Chapter 9: I'll Just Eat, Not Speak

Henry swiftly pocketed his phone and headed to the doorway to offer slippers to Sophie, effortlessly setting aside her high heels. To any outsider, his actions might be dubbed as that of a "whipped" man, but in his heart, it was just his profound love for his wife. "Dinner’s ready. Wash up and let's eat," he said, making his way towards the kitchen. "Hold on, I need to ask you something," Sophie called out, settling onto the sofa. Henry paused, turning to find Sophie’s face etched with seriousness, causing his heart to race with trepidation. "What's up? Why the grave look?" he inquired. “Are these Ava Evans concert tickets from you?” Sophie asked, holding up the three tickets. “Uh...no. Why would you think that?” Henry feigned surprise, looking genuinely shocked. Truthfully, Sophie had hoped they were from Henry. Yet, seeing his reaction, she felt deflated. Given Henry's meager means, how could he afford such lavish tickets? "Seems like telling the truth wouldn’t convince you anyway. Might as well go with the lie," Henry mused to himself, seeing Sophie’s complex expression. As Henry's phone buzzed with a notification, Sophie asked curiously, "Who's messaging you?" To her knowledge, he rarely communicated with anyone beyond their immediate family. "Oh, it's just a low-balance warning," Henry replied nonchalantly, shrugging it off and heading to the kitchen. Watching him walk away, Sophie felt a pang of disappointment. But before she could ponder the source of the tickets further, her phone rang. Checking the caller ID, her expression turned grave, and she quickly retreated to her bedroom. By the time she finished her call, Henry had already set the table and was waiting for her. "A classmate from overseas has returned. We're meeting up tonight, so I won't be dining at home," she informed him. "Alright, just be careful. I'll come pick you up once you’re done," Henry offered. "Actually, why don’t you join us?" Sophie surprisingly suggested. Henry, caught off guard, responded with a confused, "Uh...” "She's a close friend who couldn't make it to our wedding since she was abroad. She's keen on meeting you today," Sophie explained. "Just remember, try not to speak out of turn." "Got it, I'll just eat and not speak," Henry confirmed, slightly amused. At the Magnificent Plaza Hotel, after parking their e-scooter, the duo walked in. "Darling, you're finally here! We've been waiting for ages," a woman with smoky-eye makeup exclaimed as they entered the private dining room. Rushing over, she enveloped Sophie in a tight embrace. "Minnie Wallace! It's been years! You’ve become even more stunning," Sophie exclaimed. "Look who I brought along," Minnie hinted, gesturing to a couple seated at the table. Sophie, recognizing them, warmly greeted, "Mason Campbell, Chloe Foster! It’s been so long. How have you both been?" "Hard to believe we're in the same city, Sophie. It’s almost impossible to catch a glimpse of you these days," Mason jested with a grin. All of them were Sophie's college friends. Back in the day, Mason Campbell had pursued her. However, Sophie had never shown interest. Eventually, after graduation, Mason married Chloe Foster. Standing behind Sophie, Henry felt conspicuously invisible, until they settled at the table, when everyone's gaze finally settled on him. "And who might this be?" Minnie Wallace asked, pointing towards Henry. "Oh...this is my...husband, Henry," Sophie replied confidently. "Nice to meet you all!" Henry greeted with a smile. The trio sized him up, their expressions revealing a tinge of disdain, the kind reserved for those perceived lower in status. "Where do you work, Mr. Carson?" Minnie inquired after examining Henry. "Actually, I don't have a job. I mainly handle Sophie’s day-to-day needs," Henry responded, with unwavering honesty. "A male nanny, then?" Minnie couldn’t help but chuckle. "Did you know, Minnie, that Sophie's husband is a 'stay-at-home son-in-law' from some village?" Chloe, forever hostile towards Sophie due to past affections involving Mason, raised her voice deliberately for Minnie's benefit. "Oh! That explains a lot," Minnie feigned realization. "If you don't believe it, check online. There's a video of him, all decked out in knock-off clothes, acting all high and mighty," Chloe continued. Mason added, smirking, "I must say, Sophie, I never expected this choice from you." Feeling rather pleased with himself, especially considering his past affections for Sophie, Mason couldn’t help but gloat. Hearing this, Sophie’s cheeks turned crimson. She had not anticipated such a drastic change in her college mates. Henry, however, remained unruffled, a picture of calm serenity. "I used to think Minnie was different from the rest. But hearing her now, I’ve realized she’s changed too," Sophie thought, feeling utterly disheartened. She resisted the urge to leave immediately, afraid it might be perceived as petty. Silently, she vowed never to associate with these peers again. Henry, who had remained silent, suddenly laughed, directing a question at Chloe, "While we’re on the topic, where exactly does your husband work?" Unable to suppress a smile, Chloe replied, "If it were anyone else, I’d keep it to myself, fearing it might make them feel inferior. But since you asked, Mason is the sales manager at the Emerald Melody Jewelry Group, with an annual salary of five million." "To add to that," Mason chimed in, "Emerald Melody Jewelry Group is hosting an Ava Evans concert soon. Thanks to my stellar performance, we got two VIP tickets. Sophie, since you're a fan, how about we all go together? After the concert, there's an exclusive jewelry exhibit featuring a mysterious piece. Even if you can't afford it, window shopping is free." "That's right, and if you decide to purchase anything, I can offer a discount for Sophie's sake," Chloe added, almost gleefully. Henry responded with a lighthearted tone, "We’ll definitely attend the concert, but I never buy discounted items, especially for my wife." As the laughter from the trio filled the room, the door opened to admit another guest. "Sorry I’m late…" The newcomer began, making his way to the table. However, upon seeing Henry, he froze, a look of sheer astonishment painting his face.