Sofia's pov The heavy door to my room slammed shut behind me with a resounding thud, sealing me away from the chaos outside. My fingers trembled as I clutched my sore hand against my chest, the pain from the mistress’ heel still pulsing through my bones. Rae helped me onto the bed, her hands shaking just as much as mine. “I’ll get you some ice,” she whispered, already moving toward the small fridge in the corner. I stared wordlessly, my throat felt tight, like I had the world's concrete in it, choking any words before they could escape. I was back in this house, and it hadn’t even been an hour before I was already battered and humiliated. The door burst open again without warning and I needn't look back to know who it was. Alex. His presence was suffocating, his cologne thick in the air, a cruel smirk on his lips as he strolled inside as if he owned the very air I breathed. Which, in a way, he did. Rae stiffened instantly, stepping away from the fridge like a child c
Sofia’s POVThe air in the room felt suffocating, heavy with the scent of Alex’s cologne and his mistress’s expensive perfume.I tried to shift, to sit up properly, but my body protested, each bruise screaming in agony. Alex’s mistress, whose name I refused to say even in my thoughts, giggled as she leaned into him, her nails trailing along his chest.“She’s so weak,” she cooed, her voice dripping with fake pity. “It’s honestly a miracle she’s still alive.”Alex smirked, his gaze flicking back to me. “She’s stubborn,” he mused as if I weren’t a person, just some object to be analyzed. “But stubbornness can be broken.”My breath hitched as he suddenly moved forward, grabbing my arm and yanking me to my feet. Pain shot through my body, and my legs were barely able to hold me up.“A-Alex—” I started, but before I could finish, he shoved me forward. My already weak legs buckled, and I crashed onto the cold marble floor, my hands scraping against the unforgiving surface.Laughter rang out
Sofia's POV I woke up on my whim the next day, not jolted awake by the eerie clanks of heels, or Alex's voice."Good morning Miss Sofia," Rae greeted, walking into my room stealthily, her soft steps barely making a sound on the floor."Morning Rae," I greeted, feeling embarrassed at the situation I was in."I got this from a doctor, they said it helps treat wounds like this faster," she said, handing the balm to me."What'd you think will happen if I take this Rae, the scars and tears are going to disappear and I'll be left with a bare face that's waiting to be hit," I cut in, throwing the ball back to her."I need you to not follow me today, find something else to do, or just sleep," I ordered and she leaned closer as if confirming my words."You heard me right the first time Rae, I said, do not follow me," I said again, thankful that she didn't make me repeat myself."I'll leave this just in case," She said before walking out of my room, leaving me alone in the enveloping silence.
Sofia's POV My nose wrinkled as the sharp, sudden smell of alcohol, heavy perfumes whiffed through my nostrils. "Why are you looking like that?" He asked, his grip tightening around my wrist. "N—nothing," I muttered, my words rambling as pain shot through my wrist from his grip on it. "You look like you're about to puke, straighten your spine, and act like the reason you were bought for," He snapped and I nodded, taken aback by his words. The grip around my wrist tightened again, and I bit back a wince, my nails digging into my palm to keep myself from reacting. He always hated it when I reacted. "Straighten up," he hissed under his breath, his lips barely moving, yet the command laced with venom only I could hear. I lifted my chin slightly, my pulse hammering against my throat as he dragged me through the grand hall. And then an almost perfect smile plastered on his face at the sight of a man ahead of us. "Mr. Rhysand," He greeted, extending his hands out for a handshake. "
Sofia's POV “I told you to smile, to play your part,” he hissed, his fingers ghosting over my waist where he had just hit me. “And yet you continue to test me.”“I’m sorry,” I whispered, the words falling from my lips without thought. I knew it wouldn’t stop him, but it was instinct now—to apologize, to pacify, to survive.Alex exhaled sharply, his grip loosening just slightly before he smoothed a hand over my hair, tucking a loose strand behind my ear. The sudden gentleness made my stomach turn.“Fix your face,” he said coolly. “Leyla is watching.”At the mention of her name, my head turned slightly, and sure enough, at the far end of the hall, Leyla stood with her arms crossed, a glass of champagne in her hand, watching us with a mixture of amusement and burning hatred.I swallowed hard, forcing my trembling lips into a practiced, demure smile.“Good girl,” Alex murmured, pressing a lingering kiss to my temple before pulling me back into the grand hall.My waist was already sore an
Sofia's POV Alex walked closer, my forehead beaded with sweats of terror. "You...you really shouldn't do this..." I begged as he grabbed my neck and Leyla giggled behind him like my life was some sort of comedy show for her. "W—what, are you doing," I begged as he continued dragging me outside. "You loved it when I was beaten by my father in front of these people don't you?" He growled as he dragged me outside. I let out a wince as he stepped on my fingers that were trying to hold him back from dragging me. "N—no—no please..." I begged barely able to complete my words as he dipped my head ununderwaterhis hands pressing down hard enough that I wasn't able to catch, hold, or even attempt a breath. My lungs were burning, screaming for air as I thrashed against his grip. The icy water swallowed me whole, my mind spiraling into darkness. My hands clawed at his arms, but he was unrelenting, his anger fueling his strength. I could hear muffled laughter—Leyla's, taunting and c
