Sophie's pulse quickened as Tina's smile widened. There was an air of calculation about her stepsister that Sophie couldn't ignore. She knew that Tina was here for more than just a cordial exchange. Every interaction with Tina felt like a strategic move in a chess game, and Sophie had just stepped into the middle of a very dangerous match.
Aiden, who had been talking with a group of businessmen on the other side of the room, turned his attention toward them. His eyes flicked from Sophie to Tina, and for a brief moment, Sophie saw something in his gaze that sent a chill down her spine. It was as though he was watching, waiting for something to unfold. His expression remained neutral, but Sophie could tell he was aware of the tension building between the two women. He didn't intervene, though. He rarely did when it came to Tina.
"How's the marriage going?" Tina's voice was syrupy sweet, but Sophie could hear the underlying venom. She leaned in slightly, her gaze intense. "I imagine it's... difficult. Being forced into a life like this. I always thought you'd do better for yourself."
Sophie's hands clenched into fists at her sides, her nails digging into her palms as she fought the rising anger. She knew Tina didn't truly care about her well-being. This was about power, manipulation, and control. And Sophie wasn't about to let her stepsister win.
She took a deep breath, composing herself, forcing a calm smile onto her face. "The marriage is... fine, Tina. Thank you for asking," Sophie said, her voice steady, but her eyes never leaving Tina's. "And I think I'm doing quite well, all things considered."
Tina raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting Sophie to stand her ground. "Oh? I must say, I'm impressed," she said with a feigned chuckle. "But you know, Aiden… he has a tendency to get tired of things quickly. People, mostly. I hope you're prepared for that. You wouldn't want to be left out in the cold, now would you?"
Sophie could feel her heart race, but she refused to let the fear show. "I think Aiden is capable of making his own decisions, Tina. But thank you for your concern." She didn't give Tina the satisfaction of acknowledging the subtle threat.
Tina's smile faltered for a moment before she quickly recovered, her eyes glinting with something darker. "Of course. How could I forget? You've got everything under control, don't you?" Her voice dripped with sarcasm, but Sophie didn't rise to the bait.
As the conversation hung in the air, Sophie couldn't help but feel a sharp pang in her chest. Tina's words had struck a nerve. The thought of Aiden growing tired of her, leaving her when she least expected it, was a reality that Sophie couldn't deny. She had already begun to question her place in his life, but she couldn't let Tina see that weakness.
"Excuse me, I need to speak with someone," Sophie said, her voice cutting through the tension. She needed a moment to regain her composure. She turned away from Tina without waiting for a response, not bothering to glance back as she made her way through the crowd.
Her mind was spinning with everything that had just happened. Was Tina right? Would Aiden truly tire of her? The question lingered in her mind, gnawing at her thoughts like a persistent ache.
Sophie found herself standing by a balcony overlooking the city skyline. The cold night air hit her face, and she welcomed it, grateful for the brief reprieve. The view of the city spread out before her was breathtaking—an endless sea of lights that twinkled in the darkness. It felt like a world of its own, one where she could escape everything, even if only for a few minutes.
A sudden voice interrupted her thoughts. "I didn't expect you to run off like that."
Sophie turned, startled to see Aiden standing behind her. He was alone, having excused himself from the gathering to find her. His usual expression of control was present, but there was something else in his eyes—something she couldn't quite place.
"I just needed a moment to breathe," Sophie replied, her voice a little softer than she intended. She hoped he couldn't hear the underlying tension in her words.
Aiden nodded, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before he spoke again. "Tina is a master at playing games, you know. She's always been like that. Don't let her get to you."
Sophie's brows furrowed as she met his eyes. "It's not just her, Aiden. You're always so distant. So… closed off. I'm starting to wonder if you really want this marriage, or if it's just a formality to you."
Aiden's expression hardened, but only for a second before he masked it again. He walked toward her, standing just beside the railing, his eyes now focused on the horizon. "This marriage is more than just a formality, Sophie. You need to understand that. There are things going on, things you're not privy to. It's not about what I want. It's about what needs to be done."
His words were sharp, but there was an underlying strain in his voice, as though something was weighing on him. Sophie studied him carefully, trying to decipher the layers of meaning beneath his words. But before she could say anything more, Aiden turned to her, his voice softer now. "I know I haven't been the easiest to deal with, and I know this isn't what you expected. But I never asked for any of this either."
Sophie swallowed, her heart beating a little faster. She wasn't sure what to make of his words. Was he being sincere, or was this just another layer of manipulation? She wanted to believe him, but the scars from their past were still too fresh. She couldn't ignore the feeling that Aiden was hiding something—something important—and that realization left her more uncertain than ever.
Before she could respond, Aiden stepped back, his gaze flicking to the door leading back into the gala. "We should go back. The night isn't over yet."
Sophie nodded, her thoughts swirling as they walked back into the heart of the gala. As they rejoined the crowd, she couldn't shake the feeling that she had just been given a glimpse into Aiden's own internal struggle. But whether that would lead to anything more—anything real—was still a mystery she wasn't sure she wanted to solve.
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