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Capítulo 23 - A Verdade de Ethan
Last Updated:
2024-12-22 04:22:31
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Ties of a Contract Chapter 24 – Cards on the Table
SophiaI run my fingers over the steering wheel as I wait in the discreet parking lot of a café far from the city center. The investigator’s message still lingers fresh on my phone screen: “I have something. You need to see it in person.” My heart is racing, and my mind is working overtime. Hiring a private investigator was an impulsive decision, but now that I’m here, about to hear what he’s discovered, I feel like I’m finally in control. For the first time, I’m not just reacting to Olivia’s attacks. I’m taking action.The investigator arrives—a middle-aged man with a tired face and eyes that seem to see too much. He gets into the car, hands me a thick envelope, and lets out a heavy sigh.“Are you sure you want to see this?” he asks, his voice gravelly.“I am,” I reply firmly, though my voice doesn’t carry as much conviction as I’d like.I open the envelope with trembling hands. Inside are photos, copies of emails, and transcripts of messages. The first photo makes my stomach turn: O
Last Updated : 2024-12-24Ties of a Contract Chapter 25 – The Price of Truth
SophiaThe door to Alexander's office is slightly ajar when I enter the mansion. My heels echo against the cold marble hallway as I clutch the documents I brought from my meeting with Olivia. My hands are still trembling, the weight of the revelations suffocating my chest."Sophia?" Alexander's firm voice pulls me back to reality.He’s leaning against the dark wooden desk, his shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows and his tie loosened. His eyes, usually so controlled, are shadowed, filled with a mixture of anger and exhaustion."I came as soon as I could," I say, closing the door behind me.He walks towards me, and before I can say anything, he holds my face in his hands, resting his forehead against mine."Are you okay?" he asks, his voice low, almost a whisper."I am," I answer honestly, despite the lump in my throat. "But we have a lot to talk about."Alexander reluctantly lets me go, but his hand finds mine as he leads me to the desk. There are piles of documents scattered across
Last Updated : 2024-12-24Ties of a Contract Chapter 26 – Twisted Truths
SophiaI never expected my life could turn upside down so quickly, but it only took a few hours for everything to change. This storm of accusations, misunderstandings, and distrustful glances came from exactly where I least expected. It feels like I’m trapped in a whirlwind of misconceptions, unable to escape. I’ll try to organize my thoughts to understand how I ended up here.When I opened my phone that morning, there was a curt message from my mother, Eleanor. A dry, cold message, slightly off from her usual tone—if you can even say she’s ever shown me genuine affection. She said something about “having unfinished business” and that I should come to her house immediately. Despite the strange nature of our relationship, I was worried. She would never summon me without a strong reason. So, I took a deep breath, got dressed, and left, unsure if I should tell Alexander. In the end, I decided not to bother him. He was at the office, in a string of important meetings. Besides, my relation
Last Updated : 2024-12-26Ties of a Contract Chapter 27 – Shaken Trust
SophiaWhen I walked into the house, Alexander was standing in the living room, staring out the window, as if he had been waiting for me. But his expression wasn’t one of relief. He was pale, his hands trembling. As soon as he saw me, he shot me a look that nearly tore my heart apart."Where were you?" — his voice sounded colder than usual.I placed my bag on the couch and tried to answer:"I went to see my mother. She called me." — I felt an urgency to tell him everything: how Eleanor and Olivia were acting, how they accused me of something I never did.But Alexander interrupted me."We spoke with Olivia today. She showed up at the office. You…" — He hesitated, as if carefully choosing his words. — "She showed me some things, conversations she had with Eleanor, evidence of bank transfers that weren’t made by me, but that your mother claimed were ‘allowances’ from me. And more than that… There was mention of a story about you being involved with a married man, blackmail, bribery…"I s
Last Updated : 2024-12-26Ties of a Contract Chapter 28 – A Life That Grows
