Ariana retreated to the library after Lucas's harsh words the previous night, seeking refuge among the towering shelves of books. The room, filled with the faint scent of aged paper and leather bindings, had always been her sanctuary. But tonight, even the comforting stillness could not soothe her wounded heart. Her hands trembled as she traced the spine of a novel, struggling to suppress the storm of emotions raging within her.
She clenched her jaw, her mind replaying Lucas's cruel accusations. Jealous of Sophia. Everything you're not. The words echoed in her ears like a relentless drumbeat, their sting sharper than any physical blow. She had tried so hard to hold her marriage together, but every effort only seemed to drive Lucas further away.
The next morning, Ariana woke early, determined to approach the day with renewed strength. She slipped into a soft blue dress, hoping its gentle hue might calm her nerves, and made her way to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
But when she entered, the sight before her stopped her in her tracks.
Sophia was already there, standing at the stove in a perfectly tailored cream blouse and a pencil skirt that hugged her figure. Her golden hair was swept into an effortless bun, and her laughter rang through the room like the tinkling of wind chimes. Lucas sat at the kitchen island, sipping coffee, his expression more relaxed than Ariana had seen in months.
"Oh, good morning, Ariana!" Sophia's voice was warm and cheerful as she turned to face her. "I thought I'd surprise Lucas with his favorite pancakes. I hope you don't mind."
Ariana forced a polite smile, though her heart clenched painfully. "Of course not. That's… thoughtful of you."
Lucas barely spared her a glance. "Sophia knows how to brighten a morning," he muttered between bites, his tone casual but carrying an edge that made Ariana feel invisible.
She swallowed hard, her fingers gripping the back of a chair as she fought to steady her breathing. The sight of them together, laughing and chatting like an intimate couple, was more than she could bear. She wanted to scream, to demand why Lucas couldn't see through Sophia's manipulations. But she knew it would be futile. He would only accuse her of being petty, of trying to stir up drama.
Instead, she quietly took a seat at the far end of the table, reaching for a piece of toast that suddenly felt like sandpaper in her mouth.
As the day progressed, Sophia continued to linger around Lucas like a shadow, her every word and action carefully calculated to paint herself as the perfect companion. She accompanied him to his study, offering unsolicited advice on his work while dropping subtle comments designed to undermine Ariana.
By the time afternoon arrived, Ariana felt like a guest in her own home. She was sitting in the living room, reviewing plans for a charity event she had been organizing for weeks. The event was close to her heart—a fundraiser for an orphanage she had supported since her teenage years. Lucas had promised to attend, his presence crucial for securing sponsorships.
Sophia entered the room, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor. "Oh, Ariana, there you are," she said sweetly. "What are you working on?"
"The charity event I told you about," Ariana replied, keeping her tone neutral. "It's this Friday evening. Lucas promised to join me."
Sophia raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "This Friday? Oh, Lucas and I were just talking about the art gallery opening that night. It's such a prestigious event—you wouldn't want him to miss it, would you?"
Ariana frowned, her chest tightening. "Lucas already committed to the fundraiser. It's important to me."
Before Sophia could respond, Lucas walked into the room, his gaze shifting between the two women. "What's going on?"
"Nothing, Lucas," Sophia said quickly, her voice dripping with concern. "I was just telling Ariana about the gallery opening. It's such a wonderful opportunity for you to network with some influential people. But I didn't realize it was the same night as her event."
Lucas glanced at Ariana, his expression indifferent. "The gallery sounds more important," he said flatly. "We'll reschedule the charity event."
Ariana's heart sank. She stood, clutching the papers in her hand. "Lucas, you promised. This isn't just about me—it's for the children. Your presence could make a huge difference."
Lucas's jaw tightened, his patience clearly wearing thin. "Enough, Ariana," he snapped. "Stop making everything about yourself. Sophia's right—the gallery is a better use of my time."
Ariana stared at him, her vision blurring with unshed tears. She opened her mouth to argue, but the words caught in her throat.
Sophia placed a gentle hand on Lucas's arm, her smile soft and understanding. "It's okay, Lucas. Maybe I could attend the fundraiser on your behalf? I'd be happy to help."
The audacity of her suggestion made Ariana's blood boil. She clenched her fists, barely restraining herself. "No, thank you," she said tightly. "This is something Lucas agreed to do. I don't need anyone stepping in for him."
Sophia's eyes widened in mock hurt, but she said nothing, letting Lucas take the lead.
"You're being unreasonable," Lucas said, his tone cold. "Sophia's just trying to help, and you're acting like a child."
Ariana couldn't hold back any longer. "Why can't you see what she's doing, Lucas? She's manipulating you—turning you against me!"
Lucas's expression hardened, and his voice dropped to a dangerous low. "I think you've said enough. Don't ruin the rest of the day with your jealousy and paranoia."
Ariana's breath hitched as his words struck her like a slap. She turned on her heel and left the room, her vision blurred with tears.
In the solitude of her bedroom, Ariana collapsed onto the edge of the bed, her chest heaving as silent sobs wracked her body. She pressed a hand to her mouth, muffling the sound of her cries.
She felt trapped in a nightmare she couldn't escape. Lucas, the man she had once loved with all her heart, had become a stranger—a stranger who trusted her tormentor more than he trusted her. And Sophia, with her angelic smile and honeyed words, was tightening her grip on him with every passing day.
Ariana wiped her tears, forcing herself to take deep breaths. She wouldn't let them see her break. No matter how much it hurt, she had to endure. She couldn't let Sophia win.
But as the relationship between her and Lucas grew strained, a tiny voice in the back of her mind whispered that it might already be too late.