Sophia's chest tightened. She wanted to tell Catherine the truth that this was all an arrangement, that the looks meant nothing, that tomorrow's wedding was just a performance. But the words stuck in her throat.
Because maybe Catherine was right. Maybe the way Alexander looked at her did mean something.
Or maybe Sophia was just starting to believe her own lies.
Across the table, Alexander was deep in conversation with an older gentleman about some merger. But as if he could feel her watching, he glanced up, his eyes finding hers immediately. He smiled small, private, just for her.
Sophia smiled back, and for a moment, she let herself pretend this was real.
"You love him," Catherine said softly. "I can see it in your face."
"I barely know him," Sophia protested.
"Sometimes that's when it hits hardest.
Before you have time to build up defenses." Catherine patted her hand. "Don't fight it, honey. Alex deserves someone who looks at him the way you do. Like he's the only person in the room."
After Catherine moved away to talk to other guests, Robert leaned toward Sophia.
"She's right, you know," he said. "About the way you look at him."
"Robert, please don't"
"I'm not going to lecture you about love or contracts or any of it. I said my piece last night." He took a sip of his scotch. "But I will say this whatever you two think this is, it's already become something more. I saw it in the chapel.
When he kissed you, neither of you was acting."
"How can you know that?"
"Because I've been married. Really married. And I recognize the look of two people who are terrified of what they're feeling." Robert's expression softened. "Don't waste the time you have, Sophia. That's all I'm asking.
Tomorrow you'll stand in front of everyone we know and promise forever. Maybe it's a lie. Or maybe it's the truth you're both too scared to admit."
Before Sophia could respond, Alexander appeared at her elbow.
"Grandfather, stop monopolizing my fiancée," he said lightly. "People want to meet her."
"Go, go." Robert waved them off. "I'm just an old man. Nobody wants to talk to me anyway."
"You're the most interesting person in this room and you know it," Alexander said with genuine affection.
As he led Sophia away, his hand warm on her lower back, she caught Robert's eye. The old man winked at her, and despite everything, Sophia found herself smiling.
The rest of the evening passed in a blur of introductions and small talk. Business associates who assessed her with calculating eyes. Society women who asked pointed questions about her family background.
Through it all, Alexander stayed close, a steady presence at her side.
By the time they returned to the penthouse, Sophia was exhausted.
"You were perfect tonight," Alexander said as they rode the elevator up. "Everyone loved you."
"They loved the idea of me. Alexander Sterling's mysterious bride. They don't actually know me at all."
"Do I?"
The question hung in the air between them.
Sophia looked at him really looked at him.
He'd loosened his tie, his hair slightly disheveled from running his hands through it. He looked tired and vulnerable and nothing like the Ice King the world saw.
"I think you know me better than most people," she admitted. "Which is terrifying considering we've only known each other a few days."
"Four days," Alexander said. "Four days ago you walked into my office with nothing to lose. Now you're the future Mrs. Sterling."
"Is that what I am? Or am I just playing a part?"
"I don't know anymore." His voice was rough. "It's getting harder to tell the difference."
The elevator opened into the penthouse. They stood in the foyer, neither moving, both acutely aware that tomorrow everything would change.
"I should get some sleep," Sophia finally said. "Big day tomorrow."
"Sophia" Alexander reached for her hand, then seemed to think better of it. "Thank you. For everything. For playing this role, for putting up with my world, for being kind to my grandfather. You didn't have to be, but you were."
"He's a good man. He loves you very much."
"I know." Alexander's jaw tightened. "Which is why I need tomorrow to be perfect. He needs to believe this is real. That I'm going to be okay when he's gone."
"We'll make him believe it," Sophia promised. "I won't let you down."
"That's not what I'm worried about." He stepped closer, his voice dropping. "I'm worried I'm going to let you down. That a year from now, when this is over, you'll look back and regret ever walking into my office."
"I won't regret saving my brother's life."
"But will you regret the cost?"
Sophia didn't have an answer for that. Instead, she stood on her toes and kissed his cheek, feeling his sharp intake of breath.
"Goodnight, Alexander. I'll see you at the altar."
She walked to her room without looking back, but she felt his gaze following her every step of the way.
Sophia woke to soft morning light filtering through the curtains and the realization that today she was getting married.
Her phone showed 6:47 AM. The wedding wasn't until three, but she was already wide awake, her mind racing. In less than twelve hours, she'd be married to Alexander Sterling. Bound by law and contract to a man she barely knew but somehow couldn't stop thinking about.
A soft knock on her door made her sit up. "Come in?"
Margaret entered carrying a tray with coffee, pastries, and fresh fruit. "Good morning, bride-to-be. I thought you might like breakfast before the chaos begins."
"You're an angel."
"That's what I keep telling Mr. Sterling."
Margaret set the tray on the bed with a warm smile. "The glam team arrives at nine. Hair and makeup will take about three hours. You have some time to yourself until then."
After Margaret left, Sophia tried to eat but could only manage coffee. She checked her phone a dozen messages from Ethan, who was being discharged from the hospital today and would be at the wedding despite her protests that he should rest.
Stop being overprotective, he'd texted. I'm not missing my sister's wedding. Besides, I need to make sure this Sterling guy is good enough for you.
She smiled, typing back: You're supposed to be recovering, not playing bodyguard.
Multitasking. I'm gifted like that.
A message from an unknown number made her pause: Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials. I hope you know what you're getting into. V
V. Vanessa.
Sophia stared at the message, her stomach churning. How had Vanessa gotten her number? And what did she mean by that?
Before she could overthink it, another knock.
This time, Alexander's voice: "Sophia? Can I come in?"
"Just a second." She threw on a robe over her pajamas and opened the door.