(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.