Beneath His Cold Gaze

Chapter Three - Meeting The CEO

Sophia's POV

I sit in the corner by myself, watching Lucas and his colleagues joke and laugh. I sigh heavily, turning my attention back to the bar. I drown myself in the solemn music blaring from the speakers.

Apparently, it was true. Lucas is no longer CEO of Anderson Enterprises. I dug deeper and found out that someone bought a large number of shares, automatically becoming the new CEO.

In order to celebrate the new CEO, A charity gala was organized by Lucas and some of his other colleagues, Lucas forced me to come along, just so people might think our marriage is some kind of bed of roses meanwhile I have a feeling that my marriage with Lucas is slowly crumbling, all I can do is hold onto the crumps.

I release a heavy sigh as I hear Lucas yell, "Babe! Can you please get us three bottles of tequila and some shot glasses?"

I roll my eyes. It's not like I can refuse his offer. Several waitresses are walking around, but I know he’s choosing to order me around just to prove to his friends that he can be the kind of man who bosses his wife around.

"Sure honey!" I yell back, forcing a smile on my face. I walk to the bartender and order three bottles of tequila. She offers to help me serve Lucas, but I refuse; the last thing I want to do is get into trouble with him. I grab the tray and sluggishly drag my feet towards the table where Lucas and his friends are sitting.

As I draw closer to him, everything seems to be going well until I accidentally trip on something, causing me to lose balance. I almost fall to the floor, but someone hastily grabs me by the wrist and pulls me into his arms before I can fall to the floor.

The next thing I hear is the shattering noise of bottles, and I feel the whole content spill over my dress and over the culprit who just saved me from falling.

Everywhere becomes silent, the music stops, and I feel all eyes on me. I hastily pull away from the person. I look up to gaze at the culprit, my mouth hangs open at the god-like face in front of me. His dark hair is perfectly styled, covering his left eye; his piercing blue eyes stare into mine. I gaze at his well-tailored suit that hugs his muscular physique, his once-white suit is now ruined with the reddish content of alcohol.

My mouth trembles as I hear everyone slowly whisper words to themselves.

"It's Julian Gray."

"Hey, it's Julian Gray."

"How could she be so clumsy around Julian Gray?"

Who is Julian Gray? Why does it seem like I have committed a grave sin?

I am about to apologize to the handsome man standing in front of me when I suddenly hear Lucas yell my name harshly. The next thing I feel is someone pulling me by the hair, I groan in agony as I turn around to gaze at Lucas, who is gripping me tight by the hair.

"How dare you be so clumsy, Sophia? What in the world is wrong with you?" Lucas yells through gritted teeth. His eyes twinkle with anger, and his grip on my hair tightens.

"That is enough." A deep, hoarse voice suddenly echoes in the room, causing Lucas to let go of my hair. His voice sends chills down my spine, whoever this guy is, he is most likely someone important. Something about his presence and choice of words is commanding.

"I apologize for my wife's stupid behaviour. I am so embarrassed right now. She can be really stupid sometimes." Lucas says. I just bow my head low in shame and allow Lucas to embarrass me in front of everyone.

"You should never address a woman like that." The so-called Julian Gray speaks up, ignoring Lucas's apology. He takes a few steps towards Lucas and continues. "What kind of man are you? I mean, what kind of husband are you? Do you enjoy making a fool out of your wife? Men like you do not deserve women like her at all." His expression is filled with disgust.

Everyone gasps in shock. I watch Lucas's expression fall as a frown forms on his face, and I can tell his pride is wounded by the way Julian Gray just spoke to him.

Lucas turns to me with fiery eyes. "Don't you dare bother to return home!" With that, he turns around and leaves the hotel. Without hesitation, I hastily apologize again to Julian Gray and attempt to run after Lucas but I feel someone grab me by the wrist to pull me back. I turn around to gaze at Julian Gray with a confused look on my face.

"Let him go. He doesn't deserve you. I don't understand why you stick with someone as arrogant as him," He says.

"I remain quiet. I know Julian is right, but what can I say? Maybe I'm just a love-sick fool for Lucas. Maybe.

"Grab a drink with me," Julian says. I want to refuse, but I know how rude it would seem, especially after I spilled a drink on him and ruined his expensive shirt.

Julian and I drink in his car, where no one can see us. For some strange reason, I find myself pouring my heart out to him. Maybe it's the alcohol, or maybe I've just had enough of Lucas' crap. I tell Julian everything—from how my parents forced me to marry Lucas, to how he’s done nothing but cheat on me and treat me like trash.

The night ends with a soft, passionate kiss between Julian and I. His last words echo in my mind before I drown myself in the alcohol.

"I promise to free you from the captivity of that man."