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Chapter 9 – Under the Spotlight
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2024-12-04 01:03:38Related chapters
Ties of a Contract Chapter 10 – Boundaries
The muffled ticking of the clock echoes in the living room, each second feeling like another beat pounding in my head. The whiskey in the almost-empty glass in my hand should have silenced the confusion that has followed me since the moment we left the event.But it hasn’t.I lean back on the leather couch, staring at the ceiling with a frustration I can’t explain. The night was supposed to be a simple public display, a formality to keep up appearances. Sophia was supposed to play the perfect wife, and I, the husband everyone expects me to be.And she did. Perfectly.Sophia Carter… no, Sophia Hawthorne now. A woman who was supposed to be nothing more than a piece in a carefully calculated game. An alliance to avoid a public scandal.But nothing about her is simple.The black dress she wore, that unwavering gaze that met every malicious comment… and the way she confronted Olivia.She surprised me. Again.And then came Louis Mitchell.The memory of his smiletoo easy, too confidentmakes
Last Updated : 2024-12-04Ties of a Contract Chapter 11 – Marked Territories
AlexanderAttending social events should be as simple as it’s always been. I’m used to playing the role of the ruthless man, the flawless businessman, in these environments. It’s my comfort zone. But since I married Sophia, nothing feels simple anymore.We’re at a refined restaurant, where a select group of investors discusses deals over crystal glasses and linen napkins. A night to close partnerships, maintain appearances, and reinforce my image. Sophia is by my side, wearing an elegant burgundy dress. The fabric molds to her curves subtly, without exaggeration, but enough to draw attention. And those glances bother me more than I’d anticipated.She’s more reserved than before, yet her presence doesn’t go unnoticed. Many are curious about our sudden marriage, and though I feign indifference, I can’t ignore how her natural charm sparks curiosity and, to my growing irritation, interest.“I need to speak with Mr. Mendez about the European branch contract. I won’t be long,” I inform her,
Last Updated : 2024-12-10Ties of a Contract Chapter 12 – Between Desire and Pride
AlexanderThe tension in the car is almost palpable. The engine hums softly, the road stretches out before us, illuminated by the headlights, but the silence weighs heavily on my shoulders. Sophia is curled up in the seat beside me, her arms crossed over her chest, her gaze fixed firmly on the window, as though something outside has suddenly become more interesting than the man she married.She doesn’t say a word. No cutting remarks, no subtle recriminations. Just silence. This silence irritates me more than if she had shouted. It’s as though she’s ignoring me, denying me the chance to explain, to defend myself, or to attack her with arguments.Why does she unsettle me so much? Why, even now, with her stern expression, tense jawline, and clear irritation, do I still find her beautiful? At every turn, the light from the street lamps outside outlines her face for a moment, and it’s impossible not to admire the soft lines, the slightly parted lips, the curve of her neck. I want to see he
Last Updated : 2024-12-11Ties of a Contract Chapter 13 – New Beginnings
SophiaThe morning arrives wrapped in a comfortable silence. I’ve been awake for a while, nestled in an armchair by the window of the penthouse, watching the sun paint the sky with shades of pink and orange. The city slowly awakens below, while up here, everything feels suspended, as if time has slowed down.It’s strange to think about it. A few weeks ago, I would never have imagined a moment of peace like this in my life. My routine used to be rushed, full of immediate worries: bills to pay, my mother’s condition in the hospital, Leo’s unpredictable moods. Now, despite everything, I have a moment just for myself to breathe.I can’t deny that part of this tranquility comes from the fact that I’m no longer alone in the financial struggle. Having Alexander by my side, even though everything began as a contract, has provided relief regarding debts and medical expenses. But there’s another part, more complex, that unsettles me: the unexpected relationship that seems to be forming between
Last Updated : 2024-12-12Ties of a Contract Chapter 14 – The First Night
Part I – SophiaThe soft evening breeze still carries the aroma of the restaurant where we dined. The city sparkles below us as Alexander and I return to the penthouse in a silence that isn’t awkward but thick with unspoken expectations. For days, I’ve felt our relationship shifting, one small step at a time. The kiss we shared earlier, the MacBook he gifted me this morning, the way he smiled as he watched me write… all of it forms a mosaic of someone entirely different from the cold, calculated man I first met.We enter the living room, and the soft lights cast gentle shadows on the walls. I slip off my shoes with a sigh of relief, while he loosens his tie and shuts the door behind us. We’re alone now—no audience, no curious gazes. Just us.“Dinner was wonderful,” I say, my voice calm, almost timid.“Yes, it was,” he replies in a low voice. “You seemed happy.”“It was… nice to talk without any pressure,” I admit, offering a faint smile.Alexander steps closer. There’s a care in the w
Last Updated : 2024-12-13Ties of a Contract Chapter 15 – Crossed Lines
SophiaThe news of Leo’s arrival came through a brief warning. He had called the doorman, announcing he was at the entrance and demanding to come up. My first reaction was relief that he had sought me out, but it was quickly replaced by a growing anxiety. I knew he wasn’t coming for good reasons.It didn’t take long for the doorbell to ring, and when I opened it, Leo stormed in like a hurricane. He didn’t ask for permission, didn’t wait for an invitation. He simply barged into the penthouse, his eyes brimming with fury as they scanned the luxurious surroundings.“So this is where you’re living now?” he began, his tone dripping with contempt. “A palace while I was left in that dump!”“Leo, please, keep your voice down,” I urged, closing the door and glancing quickly down the hall. I knew Alexander was home, and the last thing I wanted was for him to witness this family drama.“Don’t tell me to keep my voice down, Sophia!” he exploded, turning to me with a finger pointed. “You abandoned
Last Updated : 2024-12-14Ties of a Contract Chapter 16 – Between Truths and Doubts
SophiaThe morning began with a heavy weight on my shoulders. I knew visiting my mother wouldn’t be easy, but the tension built with every mile on the way to the hospital. Leo had visited Eleanor before me, and just the thought of what he might have told her made my stomach churn.When I arrived at her room, her expression confirmed my fears. Eleanor Carter, even frail and pale, had the same sharp, cutting gaze as always. She didn’t need to say a word for me to know she was about to emotionally tear me apart.“So, the illustrious Mrs. Hawthorne has finally decided to appear,” she began, her voice hoarse but laced with unmistakable sarcasm.“Mother, please.” I sighed, trying not to let her tone affect me. I placed my purse on the chair beside her bed and sat down. “I came to visit, like I always do.”“Don’t give me excuses, Sophia,” she snapped, turning her head to look at me. “Leo told me. You married a billionaire. A powerful, wealthy man. And you didn’t even bother to tell me.”“Mot
Last Updated : 2024-12-15Ties of a Contract Chapter 17 – Explosive Revelation at the Family Dinner
SophiaThe day had arrived, and I felt a tightness in my chest as I looked at my reflection in the mirror. I was wearing a light blue dress, elegant but discreet, trying to convey the image of someone who had her life under control. However, my inner self told a different story. My mother, Eleanor, had asked—no, demanded—to meet Alexander, and I knew that the dinner would be anything but pleasant.Since her health had improved, thanks to the top-notch hospital treatment I managed to pay for with Alexander’s generous money, Eleanor had been sharper than ever. She emerged from the hospital with renewed energy and the same inclination for emotional manipulation. Leo, meanwhile, seemed to be simply enjoying what he considered my lucky break. The apartment Alexander had provided for them was spacious, modern, and located in a great part of the city, yet Leo complained incessantly.“You live in a palace while I’m stuck here,” he said the day before, when I went to visit the two of them. I h
Last Updated : 2024-12-16
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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
