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CONTRACTED HEARTS
CONTRACTED HEARTS
Author: Chrisadams

Chapter 1

Author: Chrisadams
last update Last Updated: 2024-04-28 16:31:23

CHAPTER 1 

As the room began to spin before her eyes, Sophia couldn't help but feel a wave of frustration wash over her. Why did Madison have to pick on her yet again? Sophia thought to herself, her annoyance mounting with each passing moment. 

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she finally decided to reply, her voice steady despite the turmoil she felt within her. 

"Yes," she said, her words ringing out with a quiet resolve, "I have a boyfriend.”

Madison's expression changed from a spiteful glare to one of shock. She had asked the question loudly, intending to ridicule Sophia and put her in her place. But what? Did Sophia just say yes? Madison thought to herself, frustration welling up within her. She couldn't afford to believe it.

"What is his name?" another guest chimed in, their curiosity piqued as they turned their attention to Sophia.

"Why didn't you bring him along to the reunion?" someone else questioned, their tone laced with intrigue.

"Well, he probably didn't have time to be with her," Madison remarked saucily, unable to resist the opportunity to take another jab at Sophia.

Sophia felt herself backed into a corner. She wasn't skilled at telling smooth lies, as her sister had once pointed out.

 "Hi-his n-n-name starts with an A," she stuttered, her voice wavering with uncertainty. Gathering her courage, she continued, "We are yet to make it public due to his social status." With each word, Sophia felt a glimmer of confidence seep into her tone.

"Oh goodness, please let them stop here," Sophia pleaded silently to herself, her heart pounding with anxiety as she awaited their response.

"Wait just a minute, could it possibly be Alexander?" the one who asked for the name questioned again, their eyes alight with curiosity. All heads turned toward them, the room buzzing with speculation.

Sophia's heart sank. "Oh no, not Alexander," she thought to herself, panic rising within her. 

"Alexander Sterling Harrington!" the girl exclaimed, her voice piercing the silence like a dagger. The room fell into a deadening hush, the weight of the revelation hanging heavily in the air.

"I suppose I'll just have to play along," Sophia mused inwardly, her mind racing with thoughts of how to navigate the sudden attention.

"Yes, yes, but please, let's keep this among ourselves," Sophia asserted, rising gracefully to her feet. "I prefer to keep things private for now, especially with his family's status," she added, attempting to maintain a semblance of control over the situation.

The room erupted into a flurry of questions, each more probing than the last. "What's he like when you're alone together?" "Is it true he is the only heir to the Harrington’s wealth?" "Does he truly have a sweet tooth?" "I heard blue is good favorite color, is that true?”. 

"Well, that seemed to do the trick," she thought, a sense of relief washing over her.

“Unfortunately, I can't disclose the details you're asking for," Sophia stated firmly, her voice tinged with resolve. 

I must take my leave now. Goodnight to you all!”

With that, she reached for her bag, ready to make her escape from the overwhelming flood of questions, Madison stepped in front of her, blocking her path with an icy glare.

"That simply can't be true," Madison interjected, her voice dripping with skepticism.

"I overheard my father and Alex's father discussing plans to arrange a date for us. Are you suggesting you're keeping your relationship a secret from his Father as well?” Madison asked in a spiteful tone doubting the words that came out of her own mouth 

As Madison's spiteful words hung in the air, dripping with doubt and accusation, Sophia felt a surge of indignation rise within her. 

"Madison, this isn't high school anymore," she retorted, her voice laced with determination. "Life doesn't always unfold according to your desires. You can dream all you want, darling, but reality has a way of asserting itself."

Sophia's words echoed in her mind, a surprising resilience bubbling up from within her. "Did I really just say that?" she wondered, momentarily taken aback by her own audacity.

Madison's response was swift and cutting, her condescending tone slicing through the tension like a knife. "And aren't you still the poor little brat you were back in high school?" she sneered, her eyes blazing with anger. "What makes you think I won't crush you like I've always done, Sophia?"

