CHAPTER 5

Sophie.

After signing the divorce agreement, a sense of relief washed over me, but I could not deny the existence of a hole in my heart.

I sat in the wooden rocking chair in the east corner of the room. A soft smile formed across my face as I gently rubbed my stomach. I still couldn’t believe a little life was growing inside me. My mind wandered—would it be a girl or a boy? What name should I choose? I chuckled, realizing I had a lot of time to think about that.

I had a sudden sinking feeling as a thought slipped into my mind, and I mumbled. “Would the baby have Alex’s eyes?”

I brushed the thought aside. I needed to focus on myself and my baby. I would need a place to live; I couldn’t depend on Luca forever. I had to work. I needed to be strong, if not for myself, then for my baby.

Sitting here wasn’t going to solve my problems. I decided to bid Luca fair well.

I knocked at his door, and he opened it, sleep still evident on his face.

“Sorry, if I woke you.” I apologized.

“Oh no, it’s fine,” he said, leaning against the door frame.

“I came to say goodbye; I’m leaving,” I notified. “Thanks for your hospitality.” My eyes closed as a wide grin spread across my face, hoping to mask my uncertainty.

Despite my facade, Luca seemed to see my embarrassment. “You don’t have to rush off if you are not ready. You can stay longer if you need it,” he suggested.

“I appreciate it, but I think it's better if I start figuring things out on my own.” I fidgeted with my fingers

Luca nodded. “OK, I understand. So, what's your next plan?” He questioned.

“I'm going to reach out to some of my old clients to see if any new design projects are coming up.” I took a few deep breaths, trying to ease the tension in my stomach as the uncertainty of the plan gnawed at my nerves.

Luca's face brightened. “That sounds like a good move. There's a designer party happening. A lot of big names from the hotel industry will be there. It could be a great opportunity for you to network and find new chances.”

“A party, huh?” Although it sounded like a nice idea, pregnancy and everything that had happened. I wasn’t sure I was ready for socializing right now.

“It could be exactly what you need. Just get out there and see what's happening. And who knows, you might meet someone who could open doors for you.” Luca encouraged.

“Maybe you're right. It wouldn't hurt to at least check it out.” I straightened my posture, trying to be optimistic—I needed to be for my baby.

“Thanks, I'll give it a shot.” I added.

******

The soft hum of classical music filled the halls, blending with the clinking of glasses and the murmur of conversation among the guests, who mingled in designer gowns and tailored tuxedos. This was no ordinary gathering; it was a party that glittered with the presence of the elite in the luxury hotel.

A waiter approached, offering me a drink, but I politely declined. From across the hall, Luca caught my eye and offered a warm smile, which I returned. Luca was a familiar face in this world. Realizing I was hugging myself, I quickly dropped my arms. I didn’t want to show any sign of nervousness.

Luca introduced me to a group of executives from various luxury hotels. They were eager to discuss potential job opportunities; their enthusiasm made me feel excited.

“Alex Dawson.” A voice called out.

I turned, and my gaze fell on Alex and Mia. My eyes locked with Alex’s, robbing me of my breath. His eyes widened, yet his brows furrowed. As my gaze fell on their interlocked arms, He gently pulled away.

I jerked as an arm slipped around my shoulders.

“Are you alright?" Luca questioned with a concerned expression.

I nodded.

Alex barely attended parties and mostly sent Benjamin in his stead, so I didn’t anticipate running into him.

Walking around and meeting new people, I observed my surroundings as I constantly felt someone watching me. I scanned across, and my eyes met with Alex, who seemed oblivious to the conversation around him. His eyes fixed on me like a predator eyeing its prey.

I tried to immerse myself in a conversation, but I found it impossible. My eyes involuntarily kept shifting towards Alex, whose gaze was fixed on me as though no one else was in the room—it evoked a sensation I couldn’t dare acknowledge.

And then I felt a firm grip on my arm.

"Can I have a word?" Alex asked, his tone more of a command than a request. I glanced at Luca, who was watching the interaction closely, his eyes narrowing.

"Maybe later," I said, attempting to sound as casual as possible as if there wasn’t bad blood between us. "I'm in the middle of something." My heart palpitated as his grip tightened.

“Now,” Alex insisted, his tone edged with tension.

Luca quickly stepped in, pulling me closer to him by my other arm. “She said later.” His voice was calm but firm.

The two men stared darts at each other. I could taste the animosity in the atmosphere.

“Back off,” Alex snapped, staring down at Luca, his chest heaving with each breath. “This is between me and her.” He tugged me back toward him.

Luca scoffed, inching closer. “And if I don’t?”

The argument amplified, their voices pitching above the ambient noise, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. A sudden heat coursed through my face as the guest turned to observe the drama, and the constant tugging between Alex and Luca only made me lightheaded.

“Do you know this man?” Luca questioned.

Staring at Alex straight in the eyes, I replied, “I don’t know him that well. Let’s go.” As I pulled away from his grip, betrayal flashed in his eyes. It did make my heart drown, but I reminded myself that he betrayed me first.

I was about to leave when Mia came over, flashing her smile that chewed at my nerves.

“Hey, Sophie.” Mia greeted me with a voice soaked in false sweetness, earning my eye roll.

I caught a whiff of her heavy perfume, inciting a nauseous feeling in the very pit of my stomach. I planted my feet firmly on the ground as another dose of dizziness struck me.

Alex's expression softened when he noticed my discomfort, and I wasn’t ready to reveal any sign of pregnancy.

Swallowing hard, I uttered, “I need to use the bathroom.”

Mia followed me, saying she came to help me, but I could smell her pretense.

She folded her arms, her wicked smirk tugging at a corner of her lips. “Are you really pretending to be sick just to get Alex’s attention?” Her teasing tone was loosening the nuts in my head.

My temper flared and I delivered a resounding slap that echoed through the bathroom. Mia’s cheeks reddened, and her eyes flashed with shock briefly before morphing into an enraged glare. Without thinking twice, she retaliated, shoving me with a strong push.

I stumble backward, off balance, and on the verge of falling. My heart was drumming in my chest, I felt myself tilting dangerously, and all I could think of was my precious baby. Suddenly a strong arm wrapping around me, I was pulled back from the brink of falling. Relief coursed through me as I leaned into Luca’s sturdy frame.

Yet as I regained footing, a sudden pain shot through my foot, but instead of wincing, I quickly cradled my belly, protective instincts taking over as the concern for the baby flooded through me.

As Luca supported me, I caught a glimpse of Alex rushing towards us, his face contorted in a mix of worry and frustration. He reached out as if to assist me, but Luca was quicker, saving me before Alex could.

Alex's expression deepened into a scowl, his jaw tightening. I could almost feel the waves of jealousy and anger radiating from him. His eyes, one filled with concern, bore into Luca with an intensity that sent a chill down my spine.

“Is it okay? You're in a special time; you should be really careful.” Luca asked after I turned to him.

Alex’s voice cut him short. “What special time?”

Mia was disturbed by the reaction I was pulling out from Alex; she sighed with exaggeration. "Don't pretend you are weak and sick; are you pregnant too?" Her tone, mocking me.