The drive back was quiet, but his mind was still filled with the thoughts of his uncle Gerald and what he was probably planning. Gerald’s reach was far wider than he had expected. Every move he made seemed well articulated, especially with the mysterious man who even his team couldn't trace. But this fueled Alexander's determination to stop him.When he arrived home, the house was eerily quiet. He expected to find Sophia asleep in her room, but as he made his way up to his bedroom, he was surprised to find her waiting for him, sitting on the edge of his bed.“Hey, why are you not asleep?” he asked softly, his voice filled with a mixture of amusement and affection.Sophia smiled, her eyes lighting up the moment she saw him. “I wanted to wait for you.”He paused a little, touched by her words as he felt some warmth spread through him. No matter how chaotic his life was, Sophia was always there. She was his constant, grounding him in ways he couldn’t
Encouraged by her response, he increased the pressure slightly, his movements more deliberate. Her hands gripped his thighs beneath the water, her nails digging into his skin as the tension built inside her. He nuzzled her neck, whispering sweet nothings between kisses. “I want you to feel everything, Sophia. Let go for me.” She relaxed, letting him get closer, feeling his hands gently touch her. It was like a soft conversation without words. She leaned in, letting him guide her, and the warmth between them grew. Slowly, he moved with care, drawing them even closer. The way their bodies felt so close created a comforting warmth. They didn’t need to speak; everything felt right at that moment. As they moved, their breathing grew a little quicker, but it wasn’t rushed. They found a quiet rhythm, like two people who knew each other well. Each small movement was a way to say, "I’m here," without needing to say more.
“Amelia!” Sophia gasped, tossing a pillow at her friend with a playful frown.Amelia laughed, ducking to avoid the pillow. “What? So you’re not going to spill the beans?”She teased her yearning for more juicy gossip and Sophia couldn't believe her friend. The atmosphere was filled with their laughter and chatting as they finally sat down with breakfast, even though it was already past 2 pm. After catching up on the usual gossip and updates, the mood shifted. Sophia leaned back against the couch, the weight of recent events pressing down on her.She began to tell Amelia everything that had happened over the past few days. She told her about the kidnapping, the tension with Gerald, and the constant feeling of danger lurking around the corner.Amelia listened intently, her face a mix of disbelief, worry, and sympathy. “I can’t believe all of this is happening. Marrying into a wealthy family sounded like a dream come true, with wealth, luxu
Alexander stood close to Sophia, his gaze intense as if he were seeing her for the first time. The anxiety of the past few days dissipated in that moment, and nothing else mattered. He gently cupped her face with his hand.“I missed you, my love,” he whispered softly before leaning in, capturing her lips gently.Sophia raised her head tilting it enough for him to deepen the kiss, surrendering herself to the warmth of his embrace. It felt as though the world outside had ceased to exist, leaving just the two of them. Alexander deepened the kiss, and Sophia melted in his every touch.Their kisses grew more intense as he guided her toward the bed, without breaking the kiss. The sheets rustled beneath them, and for a while, they let themselves forget everything, including Gerald's looming threat.After what felt like forever, they lay together, holding each other closely. Alexander brushed a strand of hair from Sophia’s face, gazing into her
David led Sophia to the corner of the living room, eager to show off his gaming skills. Alexander watched from the side, a smirk on his face.David handed her the controller. “Get ready to lose,” he said, already confident.But as soon as the game started, Sophia moved quickly, catching him off guard. She played smart, and before long, she was winning.David blinked. “Wait… what? You’re really good at this.”Sophia didn’t look up, focused on the screen. “Told you I could handle it.”In the end, Sophia won. David sat back, shocked. “I can’t believe you beat me.”Alexander looked at him with a smirk as if saying. “Never underestimate my wife.”David stood up, rubbing his head, not wanting to give up yet. “Alright, you’re cool and I admit defeat. But we must have a rematch soon.”Sophia smiled. “Anytime.”He was more curious now. “How long have you been gaming?”Sophia shrugged. “I used to play a
Sophia’s eyes widened in disbelief. She hadn’t expected anything like this. She covered her mouth in shock, trying to process the gesture. As a designer, she could tell instantly that the necklace was not just expensive. It was a valuable masterpiece. The diamonds were cut with precision, and the gold setting gleamed with a subtle elegance. It was worth more than anything she could have imagined. "Grandma, I… I can't accept this. It’s too valuable," she stammered, feeling overwhelmed. But Elena, with a knowing smile, shook her head. "It’s yours, dear. No one else in this family is worthy of wearing it." Sophia hesitated, still unsure. She looked at Alexander for support, her gaze softening. Alexander gave her a reassuring nod, signaling that it was okay to accept it. With a deep breath, Sophia finally spoke. "Thank you so much, Grandma. I’ll treasure it." Elena’s eyes twinkled with joy as she laughed. "You sh
