III.
"This is the biggest role of your life, Penelope."
She could hear the thinly veiled threat in the words he murmured behind clenched teeth and a fake smile. "You look beautiful by the way." She watched as his gaze wandered down her body, admiring her new dress. It was bloodred and strapless with a slit so high she had to pay extra attention to the way she sat. Her hair was loosely curled and pinned to her head in a messy bun that looked intricate but effortless at the same time. And with small diamond studded earrings, she decided to let the delicate diamond necklace Sheldon gave her be the star for the night as it sat, sparkling, just above her cleavage. She worried that maybe it was too much, then all of her nerves were melted away when she walked down the staircase and left Sheldon speechless.
She flexed the fingers resting on his forearm, squeezing slightly before whispering. "Show time."
"Ah, Sheldon Cooper! I was starting to wonder if everything everyone's been telling me was only just a legend."
Penny watched as a well-dressed man walked over to them, arms open and a smile just as wide plastered on his face. "Leonard, my only regret is that it took us this long to formally meet." Sheldon stepped forward and shook the mans outstretched hand. Leonard as in Hofstadter…Penny thought to herself, realizing this was the man they were meant to schmooze with. She discreetly scanned the areas closest to them, Sheldon did say he had a wife and she rather not be taken by surprise.
"Well, it's not for a lack of trying, huh?" His smile was uncanny. "I'm just glad you finally decided to attend."
It was at that moment the man in front of her suddenly took notice of her presence, Leonard turned his grin towards her, almost leering. "And this must be the future Mrs. Cooper I keep hearing about?" He reached for Penny's hand but to his annoyance, Sheldon swiftly laced their fingers together and brought them to his lips. He placed a gentle yet possessive kiss to her knuckles, his eyes never leaving her own. God, she thought, I never realized how blue his eyes are. "Yes. This is my fiancée, Penelope Queen."
The shorter man's eyebrows shot upwards; his annoyance forgotten at the mention of her name. "Queen? Of Crowned Investments?" He chuckled, slowly retracting his rejected hand. "Quite the power couple, who said you can't mix business and pleasure." He looked at Penny with something she couldn't quite place, and truthfully, she wasn't sure if she even wanted to.
Before anyone could respond, a voice rang out. "Lenny! Honey…"
The trio turned their heads to see Leonard's wife gracefully gliding towards them, her purple floor length gown accentuated her wealth and status, its luxurious fabric rustling softly with each step she took. Penny could tell the woman was only slightly older than her, but money sure did have a way of keeping the rich youthful.
"Penny, this is my wife, Amy. Amy, you know Sheldon Cooper…this is his wife-to-be, Penny Queen." Leonard introduced once his wife was standing next to him. Amy turned her attention to Penny, a twinkle of curiosity in her eyes. "Penny…It's so nice to meet you." She glanced between the blonde and the tall man at her side. "My, I didn't think the rumors were true." She gently placed a hand on her chest. "I didn't think I'd ever see the day Sheldon Cooper settled down."
Penny could feel the tension within the group and she didn't like it. She felt like she was the fourth wheel to an inside joke she didn't understand. "Well, I guess all it takes is the right woman." She chimed, almost territorially, as she shuffled deeper under Sheldon's arm. He kissed the side of her head reassuringly, and she hated that it made her feel better. "I like to believe I was waiting for you this whole time." He added, the sincerity in his voice doing laps around her heart.
Leonard chuckled, breaking whatever moment Sheldon and Penny were sharing. "Sheldon, we have to get drinks together soon– to celebrate! Marriage is a huge commitment." Amy grinned sweetly, examining the couple in front of her before adding. "They aren't married yet, my love. Let them at least make it down the aisle first."
"Yes, well, dinner will be served any moment now. Sheldon," Leonard glanced at the taller man, almost desperately, it was obvious he wanted to be anywhere else besides here. "I'm sure we have business to discuss?" Sheldon nodded. "Ok then, ladies if you don't mind, us men have some things to discuss."
Before she could walk away Sheldon pulled her into him her hands landing softly on his chest, she tried to focus on what he was saying but the contrast her crimson red nails made against his black-on-black suit did something uncontrollable to her mind. She was almost embarrassed that he had to grip her chin forcing her to make eye contact with him, but she found herself too busy debating on her new favourite color red or blue? "I'll be right back." He promised before kissing her forehead and discreetly mumbling. "This shouldn't take more than ten minutes." She just nodded before begrudgingly stepping away from him when he let her go. The scent of his cologne wafted behind him as he walked away from the women and it wrapped itself around her like a protective blanket and left her with a sense of security.
"Come Penny, we have a lot to discuss." Amy was enthusiastic as she took the blondes arm and led her away.
Penny was no stranger to female rivalry. She knew it very well thanks to her time in high school and the many fights she was involved in because she had to defend herself from some girl over a rumor about her boyfriend and Penny hooking up– which by the way, was false about ninety percent of the time. And once her family started making eight figures annually, she was introduced to it again in adulthood. And with the way Amy held her nose high and her eyes rarely left Sheldon, she knew there was something she wasn't being told and because of that she knew she would be the subject to a lot of whispers amongst Amy and her friends the moment the night ended.