Before Sophia could reply, Angela, their former class president, intervened, her voice ringing out with authority. "Stop it!" she commanded, her words cutting through the escalating conflict. "This reunion was meant to be a peaceful gathering for adults, not a platform for petty taunts and mockery. It's time to change your perspective on life..."

As Angela continued to address the gathering, Sophia seized the opportunity to slip away unnoticed. Stepping out into the cool night air, she felt a sense of relief wash over her. 

The gentle breeze caressed her bare legs, the hem of her red knee-length dinner dress swaying with each step. She smiled as she remembered the heels she wore, a gift from Emma, her loyal and supportive best friend. Tonight, more than ever, Sophia was grateful for Emma's unwavering friendship and the strength it provided her in moments of uncertainty.

Emma had warned her repeatedly about attending the reunion, urging her to reconsider, but Sophia had been adamant. Now, as she pondered over her decision, she couldn't help but question her motives. Why had she insisted on going? Was it truly to prove a point to her high school bullies, as Emma had suggested?

The thought of her loyal friend brought a sense of comfort, and Sophia decided to give Emma a call. As the phone rang, she braced herself for Emma's concerned voice on the other end.

"Hi, baby girl," Emma's voice greeted her, filled with warmth and affection.

"Why do you sound like that?" Sophia replied, curiosity lacing her tone.

"I don't know," Emma sighed, her concern palpable even through the phone. "I just have a feeling those rascals would have tried to break my darling's spirit yet again."

"I'm fine, my darling friend," Sophia reassured her, injecting a hint of humor into her words. "I know you love me."

"Will you be home soon?" Emma inquired, her worry still evident.

"Yes, I left the event early because of a slight issue," Sophia explained.

"Oh, I knew those rascals couldn't hold a so-called reunion without causing a ruckus," Emma muttered with a hint of disdain in her tone.

Sophia couldn't help but giggle softly, feeling lighter than she had in moments. The warmth of Emma's concern was like a balm to her soul after the scathing gathering she had just escaped.

As a cab pulled up beside her, Sophia waved it down and climbed in. "I'm about to get into a cab now, see you soon," she informed Emma.

"Bye, love," Emma replied, and the call ended.

During the ride home, Sophia found herself reflecting on the events of the reunion. Had she been foolish to attend? Perhaps she should have simply said "no" to the intrusive questions, but would that have changed anything? Would it have stopped people from looking down on her?

Sighing heavily, Sophia made eye contact with the cab driver before quickly turning her gaze to the window. The beauty of New York City at night enveloped her, offering a moment of solace amidst her swirling thoughts.

Sophia's ride home felt longer than usual, the passing minutes dragging on as she mulled over the events of the evening. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the taxi came to a stop, and Sophia stepped out onto the familiar pavement.

"Heyy, you see I'm here in one piece," Sophia remarked sarcastically as she approached Emma, who was waiting at the door. Emma enveloped her in a deep, reassuring hug, and Sophia couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort wash over her.

"Umm…okay, did you miss your one and only friend that much?" Sophia teased, gently patting Emma's back.

"I thought Jake was meant to come over," Sophia continued, sensing something amiss in Emma's demeanour.

"We shifted our date to tomorrow," Emma replied, her voice tinged with a hint of unease as she released Sophia from the embrace.

Sophia couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. "What's going on?" she asked, her curiosity piqued by Emma's behaviour.

"Darling, I thought you said it was just a slight issue," Emma replied cryptically, her expression solemn as she reached for her phone.

Confused and apprehensive, Sophia watched as Emma pulled up a webpage on her phone. The headline that greeted her sent a chill down her spine:

"ALEXANDER STERLING HARRINGTON'S LOW LIFE GIRLFRIEND REVEALED: VIDEO ATTACHED"

Sophia's heart skipped a beat as she processed the words on the screen. How could this be happening? Why her? Her head was spinning with disbelief and fear.