Zack's POV "The last confinement of the goods has been delivered," my right-hand man said as I stepped into the car with the chauffeur. "Are you leaving already?" He asked and I nodded wordlessly. "Why? I mean, there's still time, we had a month to finish the job and we're done in less than a week, wasn't the rest of the days to take a break?" He asked again, getting into the car with me. "I've something more important waiting for me at home," I said and motioned for the driver to start the car. The thoughts of a particular woman, the one that always had me on my toes filled my thoughts as the car drove off to the airstrip. "Has anything been happening at home?" I asked. "No, there hasn't been much, the latest was that there was a ball yesterday and he was there with his wife," The mention of the word wife sent a jolt into my brain, a harsh reminder that she wasn't mine... "Did anything happen, who was there with him?" I asked, and he pulled out his phone. " Here's
Sofia's pov "Mr Zack," The doctor called, his voice breaking in on the thick atmosphere."What's her condition?" He asked, stepping away to give the doctor space."Her body is burning and it's going to get more painful for the next few hours, there are also some underlying issues," the doctor continued, glancing between Zack and me with concern."Underlying issues?" Zack's voice was sharp, impatient.The doctor sighed, adjusting his glasses. "She has severe bruising along her ribs, likely from repeated impact. And…" he hesitated, as if unsure whether to go on."And what?" Zack's tone dropped into something dangerously low."There are signs of malnutrition and dehydration. She hasn't been eating properly for a while," the doctor admitted.Zack turned to me then, his gaze burning into mine. I couldn’t meet his eyes. I knew what he was thinking—why hadn’t I taken care of myself? Why had I let myself get to this point?But he didn’t say any of that. Instead, he exhaled sharply, running a
Leyla’s POVThat slut! Who does she think she is! She attacked like the animal she is! There is no way I’ll let her get away with this. After the punishment of Alex from his father, I’m sure he has found a way to knock her off consciousness for a while. That idiot, I really have him wrapped over my finger, he would basically lick shit for me.But that is not really the point right now, I can’t let that slut take my place in the Holmes family. Its better for me to go and find Alex now, he’ll need someone to relax with and give him some peace, peace that he only gets with me. I walked through the hallway to Alex’s office but to my surprise, he wasn’t there. Oh , I forgot he is off duty for a while, so where has he gone to? I looked for him at the garden, the dining room and the three parlors but he was nowhere to be found.As I had given up, I suddenly heard the bedroom door of Mr and Mrs Holmes close violently. That must be Alex leaving, but Mr Holmes left this morning, meaning he was
Zack's PovIt's been a moment since I've seen Sophia. After the hospital incident, I haven't had time to get to her, I hope she is okay. Sometimes I really fear leaving her in that house with Alex around. But again I can't do anything about it, I've been really busy, hopefully Alex will take more slots this week so I can rest a little. I miss home, I most certainly miss Sophia. Travelling is fun the first few times but it's only thriving when you have good company.I stepped out of the car and went straight to my office. I've still got some little things to do before I can clear my schedule. Maybe then I can have some time with Sophia. I picked up the phone to call my P.A so she could take the paper work I had just done."Stacy, come to my office now", in a few seconds she knocked on the door and I let her in. I gave her some last directions and asked for my schedule for next week."Sir next week you have 3 meetings in London, 2 business deals to conclude in Seychelles and Dubai, with
Sophia’s POVMy chest was burning! Everything was hurting, my bones, my flesh, I couldn’t stop screaming. I felt on my knees and cried for help, I struggled to breath, my skin was been burnt, I felt the mark that it would leave on my chest due to the lightness of my dress. I cried, I cried so hard, I screamed in pain and agony. They both watched me, emotionlessly, almost disturbed by the noise I was making. It was too much; I could die in front of these two bastards and they wouldn’t move a finger. The maids stood around watching me in disbelief.I could glimpse tears leaving Rae’s eyes, sadness and terror covering their faces. “Close your mouth yearning bitch! You did this to yourself! You are disturbing and peace! Head back to the kitchen and bring me better tea!”I couldn’t believe my ears, better tea? She asked for hot tea! The fuck does she think she is? I took every ounce of decency in my body and cooled my feelings, suppressed that hateful irritating feeling. Tried to kill ever
