Chapter 18
My face flushed instantly. “Y-Yes, I know!” I stammered, completely surprised and embarrassed.
I knew marrying Lukas Strakovski meant this would happen. I wasn't promiscuous, but neither was I overly conservative. I believed in finding a balance, and marrying him was part of that. It was a decision to protect myself from impending disaster, even if it meant making certain sacrifices.
Having assumed the identity of a wife, I couldn't expect everything to go smoothly. However, despite my preparedness, I hoped this day would come later. After all, Lukas and I were strangers only a short time ago. The suddenness of it all left me with mixed emotions.
Lukas remained silent during the car ride and even throughout the meal—infuriatingly quiet. After we finished eating, I took the initiative to leave. After all, I had a tough battle to fight that afternoon!
Before we parted, Lukas glanced at me and said, “No matter what you're going to do, my assistant will pick you up at exactly 7 p.m. Tonight is our wedding night, don't forget!”
I blushed. “I know!” I said, hurrying away.
Watching me leave, the assistant commented, “Miss Sophia sounds and looks like Miss Scholl.”
Lukas's gaze cut him like a sharp blade. “After following me so long, you should know when to speak and when not to.”
The assistant looked frightened. “Apologies, Mr. Strakovski! I shouldn't have said anything!”
Lukas paused, then continued, “Also, they look completely different!”
The assistant trembled, close to tears. “I’m sorry, Mr. Strakovski. I shouldn’t be talking so much!”
Lukas didn't respond. “Follow her, and if anything happens, act immediately!” he ordered.
The assistant nodded, regaining his composure. “I’ll be on my way, Mr. Strakovski!”
“Remember, my people are not to be bullied. Understand?” Lukas’s expression was cold, proud, and imposing, like an untouchable deity.
The assistant nodded repeatedly and left, still embarrassed.
As soon as the assistant left, Lukas's phone rang, and his face visibly twitched.
“Hello?” Lukas answered, his tone icy.
“Lukas, I heard you married someone else?” Emily Scholl’s voice, choked with tears, came from the other end.
“As I said before, I won't give anyone a chance to stand me up for the fourth time! You’ve crossed the line!” Lukas’s voice grew colder.
Emily’s voice broke. “I explained everything. I had business in France. Why can’t you give me more time? Is our love less important than your pride?”
“Lukas Strakovski, you’re too arrogant. Did you even really love me?” she sobbed.
Lukas hung up without a word.
Love? Of course, he loved her, but she had dared to stand him up, and he could easily replace her. There was no turning back for her.
As soon as I got in the car, I checked my phone and saw the entertainment news. One headline caught my eye: “CEO of Trifleming Jewelry, accompanied by a mysterious new wife, goes to the Civil Affairs Bureau.” The news included photos, sparking speculation.
“Oh my God, a fresh scumbag exposed! Didn’t they say he’s been with another woman for five years?” one netizen commented.
“Could it be her?” another replied.
“No way! I’ve met his ex-girlfriend, and they don’t match in height! It’s probably a publicity stunt!” another posted.
“Another two-timing incident? Isn’t he afraid of being caught?”
“Scumbag or not, who knows? Maybe they broke up privately! It’s a publicity stunt. Stay calm!”
“Yesterday, they were photographed at a jewelry competition!”
“To have a real girlfriend, get a marriage certificate with another woman, and not be afraid of getting caught…Mad respect!”
“All men are the same!”
“Stop generalizing! I’m a good guy!”
Seeing the increasingly absurd comments, I sneered. At that moment, Hugo called.
“Sophia, where are you? Reporters are here; we need you for the press conference. Look at the internet!”
Hearing Hugo’s anxiety, I smirked. “I’m downstairs!”
I hung up and went upstairs. Seeing me, Hugo grabbed me, as if I were his lifeline, and rushed me to the press conference.
“Know what to say to the reporters,” he urged.
Unspoken Farewell at 30,000 Feet