Chapter 1 Officially Married
Luxe Bar stretched wide across the building’s interior, its upper level reserved for those who didn’t mix with the crowd. The VIP floor curved above the main bar, overlooking it from behind smoked glass and sleek railings, a quiet throne for Manhattan’s wealthiest.
Below, the bar pulsed with light and music; above, men sat untouched by the noise—tailored suits fitted perfectly to their frames, polished shoes resting against dark wood and marble. Rolex watches glinted lazily as drinks were lifted, their confidence effortless.
“Are you really not even going to show up for the date you have today?” Sebastian snickered, swirling the drink in his glass. “Mom is going to be so fucking pissed, Magnus.”
Alexander drawled, the sound careless and amused. “I think he’s more than happy to get scolded by her nowadays. It’s basically become a weekly ritual for him.”
Laughter went around the table.
Magnus didn’t join them.
He sat back in his chair, broad shoulders relaxed but imposing, one arm resting casually against the table. His dark hair was neatly styled, a few strands falling just enough to soften the sharpness of his face. The cut of his suit was flawless, tailored to his tall frame.
He kept his eyes fixed on the glass in his hand—gray, cold, and razor-sharp beneath lowered lashes. When he tipped it back and drained the drink in one smooth motion, his throat moved slowly. Only then did he lower the glass.
“I don’t have time to waste,” he said flatly. “I’m tired of listening to the same words from her. I’m not going on another damn date even if she disowns me for it.”
Alexander took a drag from his cigarette, exhaling slowly. “Are you sure?” he asked. “I saw the photo of the girl. She’s quite good-looking.”
Magnus gave a short, mirthless laugh. "Looks mean nothing. Every girl I’ve seen is pretty enough. That’s not the problem. I just have no interest in wasting my time on any of them.”
“If you’re not interested,” Sebastian asked, “then why agree to the date at all? Why let Mom arrange it if you never planned on showing up?”
Suddenly—
Bang.
A pair of hands slammed down on the table.
All three men flinched, startled, and looked up.
A woman loomed over the table. Magnus’s chair scraped loudly as he jolted back, nearly losing his balance. His eyes locked onto her face—and froze.
She was staring straight at him.
Her red lipstick was bold and precise, standing out against her clear, flawless skin. Her hair was tightly held up with a sleek clutch, exposing her neck. She wore a white mandarin collar halter dress, buttoned up to the base of her throat, the hem stopping high on her thighs. Silver earrings with white gems shimmered at her ears. Her features were soft, almost delicate.
Her face was calm.
Her eyes were not.
They burned straight through him.
“Why didn’t you show up for our date?” she asked sharply.
The table went silent.
Sebastian and Alexander exchanged stunned looks.
Magnus never took his eyes off her.
After a moment, he frowned slightly, studying her as if pulling her from memory. Then, in a low, confused voice, he said, “Sophia… Kane?”
“King!” she snapped. “It’sSophia King. And you were supposed to be on a date with me three damn hours ago. Instead, you’re here getting drunk?”
Now that the initial shock faded, Magnus relaxed back into his seat. He placed his glass down on the table with deliberate calm.
