Playing Mrs. Beckett

Three years. Turned out Sophie could only live as Mrs. Beckett for a mere three years.

"How disappointing," she said as she put down the photos in her hands. On the coffee table, there were even more photos of Adrian Beckett. Nation's ideal husband, they said. Sophie snickered, her eyes scanned the spread. Adrian at a private beach. At a park after midnight. Coming out of a cinema, dressed as incognito as his presence could hide. Each time, the same woman was at his side. Not Sophie.

Three years was not a long time, but Sophie had enjoyed the time she spent playing a 'good wife'. She had thought that she wouldn't mind. That it was role-playing, and she was so good at compartmentalizing that this information wouldn't hurt her.

Still, this ache seemed to settle.

She took another photo, one that clearly depicted the woman Adrian had cheated with. Julia Hall. Twenty-six years old. A junior associate at Beckett Holdings. Young, fresh, with a soft smile but sharp mind. Julia had wide brown eyes and a laugh Sophie had heard once at a company dinner, bright and unguarded, the kind of laugh that made strangers turn their heads. Sophie could almost understand it

Sophie chuckled-it seemed Adrian wasn't even aware that he had a type, because Julia Hall was exactly what Sophie used to be, years ago, back when she and Adrian were just college students.

And it seemed that Adrian still was not a good judge of character, because even from this photo, Sophie could feel something beneath those seemingly innocent eyes. Ambition of someone who knew their worth, and willing to do anything to reach it.

Well, if Adrian was sharp enough to notice those kinds of things, he wouldn't pick Sophie as a wife in the first place. The fact that he believed the docile, simple girl act she put on was enough indicator that Adrian never expected her to be something more than a housewife. And, of course, he wouldn't expect Julia Hall to want more than his love.

Was this really the man she chose?

Sophie set the photo down and leaned back on her chair.

Three years ago, Adrian Beckett had been charming, driven, and hungry in a way she had found genuinely attractive. She had liked that he was building something. She had liked that he didn't know who she was.

Nobody knowing who she was had been the whole point.

Sophie Langham, abroad for university, scholarship girl, quiet and unremarkable - that had been the role, and she had played it well, because she had been trained her whole life to play roles well. It was one of the few useful things about growing up as a Langham. You learned very early that most people only saw what you allowed them to see.

Adrian had seen a smart, pretty girl from a modest background and thought: manageable.

And he had not been entirely wrong. She had made herself manageable; a simple girl content with a busy boyfriend. A simple wife content with a small fashion label to run. A woman content with running the little empire that is their house, unaware of the grand empire his husband operated.

The problem was that Adrian had confused her stillness for limitation.

Sophie walked towards the floor-to-ceiling window of their New York penthouse. Her gaze swept through the packed traffic way below her. Her fingers fluently dialed an old number she hadn't thought of for as long as she was Mrs. Beckett, a number she would always remember despite her own wishes.

The call connected in just two rings.

"Sophie! You finally called me! What happened? Is everything okay?"

Sophie felt warmth in her heart. Three years was also their last contact, and this big brother of hers still answered with words full of care the very moment she called.

"I'm okay, but I need help."

Panic set on the other side of the phone. "Why? Just tell me, and this brother will get it done for you."

Sophie smiled. "Can you get me a solicitor? The best one you can get."

"Why? Did you get in trouble?"

"I'm getting a divorce."

A pause.

"Finally you see clearly. I know you hate me saying this, but I know that Adrian is not right for you. You have nothing to worry about. I will get you out of there."

"Thank you."

"And Sophie," her brother added. "Mom and Dad are still waiting for you to contact them. It's been three years. They miss you terribly."

Silence settled, and Sophie found herself smiling. Her parents were always like this, fussing and nagging, eager to get involved with every aspect of her life. She appreciated it, but it would be a lie to say that she didn't find it annoying.

Especially since they seemed to strongly oppose her relationship with Adrian.

Sophie had been young back then. There was also her rebellious heart trying to prove something to her parents. Who knew, her parents were right. They saw something about Adrian's character that Sophie seemed to miss.

"I know," Sophie said before saying her farewell and ending the call.

A beep rang from the front door, and soon footsteps followed. Without turning her head, she knew who it was from scent alone. This waft of oud and musk had been Adrian's signature. Sophie's gift for their first anniversary, a cheap perfume she purchased with her meager part-time earnings. Adrian insisted on wearing it even now that he had become CEO.

So he could still be that sentimental, even as he held another woman. What a farce.

Sophie swiftly packed all the scattered photographs, putting it back to the brown envelope and setting it aside. Just in time.