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  • CONTRACTED HEARTS    Chapter 3

    Sophia buried her face into her pillow, her sobs muffled by the soft fabric. Emma sat at the edge of the bed, a comforting presence beside her friend. She reached out and gently stroked Sophia's hair, offering silent support as tears streamed down Sophia's cheeks."It's just... I've finally started to get my life together, you know?" Sophia's voice wavered as she spoke, her eyes red and puffy from crying. "With the promotion at my job and everything..."Emma listened quietly, her heart aching for her friend. She had seen the hateful comments online, the cruel words cutting deep into Sophia's already wounded spirit."You don't deserve any of this," Emma reassured her, her voice filled with sincerity. "Everything will be fine, I promise."As the night wore on, the darkness outside slowly gave way to the soft light of dawn, casting a gentle glow into the room. Sophia's sobs gradually subsided into quiet sniffles, her exhaustion finally catching up to her. She leaned into Emma's comfortin

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  • CONTRACTED HEARTS    Chapter 4

    As Alexander sat in his office, he couldn't shake the feeling of urgency gnawing at him. His private investigator's words cut through the silence, snapping him back to the present."I've finally found her address," the investigator announced, his voice tinged with relief.Alexander let out a frustrated sigh, his patience wearing thin. "Took you long enough," he muttered under his breath, rolling his eyes in exasperation.Dominic interjected from his position in the corner of the room. "I think you should take it easy on him," he advised, his tone calm and measured.Alexander turned to face his best friend, his expression incredulous. "Take it easy? Do you know how fast the news is spreading?" he countered, his frustration boiling over.Determined to put an end to the chaos once and for all, Alexander made a snap decision. "I'm going there right now," he declared, his jaw set in determination.Dominic offered to accompany him, but Alexander shook his head. "No, you can stay back. You've

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  • CONTRACTED HEARTS    Chapter 5

    Sophia's irritation was palpable as she addressed Alexander. "What? You want me to act as your girlfriend for a while?" she questioned, the annoyance evident in her voice. "How did we get here? From you being all mean and arrogant," she added, her frustration mounting.As Sophia spoke, Emma couldn't help but roll her eyes, her frustration evident in her composure. "Okay, we get it. Yes, you're a billionaire, but that doesn't mean you can just do anything you like and order people around!" Emma exclaimed, her voice rising with every word.Jake, sensing the tension, intervened with a firm tone. "If that's all you have to say, Mr. Alexander, we would like to bid you farewell now," he stated, his voice unwavering.Sophia, maintaining her composure, addressed Alexander once more. "I've already apologized to you personally. I'll make a public apology to you in the media," she stated calmly.Alexander, rubbing his temple in frustration, responded, "I know that came off as rude, but it's the l

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  • CONTRACTED HEARTS    Chapter 6

    Sophia looked up at the high-rise building in front of her. It was Alexander's company headquarters, an imposing structure of glass and steel. She was here to sign the contract for their fake relationship, a charade she had reluctantly agreed to. She had suggested he send the contract via email, but Alexander had refused.“I left my business schedule to come over to your house. Others would have considered that an honor,” Alexander had replied to her text, his arrogance palpable even through the screen.Now, Sophia stood outside the building, a scarf draped over her head and face, hoping to avoid recognition amidst the swirling scandal that had taken over the media. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead.“You must be Sophia Bennett,” a male voice said from behind her.Sophia turned to see a man with dark skin dressed in an expensive monochrome beige suit. His demeanor was calm yet authoritative.“I’m Dominic. Mr. Harrington has asked me to escort you to his offic

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    Sophia was relieved to return to work after the turmoil of the weekend. The uncertainty had gnawed at her, especially since she hadn’t received any calls from Elysium Grand Hotel regarding the scandal. She had spent the entire previous day at home, reflecting on her meeting with Alexander and waiting for a sign from her employer.Finally, her phone rang. “You really thought we would throw you under the bus? You've been our best employee of the year for three years in a row now,” her boss reassured her, instructing her to resume work since the hotel's reputation remained untarnished by the chaos.Dressed in her blazer, Sophia carefully pinned her "Best Employee" lapel on the left side and glanced at herself in the mirror, a smile spreading across her face. She felt a sense of pride and normalcy returning.“We’re going to be late!” Emma called out from the living room.Sophia and Emma both worked at the prestigious Elysium Grand Hotel. Emma, as the head of the marketing department, rare

