Episode 2: A Marriage of Convenience
1331 Words
Sophia pov
A wedding without love...
My vows had no true significance as they slid past my lips.
When the officiant announced our wedding blessing, Lucas smiled politely but did not recognize my face. No soft touch. There is no lingering look. After nodding briefly, Lucas slipped the ring onto my finger as if it served to remind me of the agreement we had signed minutes ago.
The crowd roared in applause. One hundred people observed our union, though no observer saw our true relationship.
Everyone regarded us as the perfect couple who combined looks with money. The visitors witnessing us ignore the legal agreement and time restriction that both constrain our connected hands.
Despite the intense agony, I managed to maintain a smile throughout the ordeal.
I had only planned my dream wedding once, as a simple event full of passion.
Despite maintaining a vision of my wedding mate, who would adore me passionately with his gaze of committed adoration.
I took Lucas Hayes's side, as he had hired my services for twelve months.
My emotions of absolute loneliness had never been stronger.
The wedding ceremony was held in a magnificent hall that hosted every prominent figure in New York. The setting was bathed in golden light from crystal chandeliers as waiters glided swiftly across the area, serving champagne to visitors on marble flooring. Because of the circumstances, the orchestra's soothing musical piece sounded out of place.
Our night lacked the elements of passionate love.
Lucas effortlessly welcomed everyone with a handshake, nice remarks, and friendly smiles. I completed all my tasks properly during the evening by smiling when appropriate and replying graciously to the visitors while he hosted from his position.
Underneath my façade, I felt stuck.
A fashionable woman with blond hair, softly smiling and wearing purple lipstick, stroked my shoulder. According to her,
"You've achieved what numerous individuals have not been able to do, Mrs. Hayes." He won over New York City's best bachelors through his connection.
I faked a laugh. "I wouldn't say tamed."
Lucas smirked, drinking his drink. According to my wife's laid-back disposition, he stated these remarks. This is the most important quality I look for in my partner.
Admiration.
His remarks made me realize that I had joined his valuables as another property under his possession.
When Lucas and a top businessman met, he received physical support. "Marriage changes a man. Those single years are supposed to stay behind you in your new marriage.
Lucas faked to chuckle rather than express his true emotions. My wife fulfills all of her marriage commitments; therefore, I live in peace.
When I heard his remarks, I felt a sense of fear wash over me.
When I didn't sip from my champagne glass, I turned away to hide my emotions. I had entered into this arrangement as a straightforward commercial transaction.
The night went on, and eating was no longer appealing since I had lost my appetite. Finally, a moment of extreme dread struck me.
The first dance.
Lucas offered his hand. "Shall we?""
I paused for a second before allowing him to take my hand and lead me to the dancing floor.
The slow tempo made me feel as if everyone was watching us perform, and the dance step demanded we exhibit our love as a pair. Throughout our movement, his hand remained kind, and his eyes were expressionless.
"Do you appreciate the performance?"I added a sarcastic tone to my query.
His lips moved slightly: "It's necessary."
The rule of necessity governs everything for you.
His grip on my waist relaxed somewhat before he let go of me at the end of our dance, and the audience erupted in applause as the song concluded.
As Lucas pressed his lips to my ear, the situation seemed personal. Mrs. Hayes, you may expect many more surprises.
The sensation made me feel chilly since it reminded me of a big decision I'd made.
Lucas's penthouse was stunning, with large windows across the whole room displaying the metropolis towers below and showcasing overall exquisite living circumstances. Despite its appeal, it made me feel empty.
When I walked into the room, my shoes tapped on the polished marble flooring, and Lucas began loosening his tie quietly and without rushing as his new wife approached.
While pouring me a drink, he told me that he would arrange the spare bedroom for my stay. Although our marriage brought us together, there is no romantic connection between us.
The loneliness of his words caused an emotional ache, but I was able to expel it with long breaths. "I didn't expect one."
His expression remained illegible as he looked at me. "Good."
At that point, we both remained silent.
Lucas left our bedroom without speaking and went to his private room.
Staring at my wedding ring in shock, I wondered if this would be my greatest life mistake.
One week after our wedding, we began our new married life by attending a charity event, followed by another night of pretending.
During our discussion at the event, Mr. Caldwell expressed clear doubts about Lucas's upcoming venture.
My regular business discussions with Lucas allowed me to interpret his industry strategies.
I responded to him in a relaxed tone, holding my champagne. Future trend studies show that this merger will benefit
the market.
Caldwell raised his brow, intrigued. "You're quite knowledgeable."
I smiled. "I am married to Lucas Hayes. Business is his language. When a partner earns money, the other individual should learn useful information.
Lucas was gazing at me from across the room.
He began speaking to me after we concluded our trip alone.
"You handled Caldwell well."
I turned to him. "Surprised?"
His lips twisted slightly. You have proven better at this task than I imagined.
For Lucas, the praise seemed true, albeit the compliment came with a harsh tone.
Almost.
Lucas got home considerably later at night than intended. I relaxed in the kitchen with tea in hand before finding the door open.
My eyes hooked on him when I faced around. He had a bloodstained white shirt on his chest.
"Lucas!" I hurried forward. "What happened?"
He waved me off. "It's nothing."
The words escaped my lips as I removed a towel from its hanger to wipe up the damage. "Sit."
He stopped before sitting on the stool. I treated the bleeding near his temple while sitting on my knees beside him.
When I came near to him, I detected two odors. His skin exuded the freshness of expensive cologne, with an earthy undertone that complemented the darkness around us.
His comments came out less forcefully, and he could scarcely be heard.
"I don't," I claimed. If you die before the agreed-upon date, my relationship with the agency must be terminated. "I need my money.
Something particular came into his eyes, countering his tiny grin. Something vulnerable.
The frigid mask that had typically stood between us dissolved for a brief period.
Immediately after that, he slid the mask back into position.
"Go to bed, Sophia."
The moment faded right before my eyes.
Several days later, I passed by Lucas's office and heard his voice.
Prospective investors wanted his presence together with a wife, making her a viable and accessible choice.
I froze.
"You think she's getting attached?" another voice inquired.
Lucas responded immediately. "She means nothing to me."
The sharp ache radiated across my breast region.
I was well aware of the true nature of this marriage from the outset. I'd signed up for it.
So, why did it still hurt?
That evening, I lay in bed, looking at the ceiling.
Lucas specifically encouraged me to keep my distance from him. I had deliberately promised myself that I would never fall for him.
But I had let my guard down. And that was a mistake.
I crushed my side into the bed and squeezed the blanket in my fists.
Next time, I will fully avoid any chances of him approaching me.
No matter what.
- Writer
