The next morning, as Sophia walked into the office, she could immediately sense the change in the atmosphere. Eyes discreetly followed her as she made her way to her desk, and she could feel the weight of curious stares from her colleagues. Some even greeted her with smiles and nods, something that had never happened before. It was a surreal experience, and Sophia couldn't help but feel a little disoriented by the sudden shift in how people treated her.
As she reached her desk, her coworker, Charlotte, who sat just across from her, wasted no time in sliding over, her eyes wide with excitement. "Sophia!" she whispered conspiratorially, leaning in close. "You have to tell me everything! How on earth did you end up marrying the CEO? I mean, we all knew there was someone special, but the CEO? No one saw that coming!"
Sophia couldn't help but smile at Charlotte's enthusiasm, though she felt a little overwhelmed by the attention. "It's a long story, Charlotte," she replied, trying to keep her voice light. "We met through a mutual friend, and things just… clicked. We kept it quiet for a while because we wanted to make sure it was real before everyone else knew."
Charlotte's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "So, what's he like? I mean, we all see him as this powerful, intimidating figure, but what's he really like at home?"
Sophia hesitated for a moment, not wanting to reveal too much but also not wanting to shut down the conversation. "He's actually very caring and protective," she said, choosing her words carefully. "He's different at home—more relaxed, more himself. It's been a bit of an adjustment, but he's been really supportive."
Charlotte nodded eagerly, soaking up every word. "Wow, I can't believe it. I mean, to think that all this time, you were married to him! That explains why he was so furious yesterday. I've never seen him like that."
Sophia blushed slightly, remembering how Lucas had defended her so fiercely. "Yeah, he doesn't like seeing me treated unfairly. But honestly, I didn't expect him to go that far."
Charlotte grinned. "Well, it certainly made an impression. I don't think anyone's going to mess with you now. You've got the ultimate protector."
Sophia chuckled softly. "I suppose so. But I just want to keep things normal, you know? I don't want people to start treating me differently just because of who I'm married to."
Charlotte patted her hand reassuringly. "Don't worry, Sophia. You've always been one of us, and that won't change. But it's kind of cool knowing that you've got the CEO on your side."
As they continued talking, Sophia couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. On one hand, she was grateful for Lucas's support and the way he had stood up for her. But on the other hand, she couldn't shake the feeling that things would never quite be the same at work.
Throughout the day, Sophia noticed the subtle changes in how people interacted with her. There were more smiles, more friendly greetings, and a general air of respect that hadn't been there before. It was as if her marriage to Lucas had elevated her status in the eyes of her colleagues, and while it was nice to be treated well, it also made her a little uncomfortable.
During lunch, Charlotte joined her again, continuing to pepper her with questions about Lucas. "So, what's it like being married to someone so powerful? Do you ever feel overwhelmed?"
Sophia took a bite of her salad, considering the question. "It can be a little overwhelming at times, especially with all the responsibilities he has. But Lucas is really good at making time for us, for our relationship. He's not just about work, you know? He makes sure we have our moments together."
Charlotte sighed dreamily. "That sounds amazing. You're so lucky, Sophia. I can't even imagine what it must be like to come home to someone like him."
Sophia smiled, thinking about the quiet moments they shared at home. "It's not always easy, but it's worth it. We're still figuring things out, but I'm really happy."
As the day went on, Sophia tried to focus on her work, but she couldn't ignore the subtle changes in how she was being treated. It was as if her colleagues were walking on eggshells around her, trying to stay on her good side now that they knew who her husband was. It made her feel a little isolated, as if there was an invisible barrier between her and the others.
When she finally got home that evening, Lucas was already there, waiting for her in the living room. He looked up from his work as she walked in, his expression softening. "How was your day?" he asked, setting aside his laptop.
Sophia sighed as she dropped her bag on the floor and sank into the couch beside him. "It was… different. People were treating me differently, and it felt strange."
Lucas reached out, taking her hand in his. "I'm sorry, Sophia. I didn't mean to make things harder for you."
She shook her head. "It's not your fault. I just didn't expect it to be like this. I knew things would change, but I wasn't prepared for how quickly it would happen."
Lucas squeezed her hand gently. "If it gets to be too much, we can figure something out. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable at work."
Sophia looked at him, appreciating his concern. "I'll be okay. It's just going to take some getting used to. I don't regret what you did—I'm glad you stood up for me. It's just… a lot to process."
Lucas leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "I'm here for you, Sophia. Whatever you need, just let me know."
Sophia smiled, leaning into his embrace. "Thank you, Lucas. I'm lucky to have you."
That night, as they sat together, enjoying the quiet of their home, Sophia felt a sense of peace wash over her. No matter what challenges they faced, she knew they would face them together. And that made all the difference.