Sophia woke up groggily the next morning, reaching out instinctively-but the bed beside her was already cold. She was about to sit up when her phone rang. The caller ID showed a number she would rather delete but couldn't.

"Sophia. your father. he's got alcohol poisoning. He's still in the hospital. You know we don't have much."

"I know." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, suppressing the frustration and helplessness in her chest. "I'll transfer ten thousand to you in the next couple of days."

She probably should've asked how her father was doing, whether it was serious. But the words died on her tongue. For the man who had dragged her into hardship again and again, financial support was the most she could offer.

But ten thousand wasn't a small sum. Before their marriage, she and Ethan had signed a prenup-household expenses were split fifty-fifty. Pulling out that much money all of a sudden wasn't easy.

Ask Ethan?

Even if she could swallow her pride, the smudge of lipstick on his collar last night made it impossible to humble herself like that.

Distracted, she arrived at work, only to be summoned to the office by Henry Collins, her manager.

"The client from last time-they're willing to give us another shot. Are you in or not?"

Just as she'd hoped-when one door closes, another opens. Sophia's face lit up instantly. "Of course I'm in! Definitely. But."

"But what?" Henry narrowed his eyes, waiting for her to continue.

Sophia hesitated, remembering how inappropriate the client had been last time. The thought made her uneasy. Henry seemed to catch her hesitation and gave a dry chuckle. "Don't worry. That was the marketing manager from Brighten Group last time. This time, it's the top boss himself."

He couldn't hide the pride in his voice. A company like Brighten Group-one of the top-tier corporations in the country-was already a big deal to work with. But for the CEO to come to the table personally? That said everything about how seriously they were taking this deal.

"Well? Why are you still standing there?" Henry snapped out of his smugness and noticed Sophia was still rooted to the spot, clearly conflicted.

The weight of her father's medical bills pressed heavily on her. "I'll go. But." she met Henry's eyes, voice steady, "if I close this deal, can I get a one percent cut from the commission?"

Henry narrowed his eyes, clearly surprised. "Well, look who's learning to negotiate. Don't worry-I haven't forgotten about your year-end raise."

"Just this once. I really need the money." He finally waved her off in agreement.

Back at her desk, Isabella Lane leaned over with a juicy piece of gossip. "Guess what? The only reason we're even in the running for Brighten's advertising project is because our company is about to be acquired! Otherwise, why would a giant like Brighten work with a small agency like ours? And the company that's buying us? It's SUN!"

Sophia's head shot up. "What did you say?"

"Scared, huh? Yes, the SUN. THE SUN-king of the ad world! Oh, and remember that guy you bumped into during our team dinner? James Morgan? He's one of the shareholders."

But Sophia wasn't listening anymore. SUN-wasn't that where Ethan worked?

If the rumors were true, she and Ethan might be working for the same company soon.

Was that good news. or bad?

-

When Sophia arrived at the elegant restaurant with Henry that evening, she was still going over the deal in her mind. She didn't expect what came next.

By the window, Ethan was seated with a graceful, delicate-looking woman.

Before she could react, Lucas arrived. He was-of course-the man in charge of Brighten.

His gaze swept past Ethan's table and landed on her, a flicker of mockery flashing in his eyes.

"This way, Mr. Marshall," Henry said enthusiastically.

They were seated just far enough from Ethan to make things uncomfortable. Sophia could feel Ethan's gaze skimming over her from time to time.

Sure enough, moments later, Ethan walked over with the woman.

"What a coincidence," he said smoothly, his eyes drifting between Sophia and Lucas before settling on Lucas. "Your date is stunning."

He called her Lucas's date.

Lucas was expressionless. "She's average."

"Mind if we join you?" Ethan offered with a polite smile.

Lucas didn't refuse.

The four-person table instantly became tense. Henry, sensing the awkwardness, quickly excused himself, leaving Sophia to face this surreal dinner alone.

"No introductions?" Sophia set down her fork and looked directly at Ethan's companion.

Ethan turned to the woman. "This is Lucas, General Manager of Brighten Group," then to Lucas, "And this is Olivia Holden."

Olivia smiled gently. "Are you and Mr. Marshall friends?"

Ethan said nothing. Lucas's face stayed cold.

Sophia couldn't take it anymore. The suffocating feeling of being excluded was unbearable. "Miss Holden, may I ask-what's your relationship with Mr. Griffin?"

Ethan's gaze shifted to her. "The same kind of relationship you have with Mr. Marshall."

He called her "Miss Marshall."

After dinner, Olivia clung to Ethan's arm. "It's late, Ethan. Can you take me home? You're headed that way, right?"

He glanced at Sophia, his tone soft. "Get in the car."

Olivia immediately slipped into the front seat-the one that should've been reserved for his wife.

Ethan opened the back door for Sophia.

A while later, they dropped Olivia off. Finally, it was just the two of them.

"The same kind of relationship?" Ethan repeated, watching her through the rearview mirror, his lips curling into a mocking smile.

"We're just colleagues."

