Beneath His Cold Gaze

Chapter Two - The Shocking News

Sophia's POV

That same night, I cry my eyes out. I want to confront Lucas about it, but I know how pointless it will be. Somehow, Lucas finds a way to deny it all, just as he did when I was at his office a few days ago.

The next morning, Lucas left for work without bothering to say a word to me. I maintain the silent treatment for the sake of my mental health, but after giving everything so much thought and consideration, I decide to visit my parents and tell them about Lucas; maybe they will be able to talk some sense into him.

I arrive at the house, and thankfully, I meet my parents gathered around the dining table, having breakfast with Emily, my older sister. As I step into the dining room, everyone turns their gaze away from me. A moment of silence falls between us before my mum eventually clears her throat and asks, "What are you doing here? Are you not supposed to be at your husband's house?" My mom turns her attention back to her food.

Typical. My family and I have never been close, right from birth. My parents were always so concerned about the company and anything related to money that they cared less about my well-being.

My sister, on the other hand, hates me ever since I stole her boyfriend in high school. Long story, but my family is divided. Everybody does their own thing as long as it is not sabotaging the family's name and wealth.

"That is why I am here. I need to tell you something about Lucas." I started. Mentioning his name alone breaks my heart. My breathing becomes hitched, and my voice is shaky. I bite my lower lip to stop myself from breaking down into tears.

"What about Lucas?" my dad asks. I bow my head low, I feel embarrassed to tell them that Lucas is cheating on me, especially in front of Emily, who will only make mockery out of it.

"Lucas is cheating on me with his secretary," I say, gulping a lump down my throat as if I had just let go of a huge burden. As expected, Emily bursts into laughter. She shakes her head at me and laughs her eyes out up to the point that tears begin to fall from her eyes. Her laughter hurts; it feels like I've been punched in the gut.

"Mum? Dad? Please say something." I snap at them, pausing to wipe the tears from my eyes. My mum sighs heavily. She drops her spoon on the plate and slowly turns to glare at me.

"What do you expect us to say, Sophia? Have you both not been married for five years? How come you can not handle a simple cheating scandal that is threatening to ruin your home?" Mum snaps back at me.

"How can you call it a scandal, mum? Lucas was cheating on me with his secretary, and it is no scandal at all! It is the truth, I swear." I cry out. An irritated look grows on Emily's face as she rises to her feet and excuses herself out of the dining room.

"So what? Can you not forgive a cheating husband?" Mum spits out bitterly. My mouth hangs open in shock, the problem is not about forgiving Lucas, to be honest. I am willing to forgive him over and over again; the problem is, what if Lucas repeats the same thing?

"Can you not at least have a word with him? Just to talk some sense into him? Or better still, talk to his mother about it? I know Lucas will listen to you guys, so please, do this and save my marriage." I say with pleading eyes.

Surprisingly, Mum just scoffs and rolls her eyes at me. "You seem to be forgetting the reason why you married Lucas in the first place." She mutters.

Actually, I remember perfectly and sometimes I think that is the reason why Lucas does not love me. Apparently, our marriage was based on business. My parents' company was dying, they needed something to keep the business running. Lucas and his family showed up; they had wealth too, so they decided to collaborate with each other by selling me off to Lucas for marriage.

I didn't see it that way because of the love I have for Lucas.

"Remember the state of the company. If you try to get on his nerves, and he does anything funny, you will be the one to blame for it. Just keep playing your role as his wife. If he cheats, then feel free to cheat back, but do it wisely."

Mum's words continually ring in my head. Even as I get home, I can not stop thinking about the fact that my parents care more about the company than my own peace of mind.

I relax on the couch and almost fall asleep until a loud bang on the door startles me. I snap my eyes open and meet Lucas, who is storming into the house with a huge scowl plastered on his face. My heart begins to race extremely fast in fear because I am afraid that Emily might have mentioned my conversation with my parents to him.

Lucas dumps his suitcase carelessly on the floor and begins to pace the room angrily. He growls and storms into the room. My heart races extremely fast in fear. I j******f the couch and rush towards the door to check on Lucas.

I am about to push the room door open, but I halt when I hear Lucas talking to someone over the phone.

"What are we going to do, mum?" Lucas yells angrily.

About what? What is he talking about?

"There is a new CEO at the company! There is a f*****g new CEO at the company!"

Wait, what?

How come?

Does that mean Lucas is no longer CEO of the company?