Just Once

Chapter 9- Sofia

The cameras' flashes were relentless, their blinding light capturing every calculated smile and every feigned look of affection. I kept my posture impeccable, my expression poised. Zayden's hand rested lightly on my waist, his touch infuriatingly natural, as though this charade was second nature to him.

I hated how effortless he made it seem.

"Perfect," he murmured under his breath, his voice low enough for only me to hear. "The public loves a good power couple."

I didn't respond, but my nails dug slightly into his arm where I held him. If he noticed, he didn't show it.

The gala was in full swing, with the elite of the business world mingling over champagne and hors d'oeuvres. It was my territory, my event, and yet I couldn't shake the feeling that I was walking into a trap.

We made our way through the crowd, stopping for brief conversations with key players. I introduced Zayden with the same polished smile I'd perfected over the years, but every word felt like a lie.

"How long do we have to keep this up?" I muttered under my breath as we stepped away from another group of curious onlookers.

"Until they believe it," Zayden replied smoothly, his tone infuriatingly calm.

I hated how composed he always was. It was as though nothing could rattle him, and that made him dangerous.

We reached a quieter corner of the room, and I took the opportunity to put some distance between us. I grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and turned to face him.

"This is your plan, Meadows. You'd better make sure it doesn't blow up in our faces," I said, my voice low but firm.

He raised an eyebrow, his smirk returning. "Relax, Petal. I'm as invested in this as you are. If we fail, we both lose."

I hated that he was right. Whoever was targeting us wasn't playing games. They were dismantling everything I'd built, piece by piece, and now they were coming for Zayden too. The thought of working with him made my skin crawl, but the alternative was worse.

"Fine," I said, taking a sip of champagne. "But let's get one thing straight. This is a business arrangement, nothing more. Don't forget that."

His smirk deepened, and I regretted giving him even that small satisfaction.

"Of course," he said, his tone dripping with mock sincerity. "Strictly business."

Before I could retort, a familiar voice cut through the hum of the room.

"Sofia."

I froze, the glass in my hand suddenly feeling too heavy. Turning slowly, I came face-to-face with my father.

Alex Volkov was a man who commanded attention without trying. His presence was magnetic, his gaze sharp enough to pierce through any façade. And right now, his eyes were locked on Zayden.

"Dad," I said, my voice steady despite the sudden tension in the air.

He looked between us, his expression unreadable. "I didn't realize you were... seeing someone, little sunshine." He spoke in a soft voice meant to show support but also a tinge of hurt for not telling him.

Zayden stepped forward, his hand outstretched. "Zayden Meadows. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Volkov."

My father's eyes flicked to Zayden's hand, then back to his face. After a moment, he shook it, though his grip was firm enough to make a statement.

"The pleasure is mine," my father said, his tone polite but distant.

I could feel the weight of his scrutiny as he turned back to me. "We'll talk later," he said, his words carrying an unspoken warning.

"Of course," I replied, keeping my expression neutral.

As he walked away, I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.

"Charming man," Zayden said, his tone laced with amusement.

"Shut up," I snapped, draining the rest of my champagne.

This alliance was already proving to be more trouble than it was worth.

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of forced smiles and strategic conversations. By the time the gala ended, I was exhausted, but the night wasn't over yet.

As we stepped outside, the cool night air was a welcome relief. Zayden walked beside me, his presence as irritating as ever.

"You handled that well," he said, his tone almost complimentary.

"Don't push your luck," I replied, not bothering to hide my irritation.

He chuckled, and I hated how it made my pulse quicken.

"I'll pick you up tomorrow," he said as we reached our cars.

I frowned. "For what?"

"Our first official outing," he said, his smirk returning. "The media needs more than just one appearance to believe this."

I opened my car door, glaring at him over the top of it. "Fine. But remember, Meadows, this is my game. Don't forget who's in charge."

His smirk widened. "Wouldn't dream of it, Petal."

I slammed the door shut, the sound echoing in the quiet night.

As I drove away, I couldn't shake the feeling that I'd just made a deal with the devil. And worse, I wasn't sure I'd come out on top.

BONUS SCENE
*Alex POV*

"Our little sunshine is dating," I said quietly as I drowned my third glass of whiskey. "How could she not tell me?"

"Relax Alex, She's a grown adult now. She can do whatever she wants. She's not a little girl anymore." Ava deadpanned as she took away my whiskey bottle.

"But she's still our daughter! She could've at least told us before making a public appearance."

"Alex! She's not a child anymore!"

And as always Ava's stern voice shut me up once more.

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