SophiaAs soon as I stepped outside, I took a deep breath. A cold breeze brushed against my face, a breeze that seemed to remind me that life out here still carried on. It was almost five in the afternoon, and the sky was starting to take on that orange hue of twilight. I opened my ride-sharing app, not entirely sure where to go. My trusted friends were far away, busy, and my mother was the last person I could think of. Leo? I could forget about him. He was probably helping with Eleanor's schemes. Then it occurred to me that I could go to a hotel, at least until I figured out my next steps.I got into the car I requested, and during the ride, I allowed myself a moment of reflection. I had no doubt that Olivia would stoop so low to hurt me after I confronted her with the evidence I had, but... Why would my own mother throw so much dirt on me? I remembered that, just a few weeks ago, she accused me of not helping her enough. I suggested an excellent doctor, but she complained about havi
Last Updated : 2024-12-27Ties of a Contract Chapter 29 – Fight for Love and Truth
SophiaI spend the rest of the night in a state of painful vigilance. I can’t eat, sleep, or think clearly. Every time I close my eyes, I imagine Alexander angry, accusing me, calling me a liar. Or worse, I wonder if he’s out there, alone, feeling betrayed and confused, suffering the same pain I feel now. But I don’t have the strength to look for him, not while he insists on doubting me.Around three in the morning, I sit in the hotel room armchair, wrapped in a blanket, staring at the city lights. There’s an enormous emptiness inside me, an implacable loneliness. I think about everything I need to do to prove my innocence. I’ll have to dig through documents, bank statements, maybe even speak directly to that man from my past and demand that he tell the truth, though I have no idea where he is now. And I still need to deal with Olivia, my own mother, and the pain of being abandoned—albeit unintentionally—by Alexander.I refuse to give up. I need strength to face this chaos. My priorit
Last Updated : 2024-12-27Ties of a Contract Chapter 30 – Between Files and Wounds
AlexanderIt’s been two days since Sophia left home, and everything feels like a labyrinth of uncertainty. My mind revolves around two questions: what really happened in her past, and why did Eric disappear with part of the evidence that could incriminate Olivia? Doubts eat away at every thought while the financial reports in front of me stubbornly display small discrepancies, pointing to a silent betrayal.Eric Callahan, my financial director for years, always seemed trustworthy. Now, everything suggests he worked in collusion with Olivia, determined to tarnish my name and, in the process, hurt Sophia. Bank statements indicate amounts subtly redirected to an unknown account, outside the company’s official records. If I can uncover who controls this money, I might save both the company and my honor.Sophia's absence lingers with every breath. She left home with a suitcase, and I couldn’t stop her or say the words she needed to hear. The memory of her gaze, filled with pain and restrai
Last Updated : 2024-12-28Ties of a Contract Chapter 31 – The Unexpected Confrontation
SophiaI walk into the building where Alexander's office is located, clutching the envelope containing the test results confirming my pregnancy. My heart is racing—half with joy and hope, half with fear. I have no idea how he will react, but I’m determined to tell him. I won’t keep something this important from him.As I reach the reception, I notice something strange in the air. The secretary avoids my gaze, and before I can ask anything, she speaks, her voice tense."Your husband is in the meeting room, ma’am. I’m not sure if… would you like me to announce your arrival?""Don’t worry, I’ll speak to him myself," I reply, trying to sound firm.I walk down the wide corridor, the walls adorned with discreet artwork that, on another day, I might have stopped to admire. Now, all that matters is telling Alexander about the baby. With every step, the air feels heavier, as if something monumental is about to happen.I push open the slightly ajar door and freeze at the scene before me: Alexan
Last Updated : 2024-12-29
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Ties of a Contract Chapter 45 – Olivia’s Fury