Amy exhaled dramatically. "I love a good excuse to wear an expensive dress, just as much as the next woman, but I swear these events just seem to drag on all night." She grimaced, almost sarcastically as if she was overheard saying something she shouldn't have, as she poured two glasses of champagne. "Or maybe it's just jetlag." She glanced at Penny before handing her the flute. "I just got back from Italy this morning; I'm only running on the sleep I got in the jet." She laughed, but both women knew nothing was funny.
Penny looked around, no longer seeing Sheldon or Leonard she was forced to study the other people around her. They varied in age but all of them had something in common, they compared yacht models and enjoyed talking about politics; Penny knew she had nothing in common with anyone in this room. But she also knew she had a task to complete, so she would play the role she promised Sheldon she would. "Italy? Wow."
Amy's smile widened once Penny took the bait. "Mhm, I've been so stressed with the construction going on in our home– I'm expanding my beauty room, so Leonard booked me a weekend getaway. Honestly, it was exactly what I needed." She grinned; her eyes closed as she reminisced. "Two years of marriage and he already knows me so well."
"Did Leonard enjoy his time too?" Penny enquired.
The brunette woman slowed. "No. He had some meetings he had to attend to unfortunately." She explained vaguely. Penny was surprised, she knew it wasn't uncommon for the wives of businessmen to go on vacation on their own, but with their marriage being so fresh still she'd imagine Leonard would go with her, so she voiced her surprise. "What meetings could be more important than Italy?" She wasn't truly asking, it was rhetorical, but it was Amy's sudden change in the topic that piqued her interest and made her think how she could circle back to the topic.
"I'll be honest, Penny." Amy started. "While I am naturally intrigued by the woman that was capable of taming handsome bachelor, Sheldon Cooper. I am also more interested in figuring out how you got your hands on a vintage La'Vianne necklace from her nineteen-ninety-six line." She ogled the dainty chain, the diamonds reflecting in her brown eyes. Penny gently fingered the necklace, a small smile on her face as she remembered the fake story she and Sheldon came up with.
"It was an engagement gift from Sheldon. We went to Paris, where he proposed, and he had this waiting for me at the restaurant we ate dinner at that night." It was as if the memory was real, she could vividly imagine it; from him kneeling, asking for her hand in marriage, to them eating at the most romantic restaurant Sheldon could find. It made her almost resent the fact this was all fake.
It wasn't that Penny hated the idea of marrying Sheldon; she knew at the end of the day Sheldon was a very strong candidate for being a husband. It was more so the fact she was being forced into it, she never got to make the choice herself. Granted, she knew if she did get to make the choice, she probably would've said no. But she's a twenty-seven-year-old woman, and she should be in charge of her own life. She was simply tired of being used in everyone else's business schemes.
Amy eyed Penny's neck, the envy evident on her face. "Isn't that sweet? You're very lucky." She admitted. "I've known Sheldon for a few years now, and I've never known him to buy a woman such an extravagant gift…he must really love you." She gestured to Penny's name place at one of the large round tables.
"Well, I would hope so, we are getting married in a month." The blonde joked, which only earned a small smile from the brunette. "That must be an exciting time for you, hmm?" She asked as the two women sat at the mostly empty table.
Seeing her opportunity, Penny frowned slightly, leaning in closely to Amy; gaining her interest and undivided attention as she prepared to take in all the gossip, she knew she was about to get. "Honestly, I am excited. I love Sheldon completely…" she sighed, years of acting classes getting put to good use. Amy touched Penny's arm comfortingly. "You can tell me anything."
Sitting up straight, the blonde glanced over their shoulders as if she didn't want anyone to hear what she was about to say. Truly selling it. "You know, I really admire you, Amy. You have such a picture-perfect life, and your marriage is flourishing despite Leonard being such a busy and in-demand man." She held the woman's hands in her own condescendingly, but what felt like to Amy as admiration.
"I guess that's what I'm worried about, how do I maintain time for me and Sheldon, while also being understanding of his work?" Penny frowned in what looked like deep thought. Amy only smiled, glad to be admired and looked up to but also happy to be able to gloat and give advice.
"It's all about give and take, Penny. Your role as Sheldon's wife is to remember that to these men work will always come first. We're second, and as sad as that may sound, it's better to learn it now than be forced to face that ugly truth years down the road when you're wondering why he doesn't rush home to you after work anymore." She patted Penny's hand before letting go and sitting straight, she cleared her throat before continuing.
"I'll let you in on a little secret." She started. "I would've loved for Leonard to come with me to Italy, but I knew he's been in endless meetings these last few weeks. I've heard him talk more about influencing investors and the stock market these last few days, than anything else in our lives lately. It's his busy season, and as his wife I know and understand that. My feelings are secondary. But when busy season is over, that's when they show up and remind you why you fell in love with them in the first place." She finished her champagne. "It comes with the lifestyle, you'll see."