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  • CONTRACTED HEARTS    Chapter 20

    *********************Bridget strolled into Victor's opulent office, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor. She moved with an air of confidence, her designer dress hugging her figure perfectly. She approached the large mahogany desk and elegantly seated herself in the chair opposite Victor, crossing her legs with a smug smile.Victor glanced up from his papers, a look of mild curiosity crossing his sharp features. "Bridget," he greeted, leaning back in his chair. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"Bridget’s smile widened. "I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed our little scheme. The whole amulet plan worked out beautifully."Victor raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. "So fast? What happened?"Bridget leaned back, savoring the moment. "I received a package from Alexander. And guess what? It was a dress. He’s invited me to dinner."Victor’s expression shifted from curiosity to surprise. "What? Are you serious?""I told you the necklace holds a

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    ******************Sophia sat anxiously on her couch, her phone clutched tightly in her hand. She had sent Alexander the picture of the package as proof, but hours had passed, and still, there was no response. Doubt gnawed at her. Did he still not believe her despite the evidence?She tried to distract herself, but her thoughts kept circling back to the events of the past few days. Emma had been a great support, but it was Jake who had provided the context that made Alexander’s reaction more comprehensible.Jake, Emma’s boyfriend, had come over the previous night after hearing the full story. He was the Editor-in-chief of Elite Chronicles, one of the most reputable magazine companies in the city. When he arrived, his face had a look of concern mixed with curiosity.“Sophia, I think I can shed some light on why Alexander reacted the way he did,” Jake had said, settling into an armchair across from her.Sophia had looked at him, hopeful and desperate for any explanation that could make s

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    ******************Sophia dried her hair with a towel as she walked out of her bathroom, the cool air of the apartment a stark contrast to the steamy warmth she had just left. Her phone dinged, indicating a new text message. She picked it up, a flicker of hope sparking inside her. Alexander had finally replied to her message.She had called him several times, each unanswered ring deepening her anxiety. Frustrated, she had resorted to sending him a long text, explaining everything about the mysterious parcel and the necklace. Now, she anxiously opened his message, her heart pounding.‘I don't want to have anything to do with you anymore, Miss Bennett. Our contract will be broken off. I will send the legal paperwork to your mail.’ Sophia’s heart sank. She would have been relieved to end the tumultuous relationship if it weren't for the money she desperately needed. She had just sent almost all of her savings to Camelia

  • CONTRACTED HEARTS    Chapter 17

    ****************Alexander settled into his bed, having rushed through his nightly routine and skipped dinner altogether. Frustration from the evening’s events weighed heavily on him. As he lay in the dimly lit room, staring at the ceiling, his thoughts churned relentlessly.‘Was this really Sophia's plan from the beginning?’ he mused, his mind racing with doubts and suspicions. He wondered if she had been paid to sabotage him, and if that was the case, how had her mysterious benefactor known about his plan to propose the contract? The thought gnawed at him, making sleep an elusive prospect.The necklace Sophia had worn that evening was an amulet his mother had once owned, a family heirloom imbued with sentimental value. He had given it to the first and only girlfriend he had ever dated, Bridget, during their brief but intense relationship. His father had arranged the relationship, a strategic move in the world of hig

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    Alexander’s eyes narrowed. “Madison Pierce? Are you certain?”“Yes,” Ethan replied. “I traced the payment to a shell company connected to her. The gang members also admitted, under pressure, that they were paid to send a message to Sophia.”Alexander slammed the folder shut, his anger boiling over. “Why would Madison do this?”Ethan sighed. “It appears she’s jealous and feels threatened by Sophia. Madison has been trying to force her way into your life, and when she saw Sophia as a potential obstacle, she decided to act.”Alexander clenched his fists. “This is unacceptable. She put Sophia in danger.”Ethan nodded. “I suggest you take action quickly, Alex. Madison won’t stop unless she’s confronted and dealt with.”Alexander stood up, his mind racing. “I’ll handle it. Thank you, Ethan.”Ethan gave a curt nod. “I’ll keep monitoring the situation. If anything changes, I’ll let you know immediately.” ***************Sophia called in sick at work, grateful

