The Hidden Vows
The silver bracelet around Sophia’s wrist shone under the restaurant lights as she carefully placed a candle on the table.
Tonight was their anniversary—five years of marriage. Though Ethan had been distant lately, always busy with work, she convinced herself that he just needed a reminder of what they had shared.
She looked at her phone. No messages. No calls.
Her fingers tightened around the edges of her dress. He was probably buried in work, unaware of the surprise she had planned.
That was fine. She would go to him instead. After all, she had never stepped foot inside his company. Ethan always insisted on keeping her away, saying it was “for her own good.”
But tonight, she wouldn’t wait. She was going to surprise him.
Grabbing her purse, Sophia made her way to Carter Enterprises, her heart beating faster with each passing block. The thought of seeing her husband, the company and his workers was all she could think about.
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The skyscraper stood tall before her, glass reflecting the golden glow of the city lights. The lobby was sleek and imposing, with marble floors and a grand chandelier. Sophia stepped inside, flashing a warm smile at the receptionist.
“Good evening. I’m here to see Ethan Carter,” she said, adjusting the hem of her dress. “I’m his wife.”
The receptionist—a petite dressed woman with short blonde hair—froze for a second, then frowned. “I’m sorry, ma’am. Mr. Carter’s wife?”
Sophia nodded, confused by the hesitation and the look on her face. “Yes. Sophia Carter. It’s our anniversary today, and I wanted to surprise him. I am so sorry, I should have called him but then, I don't want to ruin the surprise.”
The receptionist exchanged glances with a nearby security guard before forcing a polite smile. “Ma’am, there must be a mistake.”
Sophia’s face went pale. “Mistake? What do you mean?”
“The CEO’s wife is Victoria Lane.”
A moment of silence stretched between them. Sophia’s lips parted, but no words came out. Her eyes darted back and forth trying to see if she could catch a glimpse of a man that looks like her husband.
Sophia wanted to bring out her phone and call but then, she remembered her husband's warning.
Victoria Lane?
The name doesn't ring any bells. She had seen her pictures in magazines—always linked to business elites, always photographed in luxurious settings. But never once did she think…
“No,” Sophia said, her voice calm. It was evident in her eyes that it was all a mistake. “That’s impossible.”
“I’m sorry, ma’am, but Mr. Carter is currently in a meeting with Mrs. Lane. If you’d like, I can schedule an appointment—”
Sophia stepped back, heart beating fast against her chest. Her hand was a little shaky.
A mistake. This had to be a mistake.
Without another word, she turned and rushed toward the elevator, ignoring the receptionist’s loud noise for her to stop.
Sophia straightens her dress, bringing out a mirror. She quickly applied a new lip gloss in preparation to meet her husband but the moment the doors slid open to the executive floor, she knew something was wrong.
The space was lavish, unlike anything she had imagined. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, and the scent of expensive perfume was thick in the air. At the far end of the room, through the glass walls of a conference hall, she saw him.
Ethan.
Seated at the long table, dressed in a tailored suit, looking as sharp and confident as ever. And beside him, laughing softly as she placed a hand on his arm, was Victoria Lane.
Sophia felt like her leg weakened, her breath shallow like she was going to collapse anytime.
Sophia's eyes darted back and forth, looking at Ethan and then back at Victoria who didn't seem to care about her. Her gaze filled with anger as she looked at him through the mirrored glass.
Victoria leaned in closer, whispering something in Ethan’s ear. He didn’t pull away. Instead, he smirked, eyes filled with an affection Sophia had never seen directed at her.
Sophia clinged her chest in pain, it was the first time she would see her husband happy, smiling. But not at her but at someone else who wasn't her.
This wasn’t business. This wasn’t some misunderstanding.
Her husband—the man she had loved, trusted, and given everything to—was leading a life without her.
Sophia clenched her fists, trying to steady her breathing. She needed to get inside. She needed to demand answers.
Just as she took a step forward, a hand clamped down on her wrist.
“Ma’am, you can’t be here,” a deep voice said.
She turned to see two security guards standing between her and the glassy door right in front of her.
“Let me go,” she said, yanking her arm back.
One of the guards shook his head. “Mr. Carter gave strict orders. No one disturbs his meetings. Especially uninvited guests.”
Uninvited.
Sophia let out a bitter laugh. “I’m his wife. You should learn your manners and know how you talk to me!”
The guards exchanged glances, a little surprised by her claim. “That’s not possible.”
Sophia looked at them, her eyes filled with anger.. She turned back toward the glass room, but Ethan still hadn’t noticed her. Or maybe he had and just didn’t care.
A familiar voice suddenly echoed from behind.
“Oh? What’s going on here?”
Sophia turned around and came face-to-face with Victoria Lane herself. Up close, the woman was stunning—raven-black hair running over her shoulders, her red lips curved in amusement.
“Security told me there was some… confusion.” Victoria’s eyes flicked over Sophia’s form, looking at her from head to toe before she smirked. “Are you lost, dear?”
Sophia’s hands trembled. “I’m looking for Ethan.”
Victoria tilted her head. “Ethan?” She let out a soft chuckle. “Oh, sweetheart. If you wanted to meet my husband, you should’ve made an appointment.”
Sophia’s blood ran cold.
Husband?
She barely heard the gasps and the gentle whispering of the nearby employees. She looked at their faces, almost feeling like an alien in her husband's office.
Sophia missed a step nearly falling.
“This, it can't be true.” the word slowly escaping her mouth.
