Page 83 of Obsessive Love

"That's exactly the point, son. You haven't publicly been seen together in weeks. I suppose you could pass it off as being in your own little bubble away from the world, enjoying being newlyweds, but it means you'll need to be more convincing tomorrow night. Perhaps I could suggest dancing together after the auction has ended and the music plays, that'll surely look cosy and romantic."

"Like you'd know anything about being romantic," I scoff.

He chuckles and shakes his head finally stepping away from the breakfast bar and looking like he's ready to make his leave.

"I know plenty about making things seem romantic when they're not, I had plenty of practice over the years whilst I was with your mother."

His comment raises my hackles and Jericho shakes his head, silently telling me to settle down.

"Okay," Jericho says loudly, placing his hand on my father's shoulder and guiding him towards the kitchen doorway. "Is that all you wanted to talk to us about?"

"For now, yes, but I think I ought to have a meeting with you both after tomorrow to talk over a few more things," he says as they leave the kitchen and disappear down the hall.

"Oh, thank God," Jaylen breathes, slouching against the counter and rubbing his hands across his stomach as he groans in discomfort. "Please, if we're ever in a situation like that again, don't let me pick up a plate of food to make myself seem busy. I feel like I'm about to explode."

Sophia laughs softly before turning to face me, her wide, blue eyes scanning my face as she slowly walks over to me.

"Are you okay?"

Instead of responding with words, I step forward and open my arms, wrapping them around her and pulling her into my chest.

Her arms wind around me and I sigh as she softly runs her hands along my back.

"Now I'm okay," I tell her, pressing a kiss against the top of her head.

Jaylen makes a sound of disgust from across the room and groans as he stands to his full height.

"You're making me feel sick with all that gooey shit."

Chapter Forty-Eight

Sophia

After a blissful night of cuddling with Kaleb, followed by a stressful morning of everyone running around, barking orders, and discussing plans for after tonight's event, I've finally managed to lock myself away in my room to catch a breather before getting ready.

I've barely seen Kaleb or Jericho today as they've mostly been locked away in Jericho's office, sorting out everything that they need to do for their plan to be a success.

Jaylen attempted to go and eavesdrop on their conversation but he ran into a very angry-looking Leo instead, which then resulted in us both being watched for the remainder of the day as if we were suspected criminals under investigation.

I walk over to my nightstand, unplug my phone, and see a text from Jess that was sent ten minutes ago.

Jess:

On my way over now! Shouldn't be too long.

Bringing my curing tongs and make-up, so just make sure you're dressed and I'll do the rest of the work.

Sophia

I'll be ready! Thank you for doing this

I know my reply is futile, considering she's driving and likely won't see it until she's here, but I send it anyway, hoping she knows how grateful I am for her helping me during this whole situation.

Putting my phone back down, I walk to my closet and pull out the dress bag Myra hung up for me yesterday. I unzip it and smooth my hands across the dress, admiring the way it shimmers beneath the light.

My phone chimes and I hurry over to it, seeing a text from Jess saying that she's at the gates. I curse as I run back over to my bed, taking the dress out of the dress bag and quickly sliding the straps off of the hanger.

I step into it, leaving the back unzipped, choosing to wait for Jess to help me zip it up instead of struggling for ages trying to do it myself.

---