LOGINAlexander’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.}
Alexander’s POVEyes closed, head thrust back against the headrest as Garvey silently drives to the penthouse, tonight’s events plague me. One event in particular steals air from my lungs; I keep taking deep breaths. Exhaustion rocks my body, possibly from the jet lag or all that’s weighing on me:“Where are you both going for the honeymoon? What about the license?”“When does Sophia move in? Can she stay back for a few days after the wedding? I know we can’t come over, but I’d like to buy some things for your home…”“My Sophia is so fragile and catches a cold easily. I trust you to take good care of her.”“Do you have maids? Live-in maids?”“I’m so grateful you agreed to have the wedding before the due diligence is over. Those pending lawsuits and regulatory approvals would have gotten in the way if we were to wait. My daughter is happy it’s you.”‘Who do you like?’ “I’m gonna tell you soon.”“Go inside, my baby…”“Go inside, my baby.”My head pounds and spins at the same time, like
Sophia’s POVChanged into a simple blue dress and blue sandals, I unlock my door and step out.I freeze.“Sophia!” Hannah exclaims, eyes bright and happy, standing right outside my door. She opens her arms.“Hi,” I mutter with a smile, embracing her. “It’s good to see you again,”“It’s always amazing to see you, Sophia.” She enthuses, squeezing me as we both giggle. She lets go, finally, and takes a step back. “Your mom let me come up to see you… We’re leaving.”“What? No. Why?”She chuckles, taking my hand.“Your mom’s actually the one who wants us to have dinner, but she’s fed us so many snacks already, and I gotta put Abel to bed. I was just hoping to see you before I left… Actually, Christian and I dropped by to, um, invite you and your family over for brunch at our parents’ on Saturday. My parents return tomorrow because of the anniversary party on Sunday night. You’re aware of that, right?”I nod, thinking of my black or pink outfit options. “But if I left it to Joel to tell yo
Sophia’s POVMy brain wants to dwell on why my fiancé has a mute chauffeur and why I’m just finding out now, since meeting him almost two months ago, but Hannah is here?What a surprise.We exchanged numbers at my engagement party, but she does not enjoy chatting or calls, so we’ve only checked in on each other a few times. I hope she came along with little Abel. Alexander’s jaw is taut as he stares at the car, and I can’t help but wonder what he’s thinking. Still holding my hand, he glances at me; I avert my eyes, and he starts moving again. I follow, taking quick strides to catch up despite his slow steps.When we get to the porch, I start to slip my left hand out of his hold, but his grip tightens.I meet his eyes.“What are you thinking?” He questions, features softening into a small smile as he holds my gaze. My heart thuds nervously.I don’t want anyone to see us holding hands, especially my aunt. He turns to me, lifting his fingers to my face. No, not here. Not here. But m
Sophia’s POVAlexander drops both phones on the table.My body goes still, feeling the sudden buzz of desire and danger coursing through.His arm curves around my stomach, pulling me till my back rests against his chest.I shut my eyes as I shudder.His right fingers brush my exposed cleavage, and
Sophia’s POVWe eat in silence.He does all the slicing, sending little pieces of steak my way before I run out.It’s so tasty. But there’s a tightness in my chest. I shouldn’t be eating ribeye steak.He tops my wine glass. And I can’t say no.I clank my glass with his, sipping my second glass slow
Sophia’s POV“What was that, Sophia Rosetta?” My mom questions for the second time, her face pale as a sheet, Airpod in her fist.Mouth open, I stare at her in shock.My heart races at an alarming rate, my breaths are inconsistent—an aftermath of what I’ve just listened to, what my mom heard a port
Alexander’s POVJaw tightening, I stare at our chat.No response from