Villain Ch 317. Two Versus Two [Part 3]
With a steely resolve, Sophia composed herself, distancing herself from Elio and leaning back against the sofa with an air of nonchalance. Her eyes, determined to ignore the glares and whispers that swirled around her, landed on the stage, where the dancers continued their captivating performance.
She feigned indifference, donning a mask of calm and poise even as turmoil roiled within her. The resentment over her failed trap mingled with her acute embarrassment, creating a cocktail of emotions that threatened to consume her. Yet, Sophia knew that showing vulnerability was not an option.
Sophia couldn't deny the kiss she had shared with Elio had left her feeling empty, like a gust of wind that had blown through her soul and left nothing behind. There were no feelings, no sparks of passion, only an unsettling void that gnawed at her heart.
Different from Sophia, Elio's heart fluttered like a butterfly released from its cage, and a warmth spread through his veins like the first rays of sunlight on a chilly morning.
He turned to Sophia, seeking an explanation for the unexpected kiss. "Why did you suddenly kiss me?" he inquired, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and enchantment. Elio had been taken by surprise, but he couldn't deny that a part of him reveled in the fleeting moment of intimacy they had shared.
Her heart trembled as she stole another glance at Allen, who seemed utterly engrossed in Vivian's company. A pang of jealousy washed over her, mingling with the bitterness of her failed attempt to provoke a reaction from him.
Sophia fell silent, deep in thought, concealing the turmoil that churned within her. She knew that she couldn't reveal the true reason behind her impulsive kiss with Elio. She couldn't admit that she had acted out of jealousy, that the kiss had been a desperate bid to win back Allen's affections.
Summoning her wits, she swiftly came up with a different explanation, one that masked her true intentions. "That's because I want to forget him…" she reasoned, her voice steady as she turned to face Elio. Her eyes bore a serious intensity, concealing the raw emotions that threatened to spill over.
"Like you said, I have to move on. I have to show that I don't need him in my life anymore. I have to forget him…" she spoke with a determination that seemed unwavering, though deep down, her heart ached with the knowledge that it was a lie.
It hurt to utter those words, to pretend that she could easily move on from Allen when all she truly desired was to have him back in her arms.
Elio's shock was palpable as he absorbed Sophia's words. It was he who had suggested it. But Sophia had remained silent at the time, her emotions a well-guarded secret. Now, he stood witness to the sudden change in her demeanor, and he couldn't help but be taken aback by the intensity of her actions.
Again, she continued to speak. Her words carried a tone of pleading as if she were begging him to understand the gravity of her actions. "So... whenever I get angry or my emotions start to overwhelm me. I will do something that makes me forget it. That's why I kissed you. That's why I asked you to accompany me tonight… Because I don't want to go through this alone…" Sophia's voice wavered.
Elio found himself caught in the midst of Sophia's tangled web of intentions.
Her plea for him to stand by her side in moments of distress and vulnerability tugged at his heartstrings. How could he refuse such a heartfelt request? After all, it was he who had advised her to forget about Allen, not realizing the extent to which Sophia would take his counsel to heart. Now, faced with the sincerity in her eyes, he nodded with a gentle smile, assuring her of his support.
"I'm glad you took my suggestion," Elio said, his hand tenderly finding its place on her waist as he embraced her from the side. Sophia felt a tinge of awkwardness from his touch, her heart conflicted between her genuine feelings for Allen and the calculated game she was playing to elicit his jealousy.
But she knew that Elio's presence held the potential to stir up the emotions she sought to provoke in Allen. So, instead of pushing him away, she allowed herself to lean into his embrace, even daring to turn her hair once again to expose the vulnerable curve of her neck. Her heart pounded as she drew closer to Elio, her every move an artful flirtation.
The night wore on. The atmosphere grew increasingly electric. Bottles of champagne and various spirits were uncorked, their contents flowing freely as guests indulged in the decadent delights the night had to offer.
Allen and Vivian chose to drink in moderation, content to immerse themselves in the ambiance of the music and the allure of the dance. They went to the dance floor. Their bodies swayed gracefully to the rhythm, the intoxicating melody weaving around them like a spell. They seemed at ease with each other's company.
But amidst the glimmering lights and the laughter that echoed through the air, Sophia found herself caught in the throes of her own emotions. The alcohol in her hand became a catalyst for the chaos within her heart. Each sip felt like a bittersweet elixir, fueling the fire of her jealousy and resentment.
She couldn't bear the sight of Allen and Vivian's seemingly carefree camaraderie. Every glance they shared, every touch of their fingers, sent a pang of longing through Sophia's soul. The mask of confidence she had carefully worn all night was starting to crumble, and her true feelings threatened to spill over.
In an attempt to drown out her inner turmoil, Sophia drank more, each glass becoming a desperate plea for oblivion. The liquid warmth spread through her veins, momentarily numbing the ache in her heart. But the more she drank, the more her emotions spiraled out of control, like a tempest raging within her.
With Elio, she danced with reckless abandon, her movements mirroring the turmoil in her soul. Her body swayed with a mix of sensuality and desperation, drawing the attention of those around her. But behind the facade of allure, her heart cried…
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