Sophia’s POV“Wake up bitch! You’re not beautiful and important enough to sleep this much. Its time to make my tea,” I was awakened by the piercing voice of Leyla screaming as usual, everything to make my life a living hell. It’s been 5 days since I left the hospital, five days that my husband’s slut is moving me up and down the mansion in his absence , asking me to do all kind of nonsense tasks for her. I’ve been following her like a dog, all the maids have had pitiful looks at me but Leyla… Leyla doesn’t care and will never care.I opened slowly my eyes and threw a glimpse at the window, it was dark, the sky was fill of clouds and the morning birds had not yet began chanting. My body was completely tired, bruised and on the verge of giving up. Every inch of muscle in me hurt and my mind was clouded with thoughts, pain and doubts.“its fucking 5 in the morning Leyla, what do you need a tea for?” I retorted in the most respectful way I could think of because my body wouldn’t stand ano
Sophia's POV My mind couldn't possibly process what was happening. My blood ran cold and my body won't decide to move. I stood there completely baffled by the way Leyla screamed and acted. A bunch of nurses ran into my room only to find Leyla on her arms in front of the door, crying for help and acting like the most scared person ever."It was her! She slapped me and pulled out her knife before cutting me multiple times! I didn't want to do anything to her and tried to be calm but she was hysterical and determined to end me. I pushed her and hit her head for her to fall on the bed and find a way to escape through the door before calling for help!"I was dumbfounded by what just happened before my eyes. How? When? Why?! Why will she never stop making my life a complete hell! What have I ever done to this girl! What will I do about this? No one will ever believe her right? Zack would never! But Alex... He definitely will. I am tired of all of this! He will kill me if it gets to his ea
Sofia's POV I woke up again in a hospital bed. The smell of drugs and antiseptic, I hadn't missed it. My head was pounding and hurting to the highest. My body felt so weak and sour, like a train had rolled over me a thousand times before I got consciousness again. I was pretty confused about how I got there but I was sure that monster did it again. I tried to slowly sit up but my head was spinning again and the pain just kept on increasing."I think you shouldn't be making this much effort." I turned to look at who was talking just to realise it was that vicious snake.. Leyla."Alex went soft on you this time, you were unconscious only for two, guess my absence made him weak" she spat while she comfortably sat on the chair next to my bed crossing her arms and legs and scanning me from head to toe. My blood was boiling and I prayed all the gods in this world to give me the strength not to throw myself at her and do something I might regret. But yet, my actual physical condition would
Sophia's POV My mind was completely puzzled, my body still recovering from all the feelings it had just gone through. Why is Zack suddenly playing with me like this? My feelings were all over the place and they were not even legit because I'm Alex's wife!He said we had to forget about everything and act unattached and very discrete and here he is suddenly jumping all over me and making my heart skip a beat. The way he touched me, the wetness of my pussy, the tension between us, everything reminded me that night. I left the pool with a towel tied on my waist and walked through the hallways slowly admiring the beauty of the art displayed on the palace walls. I had swam for so long that the colours of sunset accompanied me to my room through the glass windows of the corridors. This house was so majestic and beautifully designed. A piece of art directly picked from a medieval royalty novel. I entered my room and found that Rae had placed a beautiful green cotton dress on the bed with
Sophia’s POV These days, temperatures are particularly high. I have been visiting the pool very often yet never have the courage to put the finger in it since that day. Leyla has not been around and since our first night, Alex hasn’t looked for me even once. Whatever he is doing, he should please continue, these 2 days have been the most peaceful for me and my body has started recovering. I took a sip of the glass of sparkling wine resting on the table. The heat was unbearable, I couldn’t stand it anymore, the pool was so attractive. “Rae, get a swimming suit ready and bring it to me, let me use these few days to do something good before lucifer comes back”. Rae’s face saddened with my words but I wasn’t wrong. She nodded and left. She came and handed me a red two pieces swimsuit perfectly fitted for my size. The bra was sleeveless with a silver ring in the middle holding de two parts and the under had to be tied on the sides and hanged perfectly on my waistline.Rae had prepared t
Zack's POVI have to find her. It's been 3 days now; I haven't been able to see her. She used to walk around the halls in the day, read a book in the library or walk through the garden by sunset and move majestically to her room with her effortlessly delicate walk. These days, she has not left her room even once. Is it me? Does she not want to see my face, did Alex do something to her again? I walked through the ancient Roman royalty paintings of the hallway to her room. I give a knock on the door "Sophia?..." She didn't respond. She had been here all day, is it really me she has a problem with. She wouldn't decide not to answer deliberately, right? "Sophia I'm sorry please open up.." still no response. I gave up and left, if she didn't want to talk to me it's her right, she is just.. my sister-in-law... Right?I continued wandering round the house, not really wanting to get back to the loneliness of my room. I went out to the garden looking for a peaceful spot to think, breathe and