"Darling, have you been waiting?" Adrian greeted, his arm comfortably enveloped Sophie's waist. Sophie, trained for three years to play a simple wife, smiled meekly. Adrian continued, "I have informed the people at the restaurant. They've prepared the exclusive rooftop just for us. Now, if you're ready, we can go right away. Or not, we can make them wait. They wouldn't dare to mind."

Sophie shook her head. "No, let's go. I can't wait."

Her eyes scanned deep into Adrian's, trying to find something. Anything. For a trace, a flicker of something. Guilt. Caution. But she found nothing.

So Adrian had learnt to play a role too, huh?

That was fine.

Two could definitely play the game.

Nation's ideal husband. That was what people called Adrian Beckett-a title Sophie had helped him earn.

A self-made man, building his kingdom within just one generation. Beckett Holdings went public after only three years, and on the announcement livestream, Adrian had turned to Sophie and proposed. The internet loved it. Proof that romance wasn't dead, they said.

What a performance they had put on. Both of them, it turned out.

Their black Audi stopped in front of a high-end, fine dining restaurant. Adrian stepped outside, handed his keys to the valet driver.

"Take care of her, alright?" he said to the driver, patting the roof of his car before walking over to the passenger door, opening it for Sophie. "After you, my lady."

Sophie giggled, then gave her hand away for Adrian to escort. Truly a picture of a perfect couple. They walked into the restaurant, letting the waiters guide them to their designated special rooftop seat. A pair of new-money, yet they moved in perfect harmony and unison as if they had always belonged in this world.

Adrian pulled her a chair, perfectly serving her until the appetizer arrived and their meal began. Sophie picked up her utensils, started eating with impeccable table manners. Adrian smiled, his face couldn't even hide his awe.

"I like watching you eat," he said. "It's always so beautiful."

Sophie's hands stopped. She lifted her head. What she found was Adrian, looking at her with what looked like genuine affection.

Were it not for the photos she saw earlier, Sophie would swoon and fall all over again.

"I tried my hardest," Sophie responded with a shy smile. "I can't embarrass you."

Adrian had always needed that from her-someone who elevated him without overshadowing him. One drunken night, years ago, he slipped and said it plainly: "I'm glad you have the grace to suit me, Sophie."

She smiled then too. The same smile. She was beginning to think it was the only one he ever actually saw.

"Nonsense," Adrian said. "Nothing you do will ever embarrass me, darling."

Sophie said nothing. She just smiled-the same shy smile she always flashed-and continued eating.

Just as the main course was set, Adrian's phone started to ring. He reached for it, and after reading the caller ID, he swiftly declined. He smiled at Sophie, a gentle, boyish smile, just like their college days. "You will enjoy this. It's your long-awaited dover sole meunière. You've always wanted to try it, right?"

After three years, Sophie's face knew to light up on cue. As the seafood dish was placed before her, she glanced at Adrian who was cutting up his wagyu steak. When his eyes met hers, he gestured and urged her to eat.

Then Adrian's phone rang again.

This time, Adrian was visibly perplexed. He saw the name on the phone, weighing something before finally declining it again.

"Who was it?" Sophie asked with a practiced concern. She didn't need to. She could roughly guess.

"Just someone from work," Adrian replied. "Don't worry, just eat. You have to see the dessert I ordered for you."

But before long, his phone rang once more.

"Adrian," Sophie said, "it could be important."

Adrian held back a groan. He finally stood up, apologetically stepping away. The moment Adrian's figure disappeared into the stairs, Sophie's smile dropped.

As expected, it was Julia Hall who called. Sophie saw that name in a flash.

She had thought she was prepared. That from now on, Adrian would leave her like this more often. Gradually, Adrian would start prioritizing Julia over her. She could almost guess what his reasons would be: important project, something at work. Julia's position as an associate granted her that much loophole to exploit. Sophie thought she could let go. After all, her role as a wife was just make believe.

So when she felt a phantom hand gripping her heart, even she was surprised.

It seemed that somewhere in her subconsciousness, she had hoped to make it real.

As her mind wandered, she received a message. From her brother.

"Your divorce lawyer is ready. Just give me the word, and I'll send him flying to you. I'll make sure you get everything you deserve."

Sophie's fingers hover. For the first time since she found out about the affair, she felt doubt.

"Thank you, brother," she finally typed. "I'll keep that in mind."

One chance.

Sophie inhaled. She picked up her fork again, eating her meal.

She needed to confront Adrian. As she thought, blindsiding him like this wasn't right. Sophie had her own secrets, too, so she was willing to give Adrian a chance.

Just once.

It's not like she didn't have a way out, anyway.