SophiaThe afternoon sun softly filters through the large windows, bathing the living room in a golden light. I’m sitting on the couch with a book open on my lap, but I can’t focus on the words. I’ve tried to write as well, but nothing comes to mind. My fingers slide instinctively over my belly, trying to soothe the anxiety that never seems to fully vanish.Alexander left early for a series of important meetings. I told him to go without worry, assuring him I’d be fine. And I am. At least, I was until now.The intercom rings, breaking the silence. I stand up slowly and walk to the device.“Mrs. Hawthorne?” The doorman’s hesitant voice comes through. “There’s a woman here saying she’d like to speak with you. She introduced herself as Olivia Sinclair.”My heart stops for a second. Olivia.“She said she’s here in… peace,” the doorman quickly adds.Part of me screams to send her away. To not let her set foot here again. But another, more rational part believes that maybe she truly has com
Ties of a Contract Chapter 45 – Olivia’s Fury
SophiaThe afternoon sun softly filters through the wide windows, bathing the living room in a golden light. I’m sitting on the couch, with a book open on my lap, but I can’t focus on the words. I also tried writing, but nothing comes to mind. My fingers instinctively move over my belly, trying to calm the anxiety that never fully goes away.Alexander left early for a series of important meetings. I told him to go without worrying, assuring him I would be fine. And I am. At least, I was until now.The intercom rings, breaking the silence. I get up slowly and walk over to the device.“Mrs. Hawthorne?” The doorman’s hesitant voice comes through. “There’s a woman here saying she wants to speak with you. She introduced herself as Olivia Sinclair.”My heart stops for a second. Olivia.“She said she’s here in… peace,” the doorman adds quickly.Part of me screams to send her away. Not to let her set foot inside here again. But another part, more rational, thinks maybe she really has come to
Ties of a Contract Chapter 44 – Confrontation
Chapter 44 – ConfrontationSophiaThe silence in the penthouse is almost comforting. For the first time in weeks, I feel like I can breathe without the weight of the world crushing my chest. I’m sitting on the couch, holding a cup of hot tea in my hands, while Alexander works in the next room. He insists that I rest, but my mind won’t stop. I’m still getting used to being back here, to the familiar smell of this place, to the memories it holds.I place one hand on my belly and close my eyes. There are two of them. Two little hearts beating inside me. The responsibility scares me, but it also gives me the strength to keep going.The sound of the doorbell echoes through the living room, and my tranquility vanishes like smoke.“I’ll get it!” I call out, before one of the security guards can interfere.I walk over to the door and open it, but I regret it the instant I do.Leo.He’s there, his face flushed, his eyes red with anger and perhaps something else. Alcohol? He looks different, mo
Ties of a Contract Chapter 43 – Between Wounds and Promises
Chapter 43 – Between Wounds and PromisesSophiaAlexander stands in the middle of my tiny living room, a displaced figure in this cramped and simple space. He looks like a giant in a world not made for him. His broad shoulders slump, his eyes are tired, and there is a weight of guilt so heavy on him that I can almost touch it.I cross my arms over my chest, more out of instinct for self-protection than anything else. My belly is already starting to show under my loose T-shirt, and I feel an extra burden as I try to stand firm before him.“So you needed proof, Alexander,” I say, my voice coming out firmer than I expected. “You needed to investigate, seek documents, confront people… to believe me. When from the start it was so obvious who was behind everything.”He lowers his head, his shoulders drooping even further. The image of the powerful, relentless man he has always been crumbles before my eyes.“Sophia, I…” He lifts his head, and his blue eyes meet mine, filled with regret. “I w
Ties of a Contract Chapter 42 - Two Hearts, One Destiny
SophiaThe sound of dishes clattering echoes through the small café kitchen. Steam rises from the pans, and the heavy aroma of grease mingles with the sweet scent of freshly brewed coffee. My white T-shirt, already tight due to my growing belly, is smeared with tomato sauce, but I barely notice. My fingers tremble as I try to balance two cups of coffee and a tray of pie slices."Sophia! Table three has been waiting for five minutes!" shouts my boss, Mr. Garret, a man in his fifties with a thick mustache and a stern look."I'm coming!" I reply, trying to keep my voice steady.Sweat drips down the back of my neck as I weave between the cramped tables, a practiced smile plastered on my face. With every step, I feel the tension in my belly beneath the apron. I'm only a few weeks along, but it already feels like I'm carrying a heavy weight. Maybe it’s the worry. Maybe it’s the fear.Earlier today, before my shift started, I went to the doctor for a routine ultrasound. The doctor's words st