Alexander met her eyes and smiled, trying to assure her."Yeah, everything's fine." He said, though his thoughts were already distorted.The night had just begun, and he had a feeling it was going to be far more complicated than he’d anticipated.Sophia, still holding his hand, saw the woman sitting in a corner. She didn’t know all the history, but it was clear she wasn’t just another friend. As soon as Alexander’s grip on her hand tightened, she knew this wasn’t going to be a pleasant reunion.The woman watched them closely, without bothering to hide her attention. She set her wine glass down with a soft clink, stood up, and walked toward Alexander.Her expression was calm, but her eyes were fixed only on him.“Alexander,” she said, using his full name. Her voice was polite but edged with something else. “It’s been a while.” Alexander's jaw tightened, and his smile vanished. “Miss Jason,” he said, the words coming out colde
Sophia stood at the sink in the restroom, splashing cool water on her face. She took a moment to breathe, steadying herself. Jessica’s snide comments and the way she had been gazing at Alexander all night were hard to ignore. The woman’s intentions were clear, but Sophia wasn’t sure if she was ready to handle her.As she straightened up, the restroom door creaked open. She turned to see Jessica walking in, her heels clicking against the tiled floor. “Speaking of the devil!” She cursed inwardly.The woman’s confident stride and cold smirk made her stomach churn. Jessica closed the door behind her, leaning against it as if she had all the time in the world.“Miss Blackwell, you seem like someone who just came from the war,” Jessica commented, giving her a sly smile.“Oh do I, Miss Jason?” Why don't I feel it?” Sophia replied, uninterested, as she wiped the water droplets from her face.Jessica didn't like the attitude Sophia was giving her.
Back in Sadrova restaurant, Alexander emerged from the bathroom after several knocks on the door.He wrapped a towel around his waist and opened the door.Tim hurried in with his bag. He looked just like any other thirty-year-old guy who happened to be on duty. His white doctor’s coat was slightly creased like he’d rushed out of the hospital without a second thought. Underneath, he had on a black T-shirt and jeans, just something comfortable for a long shift. A stethoscope still hung around his neck, probably out of habit more than anything. His glasses gave him a smart, slightly serious look, but there was an easygoing air about him.“What took you so long?” Alexander asked, masking the discomfort in his body."I left my patients waiting just to come here, and you're complaining?" Tim asked casually, placing his bag on the couch.Alexander just snorted, glaring at him before making his way to the couch.Tim didn’t waste time once he saw Alexander’s condition. He quickly prepared a s
Alexander closed his eyes tightly, unwilling to look at her. Images of Sophia flooded his mind.“No, I can’t let this happen. I won’t,” he muttered, biting his lower lip hard as if the pain would fight off the drug’s effect.He struggled to wake up again, pushing Jessica away. She tried to resist but this time, Alexander shoved her harder, and she fell from the bed.He didn't even spare her a glance; he quickly bent toward the bedside table, grabbed his phone, and staggered out of the room.He struggled to walk in the hallway, holding on to the wall for support.When he reached the next suite, he found a couple holding each other as they were about to make their way in.The man opened the door with a gentlemanly smile, signaling to the lady to get in first.Before the woman could react, Alexander snatched the room card and staggered inside leaving the words, “Sorry, I need to use the room.”Before the man could react, he had already locked the door from the inside.“Damn it!” The man
Meanwhile, back in Hawthorne's ancestral home, Marcus knocked on his grandpa's bedroom, casually tucking his other hand into his pants pocket.After Raphael murmured from inside, he pushed the door open and walked inside. The room was dimly lit, with a bedside lamp casting a soft amber glow over the space. The air held a comforting mix of lavender and woody from the old oak furniture.A large, neatly made bed stood against the far wall, its thick duvet turned down slightly, perhaps he was ready for bedtime.An antique clock ticked quietly on the wall, and a pair of slippers sat perfectly aligned by the edge of a plush rug.Raphael was seated on a couch near the window with a steaming cup of tea on the small table in front of him. Despite the warmth in the room, he had a shawl draped over his shoulders, and the lines on his face seemed deeper under the soft light.He seemed to have aged more since the last time Marcus saw him. “Grandpa,” he greeted.“Sit,” Raphael said, pointing at t
