LOGINAlexander’s POVIt’s past midnight when I step into my penthouse.The ringing in my head hasn’t stopped, but the wicked thrill that buzzed through me earlier today has subsided a great deal, leaving in its wake an emptiness I’m well accustomed to.My fingers slide through my hair as I step into black slides and head for my bedroom. As if what I’ve done to her is not already enough. I was going to use her—use her in the most objectifying and cruel way possible. And for what?To get back at that– that–My father’s face appears in my head, and a foul word tumbles out of my mouth. In my bedroom, I slip my phone out of my pocket and pause.Missed calls from that unknown caller who’s been blowing up my phone all day. Unknown number: {You can’t marry Sophia Rose!!}{Stay away from Sophia!!}{Don’t even think about…}“Fu– you.” I croak and clear every notification, keeping my eyes glued to my lock screen wallpaper. The screen goes off. I tap it, still staring when it comes on.‘I can’t liv
Sophia’s POVMy heart skips a beat. I blink. “Er, I was, um… I had to use the bathroom…”He nods and stretches a hand to me. “Let’s go home.”Still blinking and staring, I slowly take his hand and rise from the couch.“Dad, are you okay?”He nods in response. But I know he’s not. Something is making him sad.“Did something happen?”“No. Nothing happened. We need to let the Thornes rest. They’re still a little jet lagged… And we’ve got to prepare for the anniversary tomorrow.”I nod and follow his lead. Just when we get outside, my phone vibrates in my purse. Still walking with my dad, I reach into my purse and take out my phone.Alexander (hubby): {I had to leave. I’m sorry. I’ll see you tomorrow.}With a sad sigh, my shoulders drop.“Alexander left,” I say to my dad.“He already told me.” He answers. “Something came up at the factory. I should be the one to attend to it, but he offered to go in my place… I wanted to be here with you. As your father.”The sadness in his tone is hard
Sophia’s POVI can only hope no one is looking for us outside this room with a portrait of Jesus.‘Forgive us for trespassing.’ That’s all I can think of as I glance at the picture, while still in Alexander’s strong and warm embrace. But what just happened? And why was he apologizing like that? As if he wronged me.He’s still now, no longer trembling and breathing rapidly. He gently strokes my hair with one hand, and the other keeps me pressed against his chest.My lips fold, eyes closing and shutting as I prepare for what I’m about to utter.“Were you… um,” I fold my fists. “Were you… about to give me… a head?” I manage to ask, heart racing.He nods.And I swallow hard. Just thinking about it sends a fire up my thighs. My head replays everything that happened until he stopped. Heat blooms in my chest.“W–why?”He sighs. “I’m sorry.”Not sorry. I want a head, but…“What if we were caught? Why here?”Stroking my back gently, he asks, “Would you believe me if I said I missed you so muc
Alexander’s POV~Several minutes ago~Mr. Rose excused himself to answer an urgent call. Christian left as usual—the last child; never having to bear the brunt of obligations and demands, leaving just me, my brother-in-law, and my father at the table.The table’s been cleared, but we each have mini fresh fruit tarts before us for dessert. Waiting for my father to speak, I stare at mine, counting blueberries and strawberry slices, certain it would taste like gravel if I attempt to eat.Inside my head, there’s a ringing that won’t stop as I replay what my father just put Sophia through. I couldn’t even do anything to shut him the fu– up. I couldn’t do anything to help her stop shaking beside me. I couldn’t do anything. Nothing.Even after all these years—fourteen years since I left this wretched prison called home, yet nothing’s changed.“As the first son, I expected more from you.” He utters plainly.The words scrape painfully against my ears.Clenching a fist, I lift my eyes to my fat
Sophia’s POVMrs. Thorne says a two-minute prayer, and we begin eating.The table is silent. Suffocatingly silent. Only the sounds of cutlery gently hitting plates can be heard.But when I raise my eyes briefly, glancing from one Thorne to the other, I seem to be the only one finding it hard to breathe. Everyone is so put-together, seemingly allergic to making a mess or even dropping a crumb.My throat tightens; it’s hard to swallow.Slowly, I reach for my glass of juice and take a careful sip, then swallow hard.My eyes shift to Alexander’s plate. He keeps picking at his food, unbothered and uninterested. From the corners of my eyes, I see his father glance at him. Then his mom does the same before glancing at her husband. I guess they take ‘Not talking while eating’ very seriously.“Sophia?”Food hangs in my throat.I lift my head, meeting Mr. Thorne’s peering gaze. “How do you find working with the company as a brand ambassador?” He asks and sips water.My chest pounds. I swallow
Sophia’s POV~October 18: Brunch with the Thornes’~“Sophia, where are your new custom bras? Don’t tell me they don’t fit anymore!” My mom yells from inside my closet. Seated on my bed, I can’t help but roll my eyes, sighing in annoyance.“They’re in the last drawer on the left side. And they still fit.” I answer, seriously looking forward to when I stop hearing comments like this about my body.“I’m sorry!” She yells back, as if hearing my thoughts. She’s been careful and kinder ever since I told her how her treatment of me had affected me. “Forgiven,” I reply, chatting with my dad.Me: {What if mommy finds out? You share your room with her}LOML: {I found a new place to hide it. But we can just tell her you’ve been buying them for my son-in-law.}Me: {No. I take some for myself, too. I’m not supposed to be having sweets. She’ll be upset if she finds out.}LOML: {Let me pay for the next batch. I don’t want you spending your money on importing those chocolates. They cost too much.}
Leah Monroe’s POViPad in my hands, earphones in my ears, I scroll through the comments on user @rosetta.rose’s latest IG post. I clench a fist tight. The air here feels stuffy. “I’ve been his secretary since he took over as CEO. For what now? Almost seven years? And not once has he paid attentio
Sophia’s POVI gained over 200k followers overnight. And lost a few. It’s all thanks to that post of Alexander and me. My DM’s are full, my comments are overflowing, and my mom has, surprisingly, been getting calls all day from people who want an interview with me about the wedding. It’s so overwh
Sophia’s POVOther than his sister saying he’s obsessed with me, I have nothing else to back up my suspicions. Still driving, he meets my gaze, then drops it. I follow his gaze to the center console, where his palm lies open and waiting.I press my lips together before placing my left hand there.
Sophia’s POVCold air washes over me, confirming that he’s opened the door.I keep my eyes closed, staying still as my chest pounds.Heat from his body engulfs me, his scent drowns me, and in a second, strong arms go around my waist. He picks me up effortlessly. My breath catches.“Don’t open your







