Canvas of deceit

His name isAlexander

Chapter Four: His Name Is Alexander

The after party had just begun, it was the party between inner personalities and families.

The reception was filled with buzz of excitement and soft blue's. Laughter floated through the air, champagne glasses rose to celebration, everything smelled like roses and money. But to Sophia, it all felt fake to her, this wasn't the life she wanted for herself.

She sat at the big round table, Across the table, Leonardo sat at the head like a king.

He hadn’t looked at her once since the toast.

She held onto her champagne flute glass and took a sip,

“Welcome into the family Mrs Deluca,” someone on her right said, raising a glass up for a toast.

Sophia turned her gaze towards her and forced a smile. “Thank you.”

The name Mrs Deluca sounded like a curse to her, a name she never asked, she will have to carry it like a mark, because it's her new identity, She lamented.

And then… She felt it again, the burning sensation, and the way he stares with curiosity from the figure at the other end.

She gazes through his shadow across the room, her eyes onto him as he sat by the window.

He wasn’t laughing like the other guest, he had a straight mean face and wasn't talking with anyone. He was just staring at her.

He was putting on a royal blue shirt with the three buttons undone, which revealed his muscular bare chest, his black pants gave him a simple and sophisticated look, and he wore a crystalline necklace on his neck.

“Noticing that they had been staring at each other for a while like they were in some sort of staring contest, Sophia blinked at the intensity of his gaze. He stared at her like he could unravel her.”

She couldn't help but have her eyes roaming over his body, his muscles were softly and attractively built, his roll-on sleeves revealing the veins that stretched along his forearms. He was so tall and handsome,his jaw was well clean and shaven.

There was something about his eye, his eye seemed like there was a message to be conveyed, grey with hints of ice blue, his looks felt like a signal to her and then he smiled.

Sophia felt a twist in her stomach, a gentle warmth rose to her face the longer she looked at him, she looked away, lifting her glass with a shaky hand, hoping she wasn't noticed by anyone.

“Who the hell is he”? She thought

Sophia walked out to the side balcony, she needed to catch some fresh air, slamming the door behind her. She felt cooler outside, the garden light gave a soft and golden glow, then she felt his presence.

The smell of him filled the air around her, making her heart skip.

Alexander stood right in front of her, he was standing taller over her by more than a foot, he stared at her intensely sending shivers down her spine.

As she looked at him, everything else seemed to fade away, until reality brought her back.

But whoever this young man is, he's extremely attractive, hot and mysterious, but! She wasn't there to lust on some damn stranger, she barely knew.

She needs to focus And think of a way of escaping Leonardo.

Sophia was caught up in her breath.

“You shouldn’t be sneaking up on people,” she said softly.

“You seem to be needing some real company and that's why I'm here.” He replied

His voice, o damnit, deep, rich and well polished with a nice accent.

Sophia gave him a stern look. “You don't seem to be among the press, or are you?”

He chuckled. “Not even close.”

“Then who are you?” You seem so bold and audacious, he stepped forward, closing some of the distance.

I am “Alexander Deluca.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Alexander... what?”

“Deluca,” he said slowly. “Leonardo’s younger brother.”

Her mouth opened slightly. “You’re... his brother?”

He gave a nod, his eyes still fixed on her. He is my half brother, we are of the same father but different mothers. O yes we are both siblings.”

Sophia took a small step back. “Why weren't you introduced to me earlier on?”

Leonardo replied “Because I see through him. And he doesn’t like that.”

She blinked. “You two don’t get along?”

“That’s putting it mildly.”

There was silence between them. The breeze blew at them leaving some strands of hair at her face. He watched the way she tried to tuck them behind her ear.

Sophia looked down, feeling unsettled. “I shouldn’t be out here with you.”

“Why?” he asked, sounding possessive

“Because I’m married.” Alexander laughed, “To a man who doesn’t love you.”

She threw him a sharp look. “You don’t know anything about marriage,” she said, defensively.

Alexander took another step closer. “I know my brother more than you do. He is so selfish.

Sophia swallowed hard, trying to ignore the truth. “You’re wrong.”

“Am I?” They were very close to each other.

He took her hands and reached up to her, gently and brushing off the strands of hair from her cheek. He drew her towards himself and kissed her, some seconds later, the kiss intensified. Her hands went up to his neck clutching the front of his suit. Then he closed the distance between them, it wasn't a gentle kiss, they kissed like they have been starved, he deepened the kiss, tongue brushing hers in a slow way that made her body crave for him, they were both lost in the pressure, taste and feelings, they weren't aware of their surroundings and the lightning shot from the camera that was taken of them.

But then,they heard footsteps,which were fast and sharp coming towards their direction. They stopped kissing and stepped apart, pretending nothing happened.

Sophia felt a heavy weight on her chest, she was caught between her wants and regrets of her actions.

Alexander turned around, his eyes fixed on the shadows that had gone beyond the hallway.

“Did they see us?” she asked, eyes darting around. “Sophia touched her lips with trembling fingers, she was scared for she knew someone saw them.“I can’t do this,” she said.

Yes, you can. “Because you already did and nothing changed.” Alexander said.

“I’m married to your brother.” Sophia stared at him, her breaths short and shaky, with fear clouding her eyes.

Alexander said, “the kiss wasn't a mistake, don't think you can walk away from me, you feel it too much as I do and I I know you like it.” Alexander stepped back, giving her space.

She didn’t know what to say, but one thing she feared the most was making a

bad headline. She just turned and walked back inside the reception hall.. with the fear of being caught.