1. The Ball

Sophia gazed blankly at her surroundings. Amid the lively clamor of the extravagant party, she stood alone in a quiet corner, silently wishing no one would notice her presence. The dress she wore tonight irritated her skin, as did the diamonds adorning her neck and wrists. All she wanted was to take them off and get out of this place.

I want to go home, she thought repeatedly. She was sick of being at this kind of party. Not a single person was paying attention to her, even if it was what she wanted, Sophia couldn’t deny the sad feeling in her chest.

Sophia’s gaze settled on the tall figure of Albert Raymond, her husband, who stood surrounded by beautiful women like supermodels vying for his attention. Sophia snorted, and the moment Albert’s eyes shifted to meet hers, she quickly looked away.

That's enough! she thought in disgust. She walked toward the table filled with delectable treats, grabbed a handful of chocolate candies from the bowl and walked away.

Even though the news of her marriage eleven months ago had faded, Sophia still often hears unpleasant gossip from many people as well as news articles on the internet.

Almost everyone knows her marriage is not good, it has never been good, this relationship is doomed before it even begins. 

Sophia decided to retreat further away from the light, to a balcony in the corridor that had minimal light. She had no friends, no one she could trust, and none of them wanted to be friends with her either.

Sophia was known as a cold woman, a spoiled heiress and a snob. No one who was really close to her could ever reveal what Sophia was really like. However, they knew enough to know from her behavior that she rarely ever smiled, preferred to be alone, and looked at others with an icy stare.

She had come across a tagline in a gossip magazine more than once, boldly proclaiming that Albert Raymond’s greatest misfortune was marrying a woman like her. At the time, Sophia had merely snorted, ripped the magazine in half, and thrown it away. If anyone was unfortunate in this relationship, it wasn’t Albert ... it was her. Albert had gotten what he wanted, while discarding the meaningless scraps he threw at Sophia.

Tonight, Sophia thought bitterly, Albert might not come home again. She had seen the stunning blonde, impossibly sexy, clinging to him for most of the evening. Even though it was very clear that Albert was coming with his wife. But because of those damn rumors, Sophia was only considered a nuisance insect by them, which was very insignificant.

You are valuable to someone, Albert’s words from five years ago suddenly resurfaced in Sophia’s mind, making her want to laugh out loud. Every word he had spoken that night on the ship now sounded like nonsense.

I’m not valuable to anyone, Sophia thought. Not to her husband, her family, or her so-called friends. In their eyes, she was insignificant.

Taking a bite of her chocolate candy, she let out a quiet grunt. When am I valuable to someone?

Meanwhile, Albert, who was known as a playboy, still carried that label and embraced it. Women adored him for his striking good looks and immense wealth. They came and went, both before and after their marriage. Sophia couldn't blame Albert entirely, it was also her own fault for letting her weak side lead her into this misery.

People once hoped that Sophia's presence in Albert's life would change the man's character. However, people can't change that much. Especially a man like Albert. Forever, he will be who he is now, playing around with women and having fun with his money.

Sophia sighed, propping her hands on the balcony ledge, staring at the colorful lights in the garden. There was only an hour left before the party would end. Yes, Sophia was counting every minute sickeningly. Just waiting for the dancing session to start, after which the main event and everyone would slowly return to their limousines.

"You don't want to dance with me?" asked a voice behind Sophia.

Sophia didn't answer, taking another bite of her chocolate candy. They say chocolate makes you feel better, but Sophia couldn't prove it. She enjoyed chocolate for its flavor, not for the effect it had on her.

"Get lost, Albert," Sophia railed as Albert stood next to her. Even with such an unkind welcome, Albert didn't take offense and stood by Sophia instead.

Sophia moved away from him as the scent of Albert's perfume stung her, but Albert moved closer to her, until Sophia stopped him by holding his chest. "Why are you getting closer?!"

"Why are you moving away?"

"Because of your damn perfume!"

Albert understood, and stood as far away from Sophia as possible. "It must be that stupid blonde," Albert muttered, smelling his own body.

Sophia glared at him. "Don't call any woman stupid like that. If they're stupid, then you're even more stupid for fucking a stupid person."

Albert gave her an amused look. "Now you look like a jealous wife."

Sophia snorted inwardly, because the truth was, she was jealous. But Albert knew nothing of it. As far as Sophia knew, Albert hated her, and didn't care about her in the slightest. And Albert only knew that Sophia hated him as much as he hated her.

"Why are you here?" Sophia asked. "Isn't it more fun there?"

Albert chuckled. "What kind of husband would I be to leave my wife to party alone?"

Sophia wasn't the least bit flattered by his words. Her heart hardened even more. Because Sophia knew very well why Albert chose to come to her instead of continuing his fun. There were two reasons; First, there were no women attractive enough for him to enjoy himself with. Second, formality.

So this time, Sophia wondered; which one?

Probably number two.

"I want to go home," Sophia said, before turning to leave.

And as expected, Albert didn't try to stop her at all. However, when she reached the car ready to take her away, Albert opened the door and sat next to her.

Sophia looked at him coldly. She added one more excuse, that was boredom.

***