  • CONTRACTED HEARTS    Chapter 15

    “Stop it!” Sophia shouted, her voice muffled by the flour coating her face. She tried to shield herself with her hands, but the assault continued, relentless and humiliating.The leader stepped forward, his sneer turning into a menacing grin. “You think you can just walk into the limelight and not face any consequences? Think again.”Sophia’s mind raced. She had to get out of there. She turned to run, but the group blocked her path, closing in like a pack of wolves.“I told you we have a message to deliver to you, don't just scurry off without hearing it” The leader said.Sophia squared her shoulders, trying to muster any semblance of courage she had left. “What message? Why are you doing this?”The leader smirked, taking another step closer. “We want to remind you of your place. You might think you’ve hit the jackpot with Alexander, but people like you don’t belong in our world. Stay out of the spotlight, or things will get worse.” Sophia’s heart pounded in her chest. She realized t

  • CONTRACTED HEARTS    Chapter 14

    Sophia woke up to a barrage of emails from unknown addresses. It was an unusual sight; the only emails she typically received were work-related. She sat up in bed, her curiosity piqued, and opened the first one. It was from a well-known cosmetics company, offering to send her free products in exchange for a review. She quickly skimmed through the next few emails, which turned out to be similar offers from other beauty brands.“I don’t even have a functional social media account,” Sophia muttered to herself, bewildered by the sudden influx of attention. As she pondered the emails, she went about her morning routine, her mind buzzing with questions.Descending the stairs, she was still deep in thought, wondering why these companies would reach out to her. Emma, who was already dressed for work, noticed the perplexed expression on Sophia’s face.“Is everything alright?” Emma asked, concern lacing her voice as she sipped her morning coffee.Sophia sighed, running a hand through her hair.

  • CONTRACTED HEARTS    Chapter 13

    Sophia watched Dominic's car until it disappeared around the corner, then turned her attention back to Camelia, who was now looking directly at her. She squared her shoulders and walked toward the porch, her steps measured and deliberate. As she approached, Camelia’s expression shifted from curiosity to a sly smile. “Sophia, there you are. I’ve been waiting for you.”“What are you doing here, Camelia?” Sophia asked, keeping her voice steady.Camelia’s smile widened. “I just wanted to talk. There’s so much going on, and I thought we should clear the air.”Sophia raised an eyebrow. “Clear the air? About what?”“Oh, you know, all the recent excitement. Your sudden rise to fame, your new... relationship,” Camelia said, her tone dripping with insincerity.Sophia clenched her fists, her patience wearing thin. “If you have something to say, Camelia, just say it.”“Oh, so now you have the boldness to talk back to me?” Camelia said, moving closer to Sophia, her eyes glinting with malice.“Wha

  • CONTRACTED HEARTS    Chapter 12

    Alexander dropped Sophia off, and she still felt elated by their conversation during the ride back. They had talked about her high school days, especially the whole Madison Pierce saga. Alex had offered plenty of witty remarks and playful suggestions that made her laugh.“You should have secretly cut her jersey into pieces with a pair of scissors,” Alexander had said when she recounted how Madison always aimed the volleyball at her head during practice.Sophia chuckled at the memory as she stood on the doorstep. She knocked and waited for Emma to answer.“What? I must say this billionaire’s girlfriend role suits you,” Emma teased as she opened the door and let Sophia in.“You don’t even want to know all the activities I had today,” Sophia replied, sinking into one of the sofas.“Honey, you now leave home in a concierge uniform and come back in a dinner dress all glammed up. That’s an activity I’d like to engage in,” Emma said with enthusiasm.Sophia leaned back, a smile playing on her

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