Chapter 124: Alexander's Helpless Alexander’s jaw clenched and his eyes darkened. The tension in the room grew so thick that it felt like the air itself was pressing down on everyone. Mark turned to him apologetically, “Sorry, boss, I will...” “It's okay. You can go.” Alexander cut him off coldly. Then he added, “Mark, you can take your leave. You will be rewarded for today." He had just remembered it was supposed to be Mark's off day. “Thank you, boss.” Mark nodded happily before walking out, knowing that his boss didn't blame him. Bullock swallowed hard as he stood up to face Jessica. “Miss Jason, whatever deal we had with your father is being handled by my secretary. Please go speak to her,” he said politely. “I just did that but she couldn't give me any substantial explanation. That's why I came to look for you,” Jessica said with a righteous voice, sounding offended. “I'll look for Mr Jason myself and give him an explanation,” Bruno said, trying to send Jessica aw
“You're the pride of the Hawthornes, my dear. That Sophia was our bad luck; Look at how we're prospering now that she's gone. My son is more accomplished now that she isn't here to drag him behind.” Evelyn clapped like a child who just won a prize, her eyes glowing with pride. She walked over to Marcus and patted his shoulder like he’d just won a major award. “I’m so proud of you, son.” “Marcus, I hope you're not still dreaming of bringing her back,” Lauren scoffed, tilting her chin up in distaste. Marcus leaned back lazily, his arms spread across the back of the couch. He smirked, brushing invisible dust from his shirt like a king making a declaration. “Sophia will be mine sooner or later..." “Marcus, you're just digging your own grave. Go see your grandpa now.” His father's angry voice came from upstairs interrupting them. “So it's true you don't believe in me, Dad. Is that why you stepped down?” Marcus turned to him with his face full of disappointment. His fathe
“Wait… why are you so quick to defend yourself?” Sophia laughed out, amused.“Well, that's because I hate slander. But you know I'm not lying, right?” he asked, shrugging his shoulders. “Yes. You two are gentlemen. The girl who ends up with you will be the luckiest,” she said, winking at Amelia.“Did you hear that?” Michael turned to Amelia proudly. “You two are impossible.” Amelia stomped her foot and walked away to hide her flushing face.***Meanwhile, Alexander watched silently as his phone disconnected. “I need to deal with Jessica quickly or it will affect my relationship with Sophia,” he muttered before walking back to the coffee shop with a resolute face. “Have you made up your mind?” he asked as he sat down. “You said you can fulfill any of my wishes, right?” Jessica asked, putting her phone on the table. “Anything within my capability,” Alexander said, leaning on his seat. “Then divorce Sophia and marry me.” She dared him. The moment the last word left her mouth, the
Back at the Eldridge International Airport, the final boarding call echoed through the terminal: “Final boarding for Flight 782 to Geniva. All remaining passengers, please proceed to Gate 14 immediately.” Jessica stood up calmly, composed, like everything was going exactly as she had planned. She picked up her handbag, adjusted her blazer slightly, and started walking toward the gate. Her assistant, clearly more nervous, hurried after her. “Miss Jason, are we boarding now? I thought …” “Just follow me and stop asking questions,” Jessica cut her coldly and walked ahead. Her heels clicked confidently against the polished floor without any hint of panic. When they reached the gate, she handed over her passport and boarding pass with a small, polite smile. The attendant scanned them and gave a quick nod. “You may proceed.” She and her assistant began walking down the jet bridge. They were only a few steps away from the plane's door when a sudden urgent voice cal
Back in Eldridge, in the backyard of Jason's estate, Rachel knelt by her flowerbed, humming a tune as she worked.She wore a flowing cream-colored dress that fluttered slightly with the breeze. A wide straw hat shielded her face, but even then, the grace in her every movement showed. Her hands, though elegant, weren’t afraid of dirt. She held a small pruning shear and gently snipped away a dried leaf from one of her prized roses.The garden was in full bloom, with roses in shades of blush and deep red, lilies standing tall and proud, and dainty white daisies dancing in the wind. It was her happy place. Every weekend, she spent at least an hour here. It was one of the few things that grounded her and made her feel like everything would be okay.She wiped her forehead with the back of her glove, smiling faintly at the progress she had made. Her flowerbed looked perfect.Just then, a servant came rushing out from the house, breathless.“Madam, Mr. Evans is here. He doesn’t look like he c
Meanwhile, back in Averia, Alexander’s car rolled to a stop outside a modest building nestled between tall sycamore trees. The sign above the gate read Happy Orphanage in faded blue paint. The walls were worn and the compound was quiet and solemn. A woman in her mid-fifties stepped out to meet him. Her hair was tied in a tight bun, streaked with gray, and her eyes held both kindness and years of experience. She wore a plain beige dress and clutched a manila folder to her chest like it held secrets. “Welcome to Happy Orphanage, Mr. Evans. We’re at your service,” she greeted warmly, with a practiced tone like someone used to formalities and farewells. Alexander nodded and followed her inside. In her office, she showed Alexander all the files related to the person he was looking for. “According to your description, this is the person who was at the orphanage and later rescued by her parents that same year,” she explained, handing over the file. Alexander took the document and fli