Chapter 11
834 Words
The news of the arranged marriage didn't stay between the two families for long.
Within a week, it had reached a few close family friends.
Although it wasn't public, people in their social circle had begun talking about it.
Sophia hated every second of it.
---
Monday morning.
Sophia walked into Clark Designs, the interior design company where she had recently started working after graduation.
Her manager, Mrs. Evans, welcomed her with a smile.
"Good morning, Sophia."
"Good morning."
"Ready for your first client meeting?"
Sophia nodded confidently.
"I've been ready since yesterday."
Mrs. Evans laughed.
"I like your confidence."
Sophia smiled and headed to her office.
She loved interior design.
Unlike the family business, this career was something she had chosen herself.
She wanted people to recognize her work not just her family name.
---
Across London...
Ethan arrived at Lockwood Technologies.
Employees greeted him respectfully as he walked through the lobby.
"Good morning, Mr. Lockwood."
"Morning."
He entered the elevator without stopping.
Inside the boardroom, the weekly meeting was already about to begin.
The directors stood when he entered.
"Good morning, sir."
Ethan nodded.
"Let's begin."
For the next two hours, he discussed company profits, upcoming investments, and a new software project.
He remained serious throughout.
Business was the only place where he felt completely in control.
Unlike his personal life.
---
That evening...
Richard called Ethan into his office again.
Ethan sighed quietly.
"What is it this time?"
Richard looked at him.
"You'll be attending Daniel Clark's charity gala this Saturday."
"I'm busy."
"So is everyone."
"I'm not going."
Richard folded his hands.
"Sophia will be there."
Ethan looked completely uninterested.
"That doesn't change my answer."
"It should."
"It doesn't."
Richard smiled faintly.
"You promised to represent the company."
Ethan knew he had lost.
He had agreed weeks ago, before any of this marriage issue came up.
"...Fine."
---
Meanwhile...
Grace entered Sophia's room.
"There you are."
Sophia looked up from her laptop.
"What happened?"
"Your father wants us to attend the Clark Foundation Charity Gala on Saturday."
Sophia frowned.
"I don't feel like going."
"You have to."
"Why?"
"Because you're part of the family."
Sophia sighed.
"I already know Ethan will be there."
Grace smiled awkwardly.
"Probably."
Sophia closed her laptop.
"I'll go."
"But don't expect me to suddenly become friendly with him."
Grace laughed softly.
"I wouldn't dare."
---
Saturday evening arrived.
The grand ballroom of the Kensington Royal Hotel glittered under elegant chandeliers.
Business leaders, politicians, celebrities, and wealthy families filled the hall.
Sophia stepped inside wearing a simple emerald-green evening gown.
Her black hair rested over one shoulder, and she wore very little makeup.
She looked graceful without trying too hard.
Several guests greeted her parents.
Sophia smiled politely at everyone.
She hoped she could survive the evening without seeing Ethan.
Unfortunately...
Fate had other plans.
"Mr. Richard Lockwood has arrived."
Several people turned toward the entrance.
Richard and Eleanor walked inside.
Beside them...
Ethan.
Dressed in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo.
The room immediately filled with whispers.
"There he is."
"He looks even better in person."
Sophia rolled her eyes.
"Unbelievable."
Lily's words echoed in her head.
Everyone treats him like a celebrity.
As if sensing her gaze, Ethan looked across the ballroom.
Their eyes met.
Again.
Neither smiled.
Neither looked away immediately.
After a few seconds, both of them turned in opposite directions.
---
Later that evening...
Guests gathered near the stage for the charity auction.
Sophia stood beside her mother.
She wasn't paying much attention until the host smiled.
"We're honoured to have donations from both the Clark and Lockwood families."
Everyone applauded.
Sophia glanced toward Ethan.
He stood quietly beside his father.
No smile.
No attempt to attract attention.
Just silence.
She looked away.
Maybe he really didn't enjoy being the center of attention.
Before she could think further, someone accidentally bumped into her from behind.
Her handbag slipped from her hand.
Just before it hit the floor...
Someone caught it.
Sophia looked up.
Ethan.
He handed the bag back to her.
"You dropped this."
Sophia took it.
"...Thanks."
"You're welcome."
An awkward silence followed.
Neither of them knew what else to say.
Finally, Sophia spoke.
"I still haven't changed my mind."
Ethan almost smiled.
"Neither have I."
"Good."
"Good."
For a brief second...
They both found the conversation strangely amusing.
Then a familiar female voice interrupted them.
"Ethan!"
A beautiful young woman in a red dress walked confidently toward them.
Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around Ethan's arm.
Sophia looked at the woman, then at Ethan.
The woman smiled brightly.
"I've been looking everywhere for you."
Ethan's expression immediately became unreadable again.
"Sophia," he said calmly, "this is Victoria Harrington."
Victoria finally looked at Sophia.
Her smile remained...
But her eyes didn't.
Something about the way she looked at Sophia felt sharp.
Almost like a warning.
Sophia returned the look politely.
She had no idea...
That this woman would one day become the biggest threat to her marriage.
To be continued…
- Writer
- chap_listContents
- likeADD