Chapter 4: slice of chaos
1118 Words
The moment Sophia turned to the chef and asked about the chocolate cake, Alexander knew his life was about to get significantly more complicated.
And not just because she was his wife now.
But because she was completely unpredictable.
Sophia crossed her arms, tilting her head at the chef with a serious expression. “Okay, be honest with me. On a scale of boxed cake mix to Michelin-star level magic, where does this chocolate cake stand?”
The chef—an older man with years of experience in high-end, five-star cuisine—blinked at her. “Madam, this is one of our finest desserts.”
Sophia nodded solemnly. “So, mid-tier. Got it.”
Alexander let out a slow exhale. “Sophia—”
She turned to him, grinning. “What? If I’m going to survive this hostage situation—I mean, marriage—I at least deserve good cake.”
The chef looked offended. Alexander looked done.
Sophia? She looked like she was having the time of her life.
Alexander pinched the bridge of his nose. “You’re impossible.”
“I get that a lot.” She grabbed a fork and dramatically took a bite. Then, after a moment of exaggerated chewing, she gasped. “Oh my God.”
Alexander raised an eyebrow. “That good?”
She shook her head. “No, no—this cake is too fancy. It needs soul. It needs the kind of sugar rush that makes you question all your life choices.”
The chef looked personally offended, but before he could respond, Sophia turned back to Alexander.
“So,” she said, pointing her fork at him, “what exactly is your plan here, husband? Are we playing house for the media, or am I just here for the free snacks?”
Alexander studied her for a long moment, then leaned forward, his expression unreadable.
“You’re my wife now, Sophia,” he said smoothly. “That means you’ll do as I say.”
Sophia blinked. Then she burst out laughing.
“Oh, wow.” She wiped away a fake tear. “You actually think that’s how this is going to work? That’s adorable.”
Alexander’s jaw tightened. “You—”
“Look, Mr. CEO,” she interrupted, “I don’t know what kind of robotic women you’re used to dealing with, but let me make something very clear.” She leaned forward, mirroring his intensity. “If you think you can boss me around just because of some grandma-arranged marriage, then you’re in for a very fun surprise.”
Silence.
The chef quietly took the cake and left the room.
Alexander ran a hand through his hair, looking like he was seriously regretting his life choices.
Sophia? She just smirked.
This was going to be so much fun.
Sophia stood in the massive master bedroom, arms crossed as she eyed the one bed in the center of the room.
King-size. Luxury sheets. A mattress that probably cost more than her entire apartment.
And one very grumpy husband standing on the other side of it.
Alexander exhaled sharply, clearly just as frustrated by this situation as she was. “I’ll sleep on the couch.”
Sophia blinked. “Wow. That was fast. You didn’t even argue.”
He ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t have the energy to argue with you, Sophia.”
She grinned. “You say that now, but give me five minutes.”
Alexander ignored her, walking over to the closet to grab some spare blankets.
Sophia plopped onto the bed, testing out the comfort. Oh, wow. This was nice. If nothing else, she’d gotten a top-tier sleeping arrangement out of this ridiculous marriage.
Alexander returned, tossing a pillow onto the couch before sitting on the edge of it.
Sophia turned her head toward him, eyes gleaming with mischief. “You sure you don’t want the bed?”
“I’m sure.”
She smirked. “Because I don’t mind sharing—”
“No.”
She burst out laughing. “Wow. That was aggressive.”
Alexander gave her a flat look. “Go to sleep, Sophia.”
She stretched dramatically, sinking further into the plush pillows. “Fine. But just so you know, I talk in my sleep.”
“I’m aware.”
Sophia’s eyes widened. “Wait, how would you—?”
“I saw your file,” he muttered, lying back on the couch and closing his eyes.
She stared at him. “I HAVE A FILE?”
Silence.
Then, in a voice laced with pure exhaustion, Alexander groaned, “Goodnight, Sophia.”
Sophia grinned, turning over.
“Oh, we are so talking about this in the morning.”
Alexander lay on the couch, staring at the ceiling. No matter how expensive the furniture in his penthouse was, nothing made sleeping on a couch comfortable.
Especially when his so-called wife was snoring lightly in his bed.
With a sigh, he reached for his phone and dialed a familiar number.
The line rang twice before a soft, sleepy voice answered.
“Alex?”
Victoria.
His chest tightened slightly at the sound of her voice. “Did I wake you?”
She hummed, the sound warm and familiar. “I don’t mind.” A pause. Then, quieter, “I miss you.”
Alexander ran a hand through his hair. He missed her too—or at least, he thought he did. But with everything that had happened, with Sophia turning his world upside down, he couldn’t even think straight anymore.
“I hate this,” Victoria whispered. “I hate that she’s there with you.”
Alexander closed his eyes. “It’s just temporary.”
“But you’re married to her, Alex.”
“It’s not real,” he muttered. “It’s a business move. Nothing more.”
A soft sigh came through the phone. “Does she sleep in the same bed as you?”
Alexander sat up slightly, glancing toward the bed.
Sophia was sprawled out like a starfish, her hair a mess, mouth slightly open. Completely unbothered.
“…No,” he said flatly.
Victoria exhaled in relief. “Good.”
Silence settled between them. The kind that used to feel comfortable, but now felt… different.
“Get some sleep,” Victoria murmured. “We’ll figure this out.”
Alexander nodded, even though she couldn’t see him. “Goodnight.”
As he ended the call and set his phone aside, he glanced toward the bed again.
Sophia shifted in her sleep, mumbling something incoherent. Then, suddenly, she blurted out—
“Mmm… chocolate cake… mine…”
Alexander groaned, rubbing his temples.
This woman was going to drive him insane.
- Writer
