I have lived and worn many masks in my life.
The billionaire CEO, the model, the perfect husband, the man who has it all.
But none of those masks ever belonged to me.
All I ever wanted was to live a simple life… the life of a father and a happily married man.
People see all this, but I have always wanted to live just one life: the life of a father and a happily married man.
I gave up my chance to become a father for Clara, hoping for a happy marriage, but I was wrong.
Tonight was the turning point. Under the glitter of chandeliers and cameras, I could no longer hide.
⸻
The end-of-year gala of Cole Global Industries. A showcase of generosity and a celebration of empire and legacy. The air was filled with laughter that belonged to the rich.
Clara had outdone herself. I would never deny her talent for details. Every flower, every candle, every golden trim whispered luxury and power.
I stood in awe and amazement as I turned holding Clara "You did a great job" I told her, my arm looped through hers.
She smirked, tilting her chin just slightly. "The hall impresses you, but my appearance does not ?"
My mouth dropped " Huh?"
"Get a hold of yourself," she said, making a turn looking at the cameras flashing, hersmier sharp enough to cut glass. She poses as if she were royalty.
The world saw Caspa and Clara Cole, the power couple who managed an empire enabling it to grow to twelve figures.
What they didn't see was the truth— the tension in my jaw with every flash, the pain behind my smile, the clenched jaw I make with every pose, the way her manicured nails pierce my arm every time I didn't smile politely at every camera or influential person, or if I didn't answer quickly to any question. Like there was an unspoken script.
Our marriage had crumbled in the first year. We desperately wanted a baby for separate reasons. I wanted an heir, Clara wanted leverage.
⸻
On stage, executives raised their glasses to more profits and exceptional expansion. I stepped forward to the podium, "Ladies and gentlemen", I adjusted the microphone as I took a moment of silence letting the room settle.
I sincerely appreciate everyone for being here. Tonight is more than just the Cole's Global Industries end-of-year celebration, it's a celebration of family and the exceptional growth we've built together this year." I said as my voice eased around the hall.
Polite applause fluttered. I pressed on
"This year we've been able to expand into new markets around the world. The Philippines, Italy, across Africa from Cameroon, to Nigeria, to Rwanda, and many others. This was a very ambitious project but we engaged without reservation and with your commitment, we succeeded. The results are evident. Most importantly, this year we gave a fifteen percent increase in salary and saw a fifty percent boost in production and sales.." I smiled.
"We were all very happy with the increment in salaries and expressed that in production and sales."
Applauds and laughter rose in the crowd as it faded I heard a voice in the crowd.
" Only fifty?"
The words sliced through the hall. Every head turned.
Clara.
She stood with her champagne in her hands, a fifteen percent salary increase, all expenses paid vacations… and just a fifty percent increase in production? Not impressive. Not for a company of this scale. The increase should have been at least seventy percent". Clara's voice cut in sharp as a glass.
Heads turned towards her. I wore shame as a robe in that moment, This wasn't the moment for such. Clara finds the least opportunity to embarrass me.
An uneasy laugh rippled through the crowd, Nothing was funny. I felt my face heat.
I gripped the podium. Rage tightened my chest. But I forced a smile.
" Yes… My lovely wife is very ambitious." I said smoothly. "We promise to do better in the coming year. Hope with a hundred percent increase you will be happy, Honey." I turned to look at Clara
A ripple of laughter swept through the hall.
U was breaking the verge of the unhappy life I have lived for 5years. The mask cracked, this was the height of disrespect. Clara had disrespected me in private countless times. But tonight, she crossed a line.
I tightened my jaw as I walked down the podium. I gently held Clara's arm leaned close to her and whispered in her ear " You are not the face of Cole's Global." Her body tensed, and she gave a glance at the hall hoping no one was looking.
" Not here Caspa. don't embarrass me." She smiled and came closer her lips a breath away from mine.
" Keep deceiving yourself." She whispered as her lip melted into mine.
I whispered back, "You are the one deceiving yourself."
I gently moved away
" I love you, Darling," I said to the hearing of those around.
⸻
And then n—like a break in storm clouds ⸻ I saw her.
Sophia.
She stood across the hall, laughing lightly with an investor. Time stilled. The noise faded. The rage in me stilled into peace at the sight of her. I crossed the room, heart pounding.
" Mr. Baijan forgive me. May I steal this lovely lady for a moment?"
Sophia turned, with a wide angelic smile.
"Caspa!!"
I smiled holding her hand.
"Wow," she gasped mouth wide open.
I grinned "Close your mouth, a fly might crip in" I laughed as I leaned and pulled her in for a hug. Holding longer than I should have. I never want to let go, the warmth of her presence gave me peace. Her scent felt like a soothing aroma taking away my hunger and filling me with undying desire.
She pulled back quickly giving little distance between us.
"Let go, we are in public" She pulled back quickly, eyes darting. "We're in public."
" Oh so if we were in private…"
"Stop." she cut me off, forcing a smile.
Sophi knew I loved her that was no news.
" The party is amazing" Sophi quickly spoke, ensuring I didn't say what I intended to say.
"Yeah, it is." My voice was flat and my face emotionless
She frowned " What is the matter?" Sophi drew close her hand brushed mine, sending a current through me.
"It's just been a hectic day, a lot going on," I said as I sipped my champagne to cover the ache in my stomach.
Her eyes narrowed " Are you sure?" Sophi looked up into my eyes, she could see the pain buried in me. The cry to leave this prison of a life. How could I tell her everything?
I wanted to tell her everything… that my marriage was chains, that every night I dreamed of her in my arms. That she was my light, my peace.
I really wanted to, but words stuck in my throat.
"Jee!" Sophi's voice echoed in my mind.
" Oh, I am fine." I blunted softly.
" If you say so. You know I know you right? When you want to tell me I will always be available. Give me a second. I wish to speak with Mr. Godbridge."
She started to walk away.
" Sophi!" My voice stopped her. I stepped closer, desperate. " Can we meet tomorrow morning? It's been a while since we had some time to ourselves."
Her smile bloomed, soft and charming melting my heart.
"That's great. 7 am tomorrow at our usual spot right?"
"Perfect."
For a fleeting moment, I felt alive again.
⸻
But the feeling died the moment I turned back.
Clara stood across the hall, her eyes locked on me.
Not smiling. Not blinking. Just watching.
That stare pinned me in place…sharp, unrelenting, full of promises of war.
I could only imagine what would happen when we got home. And I wasn't wrong, she couldn't hold the battle still we got him. She burst out.