(Sophia's POV)

I arrived at the Blackwood family estate exactly on time, wearing a lavender dress that hugged my curves in all the right places.

My long hair fell in soft waves down my back, tied with a white silk ribbon.

I'd spent an hour on my makeup, making sure every detail was perfect.

Not for Alexander. For myself.

The valet opened my car door, and I stepped out into the warm evening air.

Alexander was waiting by the entrance, his eyes scanning the arriving guests.

When he saw me, he froze.

His gaze traveled from my face down to my heels and back up again.

For a moment, something flickered in his eyes. Surprise? Desire?

I walked toward him, my heels clicking against the stone pathway.

"You're late," he said, but his voice lacked its usual edge.

"I'm exactly on time."

His jaw tightened. "Go upstairs and change."

I blinked. "Excuse me?"

"That dress. It's too... attention-grabbing. You'll embarrass yourself."

A laugh bubbled up in my throat. "I look beautiful, Alexander. That's what bothers you."

"I'm serious, Sophia. Go change. Now."

I tilted my head, studying him. "No."

His face darkened. "What did you say?"

"I said no. Don't worry though-next time you have a funeral, I'll dress down. Wouldn't want to steal the spotlight from the corpse."

His hand shot out and gripped my wrist. "You-"

"Let go of me." My voice was ice.

He released me immediately, glancing around to see if anyone had noticed.

"Get in the car," he said through gritted teeth. "We're already late."

I walked to his black Mercedes and reached for the passenger door handle.

Alexander opened it for me, a gesture that would've seemed gentlemanly to anyone watching.

But I saw what was on the seat.

A pearl earring.

Small, delicate, expensive.

Not mine.

I stepped back. "I'll sit in the back."

Alexander frowned. "Don't be ridiculous. Just get in."

"The seat's dirty."

His eyes narrowed. "It's perfectly clean."

"Is it?" I gestured at the earring. "Looks contaminated to me."

His face flushed red. He snatched up the earring and shoved it in his pocket.

"Happy now? Get in."

I slid into the back seat instead.

The drive to the Plaza Hotel was silent.

When we arrived, Alexander got out and walked around to open my door.

He extended his arm, waiting for me to take it.

The perfect picture of a devoted fiancé.

I pulled a silk scarf from my purse and wrapped it carefully around my palm.

Then I placed my hand on his arm.

Alexander's entire body went rigid.

"What the hell are you doing?" he hissed.

"Protecting myself. You never know where that arm has been."

His face turned purple. "You're insane."

"And you're a cheater. We all have our flaws."

He looked like he wanted to strangle me, but we were already at the entrance.

Photographers lined the red carpet, cameras flashing.

Alexander forced a smile onto his face.

I did the same.

To everyone watching, we looked like the perfect couple.

The ballroom was magnificent.

Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting rainbow light across the marble floors.

Hundreds of guests mingled, champagne glasses in hand.

The moment we walked in, conversations stopped.

All eyes turned to us.

I felt Alexander's arm tense beneath my scarf-wrapped hand.

"I need to speak with Grandfather privately," he said, his smile never wavering. "Entertain yourself for a bit."

"Of course."

He disappeared into the crowd without a backward glance.

I grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter.

Before I could take a sip, a group of women descended on me.

"Sophia." Vivian stepped forward, her red dress clinging to her like a second skin. "I'm surprised to see you here."

I recognized her immediately. One of Isabella's closest friends.

"Why wouldn't I be here? I'm Alexander's fiancée."

Vivian laughed, a sharp, cruel sound. "Are you though? I heard you made quite the scene at Moon Club a few days ago."

The other women tittered.

"You swore you'd never marry Alexander," another woman chimed in. "Something about him being impotent if you did?"

My fingers tightened around my champagne glass. "I'm impressed. Your memory is better than your fashion sense."

Vivian's smile faltered.

"That dress," I continued, gesturing at her outfit. "It's very... bold. Though I suppose when you don't have much else to offer, you have to work with what you've got."

Her face turned scarlet. "You-"

"Ladies." I raised my glass in a mock toast. "Always a pleasure."

I turned to walk away, but Vivian's voice stopped me.

"Enjoy it while it lasts, Sophia. Once Isabella arrives, you'll see exactly where you stand."

I glanced back over my shoulder. "I'm trembling with anticipation."

I found a quiet corner and sipped my champagne, watching the crowd.

That's when I saw them.

Victoria, my stepmother, gliding through the ballroom in a gold gown.

And beside her, my stepsister Chloe, wearing white.

Victoria's eyes found mine across the room.

She made her way over, Chloe trailing behind her.

"Sophia." Victoria's smile was all teeth. "What a surprise to see you here."

"Is it?"

"I thought you'd be on your honeymoon by now. Wasn't yesterday the big day?"

My jaw clenched. "Plans changed."

"How unfortunate." Victoria's eyes gleamed with false sympathy. "I do hope everything is alright between you and Alexander."

"It's none of your concern."

Chloe was barely paying attention to our conversation. Her eyes scanned the crowd eagerly.

"Looking for someone?" I asked.

She jumped. "Oh! No, I just... Isabella texted that she's here. I wanted to say hello."

Of course. Isabella and Chloe had been best friends since high school.

How convenient.

"You know," Victoria said, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "Alexander has always been so devoted to Isabella. Five years, and nothing's changed."

I took another sip of champagne.

"It must be difficult," she continued, "being engaged to a man who's in love with someone else."

Across the room, I saw Alexander moving quickly through the crowd.

Heading toward the entrance.

Where Isabella had just appeared.

She looked stunning in a white gown, her platinum-blonde hair swept up in an elegant chignon.

Alexander reached her in seconds, his face lighting up in a way I'd never seen.

Victoria's smile widened. "See what I mean?"

I set down my champagne glass. "You're right, Victoria. Alexander does love Isabella very much."

Victoria looked surprised that I'd admitted it.

"But tell me," I continued, turning to face her fully. "Does Alexander know that Isabella's best friend-your daughter Chloe-is in love with him too?"

Victoria's face went white.

Chloe gasped. "Sophia! That's not-I don't-"

"Don't worry, Chloe." I smiled sweetly. "I'm your sister. I would never compete with you over a man."

Victoria grabbed my arm. "You're being ridiculous. Chloe would never-"

"It's fine," I said, pulling my arm free. "I don't want this man anymore anyway."

"Sophia."

The voice came from directly behind me.

Cold. Furious.

I turned slowly.

Alexander stood there, his eyes blazing with anger.

"Who exactly," he said, his voice dangerously quiet, "don't you want anymore?"