Penny listened to the woman, saddened by what she was hearing and not for her own sake. For Amy's. That sounded like a miserable life, and despite being a hostage in her own a part of her knew a marriage with Sheldon wouldn't yield the same results as Leonard.
"You know what," Penny was pulled from her thoughts as Amy began to speak again. "You should come to one of my tennis classes–"
"–Oh, I don't know about that. I don't really play tennis."
"Nonsense! You'll love it. I even have this instructor, Damian." She waved her fingers in front of her face dramatically. "Trust me. Besides, we needed a fourth. Leslie and her husband Rajesh– you'll meet them later tonight, decided trying for another baby would be worth it so she stopped playing with us since she's become pregnant."
Congrats…I guess?
Defeated, Penny only nodded her head and unsure smile on her face. Oh, Sheldon owes me…big time.
Sheldon was ready to call it a night.
It was just after eleven o'clock and he had just about all he could bare when it came to socialization. He came to the Hofstadter gala with one goal in mind and he was certain he achieved as much of it as he could. Leonard was a sleazy man, a sleazy man with a lot of money and that only meant trouble for him. CooperLabs and Crowned Investments had a deal on the table that would make both companies millions, possibly billions, in revenue. The companies were set to merge at the end of the month, Sheldon just needed to keep the company's shareholders on board until it could be done. And that wouldn't be until after he and Penny say 'I do'.
But it was a few weeks ago when he began to hear rumors about Leonard Hofstadter playing dirty behind the scenes. He and Leonard barely had a relationship, they've probably been in the same room three times in their lives and even then, never spoke. He wouldn't understand why, if at all, the heir to Summit Trust Financial would have something against him. Enough to attempt to sway shareholders away from CooperLabs and devalue the company. Either way, he had to find out if it was true.
Only Sheldon wasn't surprised when he found Leonard to be tight-lipped. He knew a man like that didn't get to have the influence he did by being naive, all their conversations seemed to prove was they were good at small talk. His only hope at this point was Penny was capable of charming information from his boisterous wife.
As time wore on Sheldon found himself scanning the room, searching for Penny. She had mentioned going to the bathroom fifteen minutes ago, and he was growing uneasy. The gala's opulent decor, the glittering chandeliers, and the mingling guests blurred into the background as an uneasy feeling in his stomach rose. But then his eyes finally landed on a familiar shade of golden hair just outside the gala doors.
A feeling he's never felt before burnt through his chest when he saw Leonard almost cornering Penny against the wall. Sheldon could hear his heart pounding in his ears as he made his way over, his strides long and determined. He arrived just in time to hear Leonard say, "I can show you if you'd like." But it was the relief in Penny's eyes when she saw him that made his heart stutter. She quickly side-stepped Leonard and instinctively sagged into Sheldon's side, as if seeking refuge.
"Leonard." Sheldon said, his voice tight with barely concealed irritation.
Leonard, momentarily shocked by Sheldon's sudden appearance, quickly masked his surprise with a casual smile. "Sheldon, still enjoying the night?" He raised his whiskey glass, almost as if calling for a truce. "I was." Sheldon's response was short. "Did I miss something? What were you two talking about?"
The shorter man chuckled as if no big deal and flashed a hand their way. "Oh, you know, just telling Penny here–"
"–I was talking to my fiancée." Sheldon cut him off.
Sensing the tension, Leonard decided it best he disappear and find his own wife. "Alright, well you guys enjoy the rest of the night. I'm gonna go find Amy…" he looked at Sheldon again. "Like I said, we gotta get drinks soon."
Sheldon tightened his arm around Penny's waist, holding her securely in place. "We're heading out. We'll talk later," he said firmly, making it clear the conversation was over. Without another word Leonard took his leave, and Sheldon and Penny walked outside.
The cool night air was a welcomed relief from the stifling atmosphere of the gala. The crickets and animals of the night provided a calm ambient sound as they walked towards the valet, Sheldon's mind racing with thoughts as he turned to Penny, his eyes searching her face. He was never somebody who particularly cared about another person's feelings. Usually, he was great at turning the other cheek and ignoring the situation in front of him. But when he saw the look on Penny's face, the relief in her eyes when she saw him…"Are you okay?" he asked softly. Penny nodded, her eyes reflecting her gratitude. "Thank you." He wanted to say more, to ask her questions but he knew now wasn't the time.
Without thinking, Sheldon lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles, a gesture of reassurance that surprised even him. He then opened the car door for her, the weight of the night still heavy on his shoulders. As she settled into the seat, he closed the door gently, his mind whirling with the events of the evening.
They had survived the night, but the battle was far from over. He needed to protect his company, his shareholders, and most importantly, Penny. As he walked around the car to the driver's side, he couldn't shake the feeling that Leonard's intentions were far more sinister than he had initially suspected. But for now, they had each other, even if it was just pretend. For the time being, that was enough to face whatever lay ahead.