Chapter 5: Freedom and Revelations

Sophia’s Point of View

The low hum of the engine echoed as I sped down the city streets in my bright yellow Lamborghini. The adrenaline from the meeting with James hadn’t quite worn off, and I needed a release. Tonight wasn’t about thinking—tonight was about being free. After two long years of being stuck in a contract marriage, of being someone I wasn’t, I could finally breathe again.

As I pulled up to the bar, neon lights reflecting off the rain-slicked pavement, a small smirk tugged at my lips. This wasn’t just any bar; this was *our* bar, the place where Skyler and I had spent many late nights forgetting the world. I parked the car in front of the entrance, handing the keys off to the valet, who couldn’t help but gawk at the vehicle.

I strode in with purpose, my heels clicking against the floor as the heavy beat of the music vibrated through my bones. The manager, a tall man with a sleek black suit, greeted me with a wide smile. He knew who I was, which was odd considering I hadn’t been here in a while. I arched a brow and crossed my arms, asking casually, “Do you know me?”

The manager nodded politely and said, “Miss, your friend Skyler Samuels asked us to look after you tonight.”

Of course, Skyler. He was always one step ahead. He probably had this whole night planned the moment I told him about the divorce meeting. I sighed, a mix of fondness and exasperation.

“Lead the way,” I replied.

The manager gestured for me to follow as we made our way through the crowd. The music was loud, heavy bass vibrating the floors as people moved to the beat. I couldn’t hear my own thoughts over the pulsating rhythm, but that was exactly what I needed. We climbed the staircase to the second floor, where private rooms overlooked the main dance floor below. Skyler always loved this place—hidden enough for intimate conversations but close enough to the action that we could still feel the energy.

As the manager opened the door to the private room, I spotted him immediately—Skyler, my gay best friend, lounging on the couch like a king, holding a martini glass in one hand. His platinum blond hair was tousled, and he wore a designer suit that screamed “unbothered.”

“Sophia, darling!” Skyler called out, his voice carrying over the music. He jumped up and rushed over to me, pulling me into a tight hug. “You look *incredible*, as always.”

“Thanks,” I laughed, pulling away slightly to look him in the eye. “Do they know me because of you?”

He grinned, that mischievous twinkle in his eye. “Guilty. But it’s not like you wouldn’t have made an impression on your own.” He waved a hand dismissively. “Come on, sit. Tell me *everything*.”

I sank onto the plush couch beside him, the tension in my shoulders easing as I finally let myself relax. The room was dimly lit, with the soft glow of the neon bar lights filtering in. It felt almost dreamlike, an escape from the reality I had just left behind.

Skyler poured me a drink—something fruity and strong, just the way I liked it—and then leaned in, his eyes wide with curiosity.

“So,” he began, swirling the contents of his glass. “How did it go with Mr. Ice King? Did he try to pull any of his usual stone-cold moves?”

I took a sip, the alcohol burning slightly as it went down, but it felt good. Warm. Liberating. “You wouldn’t believe it, Skyler,” I said, shaking my head. “He barely even cared. Signed the papers like it was just another business deal.”

Skyler’s eyes widened dramatically. “No way. No drama? No ‘how could you leave me’ moment?”

“None,” I replied, letting out a small laugh. “He asked me where I got the $10 million from, though. He couldn’t wrap his head around the idea that I didn’t touch his money. Two years and he still knows nothing about me.”

Skyler raised his glass in a mock toast. “To the mysterious and ever-resilient Sophia! I knew you had it in you.”

We clinked glasses, and I downed more of my drink. The tension of the night was finally ebbing away, replaced with a kind of lightness I hadn’t felt in years. The alcohol helped, but it was more than that. I was free. Free from the contract, free from the charade of being Mrs. Dalton. I hadn’t realized how much of myself I had buried during that time.

“I don’t know what’s crazier,” I continued, setting my glass down on the table. “The fact that I just handed over $10 million in cash or that he had the nerve to offer to pay me $20 million in alimony. Can you believe that?”

Skyler burst out laughing, nearly spilling his drink. “Of course he did! Oh, honey, he’s predictable. Rich men like him can’t stand the idea of a woman outplaying them.”

I smiled, but it wasn’t out of amusement. It was out of relief. “I don’t need his money. Never did. I just wanted to be done with it, done with him.”

Skyler looked at me thoughtfully, his usual playful demeanor softening. “So, how does it feel? Being free?”

I leaned back against the couch, gazing up at the ceiling as the distant thrum of the music continued to pulse. “It feels… unreal. Like I’m finally starting to live again.”

Skyler’s grin returned, brighter than ever. “That’s what I like to hear! And trust me, darling, this is just the beginning. Tonight, we’re celebrating. Drinks, dancing, and no more ice-cold meetings with Mr. Dalton.”

I laughed, feeling the weight of the last two years lift just a little more. “Where are the others?” I asked, glancing around the room. It was just Skyler and me, and for a bar this late at night, I expected more of our friends to be here.

Skyler rolled his eyes dramatically. “Oh, they’re downstairs. Completely wasted. It’s 1 a.m., after all. But you know how they are—lightweights.”

I smirked. “Sounds like I missed the party.”

“Not at all,” Skyler said, leaning back with a content sigh. “The real party starts now.”

I took another sip of my drink, letting the warmth spread through me. Skyler had always been a constant, even when everything else in my life had felt like it was spinning out of control. He never judged, never questioned, just let me be. Tonight, I needed that more than ever.

For the first time in a long time, I allowed myself to let go. To truly embrace the fact that I was free. No more obligations, no more contracts, no more pretending.

I was Sophia Reed—my own woman again.

And as Skyler poured us both another round, I realized that whatever came next, I was ready for it. Ready to reclaim my life, my choices, and everything I had given up in those two long years.