Sophia’s POV
For the first time in five years, I was excited while getting dressed for an event instead of simply dreading it.
I didn’t realize it was so obvious until Selena pointed it out.
“You are radiant today, Sophia,” She teased lightly. “Is there something I should know about?”
I flushed at her words.
In novels, I’d read that afterglow was short-lived and came immediately after sex but mine had been with me since morning through tonight.
I slid a glance at Selena picking my words carefully as though if I spoke any louder, I would jinx it.
“I know it’s been five years but I think this marriage might actually work.”
Selena’s jaw actually dropped as she gaped at me.
“Sophia, are you sure?”
I looked at my reflection in the mirror with my eyes bright with hope, my cheeks flushed with giddiness and I almost couldn’t recognize myself.
No, I wasn’t sure. Even if everything went exceptionally well tonight, it couldn’t erase Jerry’s intrinsic flaws.
Neither could it erase the years of bad blood between us but that spark I had felt last night when he revealed he had been pining for me all this while still burned within me. And it gave me the hope that if last night could happen then maybe one day we could move past our rough beginning.
“I want to be,” I said finally in response to Selena’s question. “I’ve never wanted to be more sure of anything in my life, Selena.”
Selena nodded once before leaning in to kiss the side of my head.
“In that case, I hope this marriage works out. You deserve to be happy.”
Right from the time that Mom and I were maids alongside her in the Baxter mansion, Selena had always looked out for me. I was thankful for her continuous support as well as a little tearful because she reminded me so much of Mom.
Once this business with Jerry was settled, I’d take permission to visit Mom. Sitting next to her, whether or not she was conscious, always made my world a little bit brighter.
“Thank you, Selena, by the way, do you know Jerry has arrived already?” I asked.
Selena shook her head as she continued pulling my dark hair back expertly into an updo.
“Last I checked, he isn’t back yet but I’m sure he won’t miss the party tonight.”
My entire body tingled despite my urge to restrain my excitement.
Of course, he wouldn’t miss it. According to the message relayed to me by Chrysalis, he couldn’t wait for the party.
My dress today put that of the night before to shame. It was a glimmering silvery white that clung to my curvy figure more than I liked with a high slit.
It was obviously chosen by Anastasia to reflect my role tonight. Trophy wife of Jerry Baxter.
But tonight, for the first time I didn’t mind. Maybe because I was on the cusp of becoming Jerry’s wife in truth.
Striding across the clear marbled floors that reflected lights from the chandeliers overhead and the electric lamp posts, my dress shone as it was intended to and when I reached the balcony preceding the twin staircases, the entire party seemed to pause staring up at me.
From this vantage, I could see everything.
The almost outlandish decor that dwarfed that of my reception ceremony by far. The ever-present paparazzi. The rich vicious guests with sweet smiles who were ready to pounce at any moment. The look of satisfaction on my mother in law’s face when she saw me and the shock on the faces of her daughters, my sisters in law.
My world where everything was about to change.
I walked down the staircase.
Malia was the first to reach me with her usual fake venomous smile.
“That dress looks great on you,” She turned to her twin and snickered. “Look, she actually looks like one of us now.”
Dalia rolled her eyes but I could still see the spark of annoyance ignored in her gaze.
“Don’t give her any more ideas, Malia.”
Anastasia cut between her daughters, with a hasty snap of her fingers. No pleasantries, no nothing.
“Follow me, Sophia, we need to greet the guests.” She said curtly before moving away, leaving me following quickly after her to catch up.
Anastasia loved her parties and even parties that weren’t meant to be hers. But most of all, she loved standing around the vicinity of the foyer with me at her side to welcome people coming for the event.
“Congratulations on your wedding anniversary.”
Another guest congratulated me for the hundredth time in a few minutes.
My smile was more of an instinct at this moment.
“Thank you very much.” I said, trying not to look around.
Jerry wasn’t here yet, what could possibly be keeping him and making him so late for his own wedding anniversary?
I shot another anxious glance at the front door but this time I was shocked to see Jerry walking in just right then.
My heart leapt uncontrollably in my chest. Jerry was so handsome with his long strides and the fuck off expression on his face. Had he always been this handsome or was I still smitten by our night together?
Jerry’s winter blue eyes met mine and I gave him a small tentative smile before I took a step towards him only to freeze midstep when I realized that Jerry wasn’t walking in alone.
There was someone at his side almost tucked protectively at his back as he moved forward.
My heart stopped for the second time that evening when I realized it was Kate at Jerry’s side.
Kate who he had been fucking minutes after getting married to me.