CHAPTER 1
Unexpected Feelings
As Sophia stared at Nicolas, she knew her heart was in trouble, and not just her heart, she was in trouble. She knew this love would be one-sided because she was an i***t for falling in the first place. They had one main rule, and when she agreed to this marriage contract, he was clear about it: “Falling in love is not allowed,” he had said in that same cold, detached tone. She hadn’t planned on it, anyway.
She wanted nothing to do with that feeling if only her foolish heart would listen and stop the butterflies swirling in her stomach. But now, she was fully in it. She loved him, and there was no denying it anymore.
Sophia sipped from her wine, her eyes following Nicolas as he moved easily through the crowd. They were at the charity gala organized by his family to support the orphanages.
Nicolas had announced his candidacy for governor immediately after their marriage, and she had become a visible supporter.
Nicolas' family were the only ones who knew about this contract marriage, and they didn’t care much about her being his choice. They were indifferent. After all, she posed no threat. They knew she was only there for the money, or so they thought. Sophia wondered if they were just pretending.
Sophia felt a presence beside her as she got lost in her thoughts.
"You’re very good at pretending, aren’t you?"
She turned, her heart sinking as her worst fear came to life. Red-head Violet. Nicolas' obsessed ex. The one person she had hoped to avoid tonight.
"Excuse me?" Sophia's heart began to race. She was not entirely sure if it was because of Violet's sudden presence or because she’d just been thinking about pretending to be herself.
"Well, you’re excused," Violet replied with a smirk, her eyes cold and calculating. "I know you’re just a puppet to him." She nodded toward Nicolas, the mockery in her voice unmistakable.
Sophia’s stomach twisted, but she moved away slowly, trying to keep her composure. She could feel Violet’s gaze burning into her back.
Not paying attention, she collided with someone.
"Oh!" Sophia gasped as the drink spilled all over her dress. She looked up, flustered, to see Chris, Nicolas’s best friend, standing there. His startled expression and the clatter of his glass drew some attention.
Sophia swore under her breath, her cheeks burning as the crowd turned to stare. Without waiting for Chris to offer a napkin, she ran toward the restroom, feeling the weight of embarrassment heavy on her chest.
Inside, she slammed the door shut, her trembling hands pressed against her chest. For the second time tonight, she wished it would all just be over.
Sophia barely had time to steady her breath before the door creaked open again. Violet stepped inside, her expression sharp, her eyes glittering with jealousy. Sophia stiffened, every nerve in her body suddenly alert.
"You think you can keep this up?" Violet’s voice was low, almost a whisper, as she stepped closer, her heels clicking against the tiled floor. "Enjoy being by his side while you can, because it won’t last."
Sophia swallowed, her heart pounding faster as she stepped back a little. "What are you talking about?"
Violet’s smile was cold, calculated. She moved closer. "You’re nothing, Sophia. You’re just a placeholder, a pretty face he can discard when he’s done. But me? I’m not going anywhere. Nicolas belongs to me."
Violet looked hysterical, but the words sent a chill down Sophia’s spine. She stood her ground, trying to stay calm. "You’re delusional, Violet."
Violet’s eyes flickered with rage, and suddenly, her hand disappeared into her purse. A glint of silver flashed as she pulled out a small knife. Sophia’s breath caught in her throat.
"What are you doing?" Her voice trembled, but she didn’t back away.
"Relax," Violet purred, moving closer, the knife glinting in the dim light. "I’m not going to hurt you… unless you make me." She reached out with her free hand, fingers brushing against a loose strand of Sophia’s dark blonde hair. "I just need to remind you who’s really in control."
Before Sophia could react, Violet tugged hard, trying to pull the strand free. But Sophia’s survival instinct kicked in. She jerked away, her body twisting just in time. Violet stumbled, and in the process, the blade slipped, slicing into her hand.
Violet gasped, staring down at the crimson stain spreading across her palm. Her eyes widened, fury flickering in her gaze.
Sophia held her breath, her heart hammering in her chest, unsure if Violet was about to come at her again or retreat.
Violet’s eyes darkened as she glanced at the blood on her hand, a sinister smile curling on her lips. Without another word, she turned and strode toward the door. But just as Sophia thought it was over, Violet stopped. Her voice dropped, dangerously low.
“You think you’re safe because of him? You’re not. This marriage will be temporary. I’ll make sure of that.”
Before Sophia could respond, Violet smirked and vanished through the door.
The air in the restroom felt suffocating. Sophia’s heart raced. She immediately slipped out, just in time to witness Violet’s next move.
Violet staggered towards the few people who were not so involved in the gala. Her eyes darted around the room, searching for Nicolas. When she spotted him, her legs buckled as she clutched her bleeding hand. “Nicolas…”
Sophia’s hands flew to her mouth as she watched. Violet, pretending to be fragile and helpless, collapsed into Nicolas’ arms.
“Nicolas, she… she pushed me…” Violet whimpered, her voice barely audible but loud enough for Nicolas to hear as she pointed weakly toward the restroom.
Sophia’s heart raced. She couldn’t believe what was happening. It was all an act, and soon, all eyes would fall on her.
Panicking, Sophia’s instincts took over. She scanned the area for an exit and spotted a small side door leading outside. Without thinking, she slipped through it, her heart pounding in her chest. The cool night air hit her skin as she hurried away from the building, her mind racing towards what had just happened.
Her legs moved quickly, putting distance between herself and the gala, but her thoughts remained inside, replaying the scene again.
Violet had framed her.