The rest of the ride was silent. When they got home, Sophia headed straight into the bathroom, as if trying to wash away the humiliation of dinner.

When she came out, Ethan was leaning casually against the bedroom doorframe, smiling like nothing had happened.

Sophia had resolved to let it go-but his calmness, the way he always looked like he had everything under control, made her feel ridiculous for being upset. The anger she'd been suppressing exploded.

"She's my godmother's daughter," Ethan said.

So she had overthought it.

"But I'm not Lucas's sister," she said, pouting.

Ethan chuckled and tousled her damp hair affectionately.

Sophia stared at his handsome face, confused by what was real and what wasn't. Then she blurted out a question she hadn't even thought to ask when they got married.

"Ethan, why did you marry me?"

He paused. Just for a second. Then he smiled. "Because you're great."

So not because he loved her.

Sophia didn't feel particularly happy or sad about that answer. After all, she hadn't married him out of love either. It was just. convenient. Right time, right person, right opportunity.

But was that love that had matured into calm-or love that never existed?

-

Lucas's Rolls-Royce started appearing outside the office frequently, like a label everyone now associated with Sophia.

"Well, well, Sophia darling. Quite the operator, aren't you?" Emily passed by with a cup of coffee, her tone thick with sarcasm.

Sophia buried herself in paperwork, pretending not to hear. The cut on her forehead had healed, leaving only a faint pink line. But the exhaustion in her heart was growing.

She needed that commission. Which meant dealing with Lucas-and the rumors that came with him.

During lunch, just as she stepped outside, Lucas's Rolls-Royce pulled up again. The window rolled down, revealing his impassive face.

"What is it, Mr. Marshall?" she asked stiffly.

"Get in," Lucas casually scanned the surroundings, taking in every detail of what was going on nearby.

"Seriously, if you needed to talk to me, you could've called. Stopping me like this in such a public way-did it ever cross your mind how that might make me feel?" She kept her voice low, but the anger was unmistakable.

Lucas raised an eyebrow. "I don't have your number."

Even on the project file, only Henry' number and the company address had been left. Sophia really was discreet.

She sighed and got in, knowing full well the gossip this would spark.

During the meal, she barely touched her food. "Lucas, this is making things difficult for me."

"Difficult how?" he asked, slicing his steak slowly. "Because your coworkers see you with me? Or because your. husband might find out?" He said 'husband' with a hint of disdain.

"This has nothing to do with him!" she snapped.

"Doesn't it?" Lucas set down his utensils and leaned in. "Then why haven't you told him you met me because of a car crash? Why haven't you told him you're dealing with me because of this contract? Is there even basic communication between you two?"

He chuckled. "Come to a blind date with me tomorrow. Maybe I'll reconsider the contract."

"You? Going on a blind date?" Sophia cast him a suspicious glance.

"Take it as a compliment," Lucas said with a faint smile.

When he extended his hand toward her, Sophia eyed it warily. "What are you doing?"

"Your phone."

"You're not seriously asking me to go with you just so you can scare the other person off, are you?"

"You guessed right."

Reluctantly, she pulled out her phone. He entered his number into it and handed it back, then started typing something mysteriously on his own phone, grinning in a way that made her uneasy.

Sophia was dying to know what he had typed, but Lucas had already pocketed his phone and walked off without a word.

Later, in the middle of her hectic schedule, she received a text message-it was the time and location for the blind date the next day.

-

That afternoon, Noah stopped her in the stairwell, visibly upset.

"Sophia, if it's about money, I can help you. You don't have to put up with him."

"This is my choice, Noah. My career. I don't need saving."

"Even from a husband who doesn't care if you're out at night with another man?"

"Shut up!" she snapped. "Don't talk about him like that!"

"Am I wrong?" Noah bit back. "A man who can't even protect his own wife-what is he, if not useless? I pity you, Sophia. Married to a coward."

SLAP.

The sound echoed in the empty stairwell.

Sophia's eyes burned as she stared into his stunned face. "Listen carefully, Noah. Whether Ethan is capable or not is none of your business. Yes, we got married fast-so fast you'll never understand. But even if he had nothing, even if it all started with a misunderstanding, he is my husband. And I won't let anyone insult him."

She walked away, back straight. Back at her desk, under everyone's curious stares, she sat down like nothing had happened.

A call from Lily interrupted her thoughts-she needed Sophia to accompany her on a blind date. Unfortunately, it clashed with her appointment with Lucas.

One was a lifelong friend. The other, a contract and her father's medical bills.

She felt like she was being torn in two.

Later that night, Ethan came home. He smelled faintly of alcohol but looked sober. He took off his jacket and saw her sitting there, frowning.

"What's wrong?"

Sophia looked up at Ethan. Under the soft lighting, his features appeared especially gentle, and that rare tenderness gave her unexpected courage. She leaned into his embrace, her voice muffled against his chest.

"Ethan, something important came up tomorrow. but Lily needs me too."

She hesitantly explained Lily's "blind date" idea, her voice growing softer and more embarrassed by the second.

To her surprise, Ethan didn't object.

