Chapter 8

Sophia took a deep breath as James led her into Rachel's elegant dining room. The table was set with fine china and crystal glasses, and the room was filled with the delicious scent of roasting meat.

Rachel stood at the head of the table, a bright smile on her face. "Welcome, James! Welcome, Sophia!"

Sophia forced a smile onto her face, feeling a sense of unease. She hadn't wanted to come to this party, but James had begged her.

As they took their seats, Sophia couldn't help but notice the way Rachel looked at James. It was a look of possessiveness, of ownership. Sophia felt a surge of anger, but she pushed it down.

The conversation was stilted at first, but as time passed, people began to relax. Sophia found herself laughing at a joke told by one of Rachel's friends, and James reached under the table to squeeze her hand.

But as the main dish was served, Rachel turned the conversation to James and Sophia's marriage. "So, how's married life treating you two?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Sophia felt a sense of unease, but James jumped in before she could answer. "It's great, Rachel. We're really happy."

Rachel smiled, her eyes never leaving James's face. "I'm so glad to hear that. You two were meant to be together."

Sophia felt a surge of anger at Rachel's words, but she pushed it down. She wasn't going to let Rachel get to her. Not tonight.

Sophia forced a smile onto her face, trying to play along. "Yes, we're very happy," she said, her voice tight.

Rachel turned to her, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I'm so glad to hear that, Sophia. You two are perfect for each other."

The conversation continued, with Rachel dominating the talk. Sophia found herself feeling more and more uncomfortable, but James seemed oblivious to the tension.

As the dessert course was served, Rachel turned to James again. "So, James, I need to thank you for helping me out," she said, her voice dripping with sweetness.

James nodded, his eyes locked on Rachel's face. “Oh! About that, that's okay. I mean, what are friends for," he said, his voice warm.

Sophia felt a surge of anger at James's words. He was supposed to be here with her, supporting her, but instead he was fawning all over Rachel.

She pushed her chair back, her heart racing. "Excuse me," she said, her voice tight. "I need to go to the bathroom."

As she stood up, James looked up at her, concern etched on his face. "Sophia, is everything okay?" he asked.

Sophia nodded, forcing a smile onto her face. "Yes, everything's fine," she said, her voice dripping with anger.

As she walked away from the table, she knew everything was far from being fine.

As Sophia reached the bathroom, she locked the door behind her and took a deep breath. She couldn't believe James's behavior. He was supposed to be her husband, her partner, but instead he was acting like a lovesick puppy around Rachel.

She splashed water on her face, trying to calm down. Why was James being so oblivious to the tension between her and Rachel? Didn't he see how Rachel was flirting with him?

Sophia took a few more deep breaths, trying to compose herself. She couldn't let Rachel get to her. She had to stay calm and collected.

As she opened the bathroom door, she heard Rachel's laughter echoing down the hallway. Sophia's heart sank. She knew she had to get through the rest of the evening, but it was going to be a struggle.

She made her way back to the table, where James and Rachel were still chatting. James looked up at her, his eyes questioning. Sophia forced a smile onto her face, trying to reassure him.

But as she sat down, Rachel turned to her, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "So, Sophia, tell me more about yourself," she said, her voice dripping with sweetness.

Sophia gave her no response as she stared at Rachel.

Rachel leaned in, a conspiratorial look on her face. "So, Sophia, I'm sure James has told you all about our past, hasn't he?"

Sophia's heart skipped a beat. What was Rachel talking about?

"Oh, you mean how you and James used to work together?" Sophia asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

Rachel laughed, a throaty sound. "Oh, no, Sophia. I'm talking about our relationship. James and I were quite the item, back in the day."

Sophia's eyes narrowed, her anger rising. What was Rachel trying to do?

"I'm sure James has told you all about it," Rachel continued, her eyes glinting with amusement. "We were deeply in love, James and I. He was my everything."

Sophia felt a surge of anger, her face growing hot. How dare Rachel talk about her relationship with James like that?

"I'm sure that's all in the past now," Sophia said, her voice tight.

Rachel leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Oh, Sophia, it's not just in the past. James and I still have a connection, a spark that never went away."

Sophia's anger boiled over, and she slammed her hand on the table. "That's enough, Rachel," she said, her voice low and deadly.

The room fell silent, with all eyes on Sophia. James looked at her, his face shocked, while Rachel just smiled, a triumphant look on her face.

"I think it's time for us to leave," Sophia said, her voice cold.

And with that, she stood up, her eyes blazing with anger, and walked out of the room, leaving James and Rachel staring after her in shock.