m being dragged through wedding hell.”

Vivian laughed again, standing gracefully. “You two are adorable. Ethan, we’ll talk later, I ought to be in a meeting, am running late for it.”

With that, she gave him a quick hug and walked out of the café, her heels clicking against the floor.

Sophia turned to Ethan, her anger bubbling to the surface. “Care to explain what that was?”

Ethan shrugged, his expression unreadable. “Vivian’s an old friend from college. She’s back in town for a few weeks and wanted to catch up. That’s all .”

"And beside that are you doing here?"

“That’s all?” she repeated, her voice rising. “You didn’t think to mention her to me?”

“Why would I?” he asked calmly. “It’s not like we’re in a real relationship.”

His words hit like a slap, and for a moment, Sophia couldn’t speak.

“I’m trying to make this work,” she said finally, her voice trembling with frustration. “And you’re out here… doing whatever you want.”

Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Sophia, you don’t own me. We have an arrangement, and as far as I’m concerned, I haven’t done anything to violate it.”

“Not yet,” she muttered, grabbing her coffee and turning to leave.

“Sophia.”

His voice stopped her in her tracks. She glanced over her shoulder, her heart hammering in her chest.

“You know this isn’t personal,” he said quietly.

“Maybe that’s the problem,” she replied, walking away before he could respond.

Outside, the crisp air stung her cheeks as she made her way down the busy street. She didn’t know why she felt so rattled. Ethan was right it wasn’t personal. This was a business deal, nothing more.

But the knot in her chest refused to loosen, and she couldn’t shake the image of Vivian’s hand on Ethan’s arm.

For the first time, Sophia wondered if pretending to be Ethan’s fiancée was more dangerous than she’d thought not because of the deal, but because of what it was starting to do to her heart.