Chapter 7: Public Humiliation
The grand ballroom sparkled with opulence. Crystal chandeliers bathed the room in golden light, and the gentle hum of conversations mixed with the clinking of champagne glasses. Lía stood near the entrance, clutching her silver clutch as her eyes swept across the crowd. She was dressed in an elegant emerald gown, carefully selected to complement her hazel eyes, yet the unease in her chest dulled any confidence she might have felt.
Tonight's gala was hosted by one of Alejandro's major business partners, and it was clear the room was filled with power players. Lía had prepared herself to play the role of Alejandro's wife, even if that role felt more like a title than a truth.
As the evening progressed, Alejandro entered the room, commanding attention in a perfectly tailored black suit. His sharp features and natural charisma made him the center of every conversation. Lía watched him greet guests with ease, but her heart sank as she noticed someone by his side: Sofía.
She was radiant, her champagne-colored dress hugging her figure perfectly. Her laughter, melodic and confident, drew every gaze. But what made Lía's chest tighten was Alejandro's demeanor. He was relaxed, almost affectionate, as if Sofía belonged by his side.
Lía tried to join Alejandro, but every time she approached, Sofía subtly positioned herself between them, claiming his attention effortlessly. The guests, sharp-eyed and quick-tongued, began to murmur.
"Isn't that Sofía? I thought she was supposed to marry Alejandro," one woman whispered behind her gloved hand.
"It's a shame, really," another replied. "She's clearly the better match. Alejandro looks much happier with her."
The words pierced Lía like daggers, each murmur louder than the last. She smiled stiffly, pretending not to hear as she sipped her water, though her hands trembled slightly.
Sofía's behavior only added fuel to the fire. She leaned into Alejandro as they spoke, her hand resting on his arm, her gaze lingering on his face longer than necessary. To the casual observer, they looked like a couple in sync, while Lía seemed like an outsider.
At one point, Alejandro and Sofía stood by the bar, laughing softly. Lía approached, determined to make her presence known.
"Alejandro," she said with forced cheerfulness, "could I have a moment?"
He glanced at her briefly, his expression unreadable. "I'm in the middle of something, Lía. Can it wait?"
Before she could respond, Sofía smiled sweetly. "Don't worry, Lía. I'll make sure to give him back to you... eventually."
The guests nearby chuckled, their laughter echoing in Lía's ears as she fought to maintain her composure.
Camila arrived late, sensing her friend's distress the moment she entered the room. Spotting Lía near the edge of the ballroom, she approached quickly, placing a supportive hand on her arm.
"Lía, what's going on?" Camila asked, her eyes narrowing as she glanced toward Alejandro and Sofía.
"Nothing," Lía replied, her voice tight. "Just the usual."
Camila frowned. "You can't let them treat you like this. You're Alejandro's wife, not some accessory to be ignored."
Lía hesitated. Part of her wanted to storm across the room and demand Alejandro acknowledge her, but the weight of her insecurities held her back. Still, Camila's words sparked a flicker of resolve within her.
Instead of retreating to a quiet corner as she usually did, Lía straightened her posture and began engaging with other guests. She struck up conversations, laughing at jokes, and charming those around her. She wasn't as polished or effortless as Sofía, but she held her own, refusing to fade into the background.
As the night wore on, the event shifted toward speeches and toasts. Alejandro was invited to the stage to address the crowd, and Sofía remained seated at their table, her presence a stark contrast to Lía's isolation.
During his speech, Alejandro spoke with his usual poise, highlighting the importance of partnerships and innovation. But when he glanced at Sofía and offered a brief, almost imperceptible smile, the room seemed to notice.
It wasn't long before the whispers began again.
"They're practically inseparable."
"I wonder if his wife even knows."
Lía gritted her teeth, trying to block out the voices. But the final blow came as the event drew to a close. Alejandro returned to their table, and before Lía could speak to him, Sofía intercepted.
"I need to confirm the itinerary for our upcoming trip," Sofía said smoothly.
"Trip?" Lía asked, her tone sharper than intended.
Alejandro glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "It's a business trip. Sofía and I will be meeting with some potential investors overseas."
"And when were you planning on telling me?" Lía asked, her voice trembling.
"I didn't think it was necessary," Alejandro replied flatly.
Sofía placed a hand on his arm. "Don't worry, Lía. I'll take good care of him."
Lía stood there, stunned, as the two walked away together. The whispers grew louder, and for the first time that evening, she couldn't hold back the tears threatening to spill.
Back at the penthouse, Lía sat alone in the dimly lit living room. Alejandro had gone straight to his office upon returning home, and the silence between them felt insurmountable. She placed a hand on her stomach, her mind racing with questions.
Could she endure this marriage for the sake of her child? Could she continue to fight for a man who seemed unwilling to even see her?
From Alejandro's office, the faint sound of his phone vibrating broke the silence. Curiosity mixed with dread as Lía stood and approached the slightly ajar door. She heard Sofía's voice through the speakerphone, her tone soft and familiar.
"I've finalized the plans for the trip," Sofía said. "It'll just be the two of us. Like old times."
Lía's heart sank. For the first time, she realized the full extent of the battle she was fighting—and how alone she truly was.