He paused for a moment, fingers gently combing through her hair. Just when Sophia thought he might turn her down, his deep voice came from above.

"Alright."

She blinked. "You. agree?"

He lowered his head, smiling faintly. "I'm an outstanding man. If she meets me, how could she possibly settle for anyone else?"

"If she can't, you can marry her too. I don't mind sharing you with my best friend," Sophia teased half-jokingly.

"I mind," he chuckled, scooping her up into his arms. "Let's talk about how you're going to thank me first."

As things heated between them, a trace of unease flickered through Sophia's mind. Was it really okay to deceive Lily like this? And was Ethan's easy agreement a sign of trust. or just indifference?

-

The next afternoon, Sophia arrived at the café. Lucas was already there, dressed in a tailored black suit, his expression unreadable as always.

She'd barely sat down when the door opened again-and the world came to a standstill.

There stood Ethan, beside Lily.

Four pairs of eyes met. Shock. Awkwardness. Disbelief.

Ethan was the first to break the silence. "What a coincidence." His gaze settled on Sophia, calm and composed, as if this were the most natural thing in the world.

Sophia opened her mouth, desperate to explain, but all she could say was: "Yeah. what a coincidence."

She saw Lily's eyes widen and her smile falter. Lucas, meanwhile, smirked faintly, as if he'd expected this all along.

Unable to bear it, Sophia stood up. "Ethan, can I talk to you for a second?"

Ethan smiled and followed her out, leaving Lucas and Lily staring at each other in stunned silence.

Lily had clearly put effort into her appearance today. Her subtle, elegant makeup did a good job of softening her otherwise fiery personality. The man sitting across from her was cold as ice, yet something about him stirred her interest.

She'd been on plenty of blind dates before. Rich, powerful, stunningly handsome, and actually her type? She'd always thought that was too much to hope for. In fact, she'd come today with the mindset that as long as the guy had a decent family and good character, looks didn't matter. But now? It felt like she'd hit the jackpot.

But. why had he brought Sophia with him? Was he not taking the date seriously?

"Let's cut to the chase," Lily said, never one for beating around the bush. "What do you think of me?"

Lucas finally looked up at her, then glanced briefly toward the door. "What do you think of her?"

"You like her?"

"Yeah. You guessed it."

"What do you like about her?" Lily leaned back, genuinely intrigued.

"Well, she's better looking than you. Better body too."

Lily let out a scoffing laugh. "Are you blind?"

Lucas narrowed his eyes, the temperature in the room dropping several degrees. No one had ever spoken to him like that.

"I'm not Sophia." Lily said, cocking an eyebrow. "You think I can't see what's going on? You clearly know she's married to Ethan, and yet you're still doing all this. What's your angle? From what I've seen, you and Ethan aren't just casual acquaintances. You two didn't even bother introducing yourselves-your vibe is more like old friends from way back."

"I heard you're a painter," Lucas said coolly. "But you're giving off serious detective energy."

"Thanks. I'll take that as a compliment. In fact, I have every reason to suspect this whole blind date setup was orchestrated by you. So tell me-what's your real motive?"

"Smart women aren't cute," Lucas replied, eyeing her.

Lily smirked again, unimpressed. "And you think Ethan is someone to be trifled with?"

Lucas met her gaze, his eyes gleaming with provocation. "I don't know whether he is someone to be trifled with. But I'm definitely not."

Meanwhile, just outside the private room, Sophia was standing face-to-face with Ethan. He said nothing-just looked at her with a faint, unreadable smile.

"Lucas and I are just business acquaintances. I'm trying to secure Brighten's contract. This was just a formality-to help him deal with family pressure."

Ethan listened without interruption, his eyes deep and unreadable. Then, he reached out and gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. The softness of the gesture made her heart race.

"I believe you," he said, his voice gentle to the point of suffocation. "Don't frown. It doesn't suit you."

"Ethan." Her voice trembled. She felt no warmth in his trust-only a chill. What kind of husband could remain so calm, so kind, after finding his wife at a blind date with another man?

"You're not mad I lied to you?"

"You didn't lie," he said calmly. "You really did have something to do. It was business. I get it."

Back at the table, the atmosphere was icy. They quickly wrapped up and left. Sophia's phone rang-Henry calling to tell her that Brighten had officially approved the contract. They had the deal.

She hung up, unsure whether to feel relieved or hollow.

That night, she asked Ethan, "Aren't you angry? That I went on a blind date with another man and lied to you?"

Ethan raised an eyebrow and smiled slightly. He pulled her into his arms. "You said once you didn't want fights in this marriage. You wanted trust and communication. I trust you. Isn't that what you wanted?"

"Ethan. I'm scared. Scared one day this marriage won't exist anymore."

"It won't disappear," he said gently, cupping her cheek. "And even if it does. I'll still be here."

"Why are you so good to me?"

He didn't answer. He simply held her as he opened a book, quietly reading as she drifted off to sleep in his arms.

Much later, his voice broke the silence. "There's a get-together with a few friends this weekend. Want to come?"