Playing Mrs. Beckett

Chapter 6

Perhaps because of her tears, but Adrian finished work so much earlier than usual. He was home for lunch, taking Sophie to the cheap, vintage-themed diner they used to frequent back in their college days. They had a greasy burger with a side of fries, such a simple meal. The kind that they’d long outgrown. But Adrian didn’t complain.

“This is my punishment. I still have one more day to go.”

But Sophie knew. Tomorrow was Julia Hall’s birthday. Tenth of July with ruby for a birthstone. The final test Sophie had set for the renowned Nation’s Ideal Husband.

“You better keep the promise, Adrian,” Sophie playfully warned. “I’ve made enough compromises for work. I’m not going to forgive anything else.”

Sophie had managed to go back to her role. Right now, she was smiling, sprinkling believable awkwardness that occurred after a quarrel. Adrian smiled, pinching Sophie’s nose. A gesture she previously found cute, but now, it just left her feeling conflicted.

It turned out affection could be shared.

After the meal, Adrian contacted Mr. Abbott to reschedule all of his appointments. Luckily, there were no urgent ones. When Adrian proposed a picnic, Sophie immediately agreed. They called their housekeeper and had someone deliver picnic equipment to Central Park.

True to his word, Adrian spent the rest of the day lazily, laying on the picnic carpet. Golden hour settled in, and Sophie let her mind wander, drowned beneath the voice of crowd and nature. She had always dreamt about this. A simple, carefree evening. She took everything in, a foreboding feeling told her that this would be her last chance.

Maybe.

Because what she would do next depended on what would happen tomorrow.

“Do you ever feel tired, Adrian?” Sophie asked, playing with Adrian’s hair. Sunset fell on his handsome and refreshing face, which lifted to meet Sophie’s eyes. Both of them were staring, searching. They were used to comfortable silence. For some reason, this one wasn’t as comfortable.

Adrian shifted, his hand caressing Sophie’s face. His touch was fleeting, as if afraid he would break something fragile. How could he do that? Acting this caring and tender while also thinking about another woman?

“Of course I do, darling,” Adrian replied. “But the thought of coming home to you recharges me more than anything else.”

Sophie’s smile cracked. She felt something stuck in her throat, and swallowing hurt. She could feel her tears welling up again. Adrian smiled, likely thinking that Sophie felt touched. No. He couldn’t be more wrong.

“Really?” Sophie whispered. She knew she should wait. She knew that this was not the right time. That a more appropriate stage would appear. But against her better judgement, she couldn’t help but whisper, “But you seem equally at ease with Julia Hall.”

For a moment, it felt like time froze. Adrian jerked up, holding his body up with an elbow. Panic surged in his face, but it didn’t take long for him to compose himself. Sophie stared back at him. But instead of challenge, what Adrian saw was pain.

And it stirred something in his heart. Something he couldn’t quite name.

“Sophie,” he said, sitting up. “Sophie, my darling, what are you talking about?”

“I don’t know, it’s just…” Sophie shook her head. No. She knew exactly what happened. But if Adrian was eager to perform innocence, Sophie was happy to follow. “Something is wrong.”

“Darling,” Adrian said, his voice soft. He took both of Sophie’s hands, caressing with his thumbs. “You’re reading into things.”

Sophie’s head shot up. Her eyes wide in surprise. What? What did Adrian just say?

But by this point, Sophie had realized her mistake. No. If she confronted them now, they would just be more careful.

“I hope so, my dear,” she finally said. “I hope this was just me.”

Adrian exhaled, a feeling of relief washed over. He pulled Sophie in an embrace. “I’m sorry, Sophie. I shouldn’t leave and make you anxious like that.”

Sophie said nothing. She didn’t even hug him back. In her head, she knew this was a charade. A lip service Adrian did to deceive her.

So in the next beat, she said, almost blurted, “Let’s go on a trip.”

“A trip?”

“Yes. Away from here. Let’s have a road trip. I still have your tomorrow reserved, right?”

Adrian didn’t reply immediately. He just patted her back, contemplating.

‘Here’s your test, Adrian Beckett,’ Sophie thought. ‘Let’s see how much resolve you have to keep this marriage.’

After what felt like eternity, Adrian finally exhaled. “Of course, darling. Let’s go right now.”