Sophia wasn't one to sit back and watch things slip through her fingers. She had spent years waiting for this—waiting for her rightful place beside Kael. And now, some nobody was standing in her way? She refused to accept it.
The next morning, Esme walked downstairs to find Sophia already seated at the dining table, sipping her coffee as if she owned the house. The staff moved around her, serving her breakfast, completely unbothered by her presence.
Esme clenched her jaw.
Kael sat at the head of the table, dressed in his usual dark suit, sipping his own coffee in silence. He didn't acknowledge either woman, his focus on the morning paper.
Esme took a seat across from Sophia, picking up a piece of toast. She hadn't even taken a bite when Sophia suddenly spoke.
"Kael, you barely ate last night," she said, feigning concern. "You should have tried the food I brought. It was from one of your favorite restaurants."
Kael didn't look up. "I wasn't hungry."
Esme smirked at Sophia's failed attempt.
But Sophia wasn't done.
"Well, I know you have a long day ahead," Sophia continued, her voice as sweet as honey. "So, I took the liberty of preparing a nutritious meal for you. The chefs made it exactly how you like."
She lifted the lid of a covered dish, revealing a carefully prepared breakfast.
Esme's grip on her fork tightened.
This woman was really trying her patience.
Kael glanced at the plate but made no move to eat.
Esme decided she had had enough.
"Oh, how thoughtful of you, Sophia," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "But you know, Kael actually ate a full meal last night."
Sophia's expression stiffened. "Did he?"
"Yes," Esme said, smiling sweetly. "I made it for him myself. And he ate every bite."
Sophia's grip on her coffee cup tightened. "Well, how lovely. But Kael and I have known each other for years—I know exactly what he likes."
Esme leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "Oh, I know what he likes too." Her eyes flickered to Kael, who was still calmly drinking his coffee. "Don't I, Kael?"
Kael finally looked up, amusement flickering in his dark eyes. He knew exactly what Esme was doing, and he wasn't going to stop her.
Sophia's nails dug into her palm under the table. This little witch.
She refused to let Esme win.
"Well," Sophia said, regaining her composure, "It's a shame that Kael doesn't have the final say in who his real wife will be."
Esme stiffened.
Sophia's lips curled into a smirk. "Grandmother made it very clear. We both have to earn our place by his side."
Esme's jaw clenched. "What is that supposed to mean?"
Sophia tilted her head innocently. "It means that if you're not careful, you'll be out of this house just as quickly as you came in."
The words sent a spark of fury through Esme's veins.
Before she could respond, Kael finally spoke.
"Enough."
His voice was low, but the authority in it was undeniable.
Both women turned to look at him.
Kael set his coffee cup down, his gaze shifting from Sophia to Esme, then back to Sophia.
"Sophia," he said coolly, "I don't need you to make my meals. If I'm hungry, I'll eat whatever I choose."
Sophia's face paled slightly. "I was only trying to help—"
"Help?" Kael cut in, his voice dangerously smooth. "You're in my house, Sophia. Don't overstep your place."
Esme's lips curled into a victorious smile.
Sophia, however, felt her pride crack.
Kael stood up, adjusting his suit jacket. "I have work to do."
He walked past them, heading toward the door.
Before he exited, he paused slightly and added, "Esme, be ready by evening. We're going out."
Esme blinked, surprised.
Sophia, on the other hand, looked as if she had been slapped.
Esme let out a slow, satisfied exhale.
Oh, this war had just begun.