The night of the gala arrived swiftly, and Sophie found herself standing in front of a full-length mirror in her bedroom, staring at the reflection that seemed almost foreign. The gown she wore was elegant, deep crimson silk that clung to her curves and flowed elegantly down to the floor, a work of art that she hadn't chosen herself. Her dark hair had been styled in soft waves, cascading around her shoulders, and her makeup was subtle yet alluring—perfectly designed to highlight her features without overstatement. Sophie wasn't accustomed to this level of attention, but tonight, it wasn't about what she wanted—it was about playing her part.
She barely recognized the woman looking back at her.
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts, and Sophie turned to find Aiden standing in the doorway, his tall frame filling the entrance. His eyes traveled over her form, and for the briefest of moments, his usual composed demeanor faltered. Sophie caught the faintest hint of admiration in his gaze, but it was gone as quickly as it had appeared, replaced by the cold professionalism she had come to expect from him.
"You look… stunning," he said, his voice devoid of the warmth Sophie had once hoped for. His words, however, felt different tonight—tinged with something more personal, even though it was spoken in his usual clipped tone.
Sophie gave him a tight smile, her nerves rising again. "Thank you."
Aiden stepped into the room, his eyes sweeping over her with the precision of a man accustomed to evaluating everything he saw. He was dressed in a tailored black tuxedo, his hair neatly combed back, his jawline sharp. A man who seemed to command attention without even trying.
"You're ready then?" he asked, his voice impassive.
Sophie nodded, forcing her hands to remain steady. "As ready as I'll ever be."
Aiden looked at her one more time, his lips pressing together in a thin line. "Good. We can't afford any mistakes tonight. There's too much at stake."
The words hung in the air, and Sophie felt the weight of them, though she couldn't help but wonder exactly what Aiden meant by that. Was it only her reputation at risk? Or something more?
As they descended the grand staircase of the Hart estate, Sophie couldn't help but feel like an outsider in her own life. The mansion was bathed in golden light, and the grand chandelier above sparkled like a thousand diamonds. The floor was polished marble, and the walls were lined with portraits of past presidents, dignitaries, and influential figures. It was a space designed to intimidate, to remind everyone who stepped foot inside that the Hart family was untouchable. But Sophie wasn't here to admire the grandeur; she was here to survive it.
They arrived at the car, a sleek black limousine that gleamed under the lights, and as Sophie climbed in beside Aiden, she felt the tension between them, thick as smoke. He didn't speak during the ride, and Sophie couldn't think of anything to say either. What was there to talk about when everything between them was built on lies and political machinations?
The gala was being held at the city's most exclusive venue, a high-rise hotel that overlooked the skyline, its windows glittering like stars in the night. The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfumes and fine wine as they entered the venue. Music drifted from a string quartet in the corner, and the murmur of conversations from the city's elite filled the space. Sophie could already feel the eyes on her. She was no longer just the woman forced into a marriage. She was the First Daughter-in-law, the woman standing beside Aiden Hart, a symbol of the president's power.
"Stay close," Aiden instructed, his voice low as they mingled with the crowd.
Sophie nodded, feeling the pressure of every eye on her. She had no idea what she was supposed to do. Smile? Nod? Pretend like everything was fine, even though she felt as though she were living someone else's life?
Her first conversation was with a senator from a small, conservative state, a man whose face was lined with age and whose handshake was firm, almost too firm.
"Mrs. Hart," he greeted her, his eyes lingering on her for a moment too long. "I've heard so much about you. It's a pleasure to finally meet the woman who will be standing beside our future president."
Sophie forced a smile, trying to ignore the flattery in his tone. "The pleasure is mine, Senator," she replied politely, keeping her voice steady.
They spoke for a few more moments, exchanging pleasantries that Sophie couldn't even remember by the time the conversation ended. It was all part of the game, she realized. A game she was supposed to play well, or risk losing everything.
Aiden remained a few steps ahead, greeting other guests and exchanging quick words with political figures. Sophie noticed how easily he moved among them, his presence commanding the room without effort. He had a way of making people listen, of making them respect him without even asking for it. It was a skill Sophie envied—and yet, she couldn't shake the feeling that Aiden was always playing a part, that the man behind the cold exterior was someone she would never fully know.
As the evening wore on, Sophie grew more accustomed to the dance. She smiled when she needed to, nodded when appropriate, and kept her thoughts to herself. The media hovered nearby, eager to capture every moment, every gesture, but Sophie refused to let them see anything more than what was expected.
But then, the unexpected happened.
A voice cut through the crowd, and Sophie's heart skipped a beat as she turned to find a familiar figure standing just behind her.
"Don't tell me," the voice purred. "The mysterious First Daughter-in-law finally comes out of hiding."
It was Tina.
Sophie's blood ran cold at the sight of her stepsister. Tina stood in a shimmering gold gown, her blonde hair styled in loose curls that framed her face perfectly. She looked every bit the picture of grace and beauty—but it was the look in her eyes that sent a shiver down Sophie's spine. There was no warmth there, only something colder, something more calculated.
"You look… lovely, Sophie," Tina continued, her smile sharp. "I'm surprised you actually managed to get ready on time."
Sophie's jaw clenched, but she forced herself to smile. "Thank you, Tina," she said evenly, her gaze narrowing. "It's good to see you, too."
Tina's smile didn't waver, but Sophie could see the glint of malice behind her perfectly made-up eyes. This wasn't a friendly reunion. This was a battle.
And Sophie was no longer sure if she was ready for the war that was about to begin.
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