Ties of a Contract Chapter 41 – Between Broken Lines
AlexanderThe silence in the penthouse is deafening. The panoramic windows reveal the city outside, bright and bustling, but inside everything feels stagnant, dead. My only company is the echo of my own thoughts and the nearly empty whiskey bottle beside me.Every sip that burns down my throat feels like acid, but not enough to erase the image of Sophia walking away, her eyes filled with tears and her voice breaking as she said, "I know this baby is yours. Even if any damned test says otherwise."Those words haunt me. They’ve clung to my skin like scars that will never fade.The ultrasound she left on the bed is now in my hand. The blurred image of the small being who was supposed to be our child consumes me from the inside out. I close my eyes and press my forehead against the cold paper. I failed her. I failed the baby. I failed myself.A soft knock on the door interrupts my torment."Alexander?" It’s Dominic. His voice is full of caution but also firm."Go away, Dominic," I say, my
Ties of a Contract Chapter 40 - Divided Paths
SophiaThe result is still engraved in my mind, like an immutable sentence that echoes endlessly. The cold, direct words on the paper, followed by Alexander's devastated look, still burn on my skin like a branding iron."Another mistake, Sophia? In how many of these mistakes will you be the innocent one?"Each syllable was a blow. Each pause, a knife digging deeper into my chest. I never, never had been with another man besides him after we got married. But now, doubt has poisoned everything we built, and there's nothing more I can do to convince him otherwise.My fingers tremble as I close the zipper of my suitcase for the last time. The room that was once my refuge now feels like a prison. The walls oppress me, the scent of his perfume is still on the pillow, on the clothes, in every corner of this space that, for a brief moment, was our home.A tear runs down my face as I look around one last time. It's funny how, in just a few seconds, a place can transform from a home into a fare
Ties of a Contract Chapter 39 – The Abyss Between Us
AlexanderThe white envelope rests on the coffee table like a bomb about to explode. The edges are slightly crumpled, reflecting the weight of what they carry. Dominic stands beside me, but he says nothing. The silence in the room feels almost physical—thick, suffocating.My hands tremble as I break the seal and pull out the DNA test results. My heart pounds in my chest, my lungs can’t seem to draw in enough air. Every printed letter on the paper seems to glow under the cold light of the desk lamp.Negative result. There is no genetic compatibility between Alexander Hawthorne and the fetus in question.The words pierce my chest like daggers. For a moment, the world around me goes silent. Dominic mutters something I can’t catch. My vision blurs, my mind struggles to process the brutal reality stamped on the paper."Alexander…" Dominic tries to speak again, but I raise my hand, cutting him off."Leave," I say, my voice rough and broken.He hesitates but obeys, leaving the office and clo
Ties of a Contract Chapter 38 – Refuge in Silence
AlexanderThe days following the hospital visit pass like a blur of meticulously planned routine. Every morning, I wake up early and ensure Sophia has everything she needs. Breakfast is carefully prepared, following the nutritionist’s recommendations, and I personally deliver it on a tray, with a rose on the side, every single morning.Sophia looks paler than usual, but her eyes seem lighter. She’s spent so much time carrying the burden of Olivia’s lies, Eleanor’s manipulations, and, above all, the weight of my own doubts. Now, my priority is to ensure nothing else hurts her.Today, I enter the room with the tray while she’s sitting in the armchair near the window, a laptop on her lap. The soft morning sunlight bathes her face, and for a moment, I stop to admire the scene."Good morning," I say softly.Sophia lifts her gaze and gives me a shy smile."Good morning."I set the tray on the side table next to her."I hope you're hungry. I made sure they prepared something light but nutrit
