Sophia had always been a woman of routine.
5 a.m. workout.
6 a.m. emails.
8 a.m. boardroom.
No interruptions. No distractions. No emotions.
But today, the sharp edges of her schedule had softened. She stood in the kitchen in silence, watching Adrian slice fruit with one hand while keeping an eye on Ethan's wobbly attempt at pouring cereal.
It was domestic. Ordinary. Terrifying.
"Banana?" Adrian offered, holding a slice out to Ethan.
The little boy nodded eagerly, mouth full. "Can you pack my lunch too, Daddy?"
Sophia's breath caught.
Adrian didn't flinch. "Of course. Want to help me pick the snacks?"
Ethan scrambled down from the stool with a grin, dragging his lion with him. The kitchen filled with the sound of drawers opening and childhood chatter.
Sophia leaned against the doorway, arms crossed—not in judgment, but in defense.
She couldn't afford to feel.
Because she knew how feelings ended: in betrayal, in disappointment, in heartbreak.
After Ethan had left for school, Adrian turned to her, drying his hands on a towel.
"Why haven't you told him the truth?" he asked quietly.
Sophia didn't look up. "He's too young to understand. And I didn't want him to grow up watching his parents fight."
Adrian studied her face. "We're not fighting."
"We will," she said, finally meeting his gaze. "We're too different."
"But we used to be in love."
Sophia stiffened. "Used to."
Adrian stepped closer. "It doesn't mean that love disappeared. Maybe it got buried. Forgotten. But not gone."
She laughed dryly. "You think this is some kind of second chance story? A clean rewrite?"
"No," he said. "But I think the ending hasn't been written yet."
Before she could reply, her phone buzzed.
Incoming Call:
Her father.
She answered, instantly shifting into her CEO tone. "Yes, Father?"
"There's a gala next Friday. I expect you and your husband to attend. People are starting to talk, Sophia. You know how quickly rumors spread."
Adrian raised a brow. She rolled her eyes.
"We'll be there," she said and ended the call.
Adrian tilted his head. "So we're doing public appearances now?"
"We're married, remember?" she said, her tone clipped.
He grinned slightly. "Then maybe it's time we actually act like it."
Sophia turned away before he could see the flicker of panic in her eyes.
Because pretending to love him in front of a crowd was one thing.
But pretending not to love him in private… that was getting harder.