Their dinner ended on an unsatisfactory note.

Adrian had to leave because of a work emergency. Sophie couldn't even tell if it was real or not-if Adrian was just stealing fractions of time to be with Julia Hall.

"I'll make it up to you," Adrian had said.

But it had been two days, and Adrian was nowhere to be found.

Let alone making it up to her, he hadn't even had a meal at home since. For two days, Sophie slept by herself. This had happened before, back when Adrian was still establishing his company. Sophie had been understanding, so she tried to be now.

But by the third morning, Sophie grew restless.

Sophie really didn't want to do this. Her role was a calm and understanding wife, not clingy and insecure. But whether it was insecurity or simple curiosity, she couldn't help but call Adrian.

No. This made sense. An understanding wife would want to know where her husband was after two days of not seeing him.

One call. Two, then three. On the fourth call, Adrian's phone was turned off altogether. Weird. Adrian had never done this to Sophie's calls.

So Sophie called Adrian's assistant.

"Hello, Mrs. Beckett," the call was picked up on the first ring.

"Good day, Mr. Abbott. Is Adrian with you?"

"No. He went on an emergency business trip."

"You're not with him?"

"No, Mrs. Beckett. I'm needed here to act on Mr. Beckett's behalf."

"I see... Is it really busy there?"

"Yes," Mr. Abbott audibly sighed. "One of our partners suddenly encountered a problem and it directly affected their project with us. Mr. Beckett is currently handling it. I believe he is in Wyoming right now."

"I understand. Would you please tell me when you hear from him? He's not answering my calls..."

"I will, Mrs. Beckett," Mr. Abbott replied readily. Almost too readily. But Sophie brushed it off. Mr. Abbott had always been efficient like that.

Wyoming. Sophie tried to recall all of Beckett Holdings' partners, and see if there were any in Wyoming. She couldn't. Was it new?

She started typing on her phone. Only two words. "Investigate Wyoming."

After receiving an affirmative reply, Sophie packed her purse and began to leave for her own office.

Sophie's office was not what people assumed. What began as Adrian's offhand gift-a boutique to keep her occupied-had quietly become something else entirely. New York's upper class wives wore her pieces without knowing her name. She had made sure of that.

"Mrs. Beckett! People from Fash magazine contacted us."

When facing her cute subordinate, and seeing how energetic they were, Sophie's heart settled. Her mind immediately shifted focus and now, she was no longer just Mrs. Beckett. Here in her own little respite, she could finally reclaim a bit of 'Sophie Langham'.

"Really? What did they say?"

Her subordinate, Lyla Orwell, smiled widely. She couldn't even hide her excitement, seeing how her body trembled. "They want to feature us!"

"That's good news," Sophie nodded, her smile wide. "What is the feature about?"

"Timeless Elegance," Lyla replied, full of energy. "They like our newest loungewear collection. I knew they would. We emphasize so much on the softness and fabric quality, after all. Not to mention," Lyla stopped, her eyes scanning Sophie's attire from top to bottom. Her simple white blouse, neat and effortless, combined with her knee-length navy skirt. "Our Mrs. Beckett here always has that graceful, classy look, so of course all the rich people recognize it!"

Sophie chuckled, ushered everyone in. "Well, then we'll get busy now, right?"

"Of course!" Lyla said, "I will make sure our feature will be the best feature on Fash ever!"

Sophie couldn't hold her laughter. It was a good decision to come here. This place could always restore her energy.

But as if not allowing even that, her phone rang.

Adrian.

Her muscle memory took place, "Hello, Adrian! I heard from Mr. Abbott. You're in Wyoming?"

"Yes, I know. Sorry for not telling you. I'll be back tonight. I swear." Adrian's voice came up, breathy and ragged. Without him here, Sophie didn't even bother to hide her frown.

"I'm sad, Adrian. You used to tell me even the smallest thing. Now you're all the way in Wyoming and you didn't even leave a voice note?"

"Yes, sorry," Adrian sounded apologetic. "Not good, I've made my darling sad. What should I do?"

Sophie smiled. The kind that didn't reach her eyes.

"You're gone for two days. Isn't it right that you spent two days with me as a payback?"

She could hear Adrian laughing. "Of course, darling. Everything for you."

Before Sophie could say anything, she could hear him gasping, followed by a faint voice of a woman, and the call ended abruptly.

Sophie stood there, stunned.

She looked at her phone, then opened her calendar app.

The private investigator she hired had clearly listed information on Julia Hall. Of course, it included her birthday, which falls exactly two days from now.

"Now, my dear Adrian," Sophie muttered, "let's see who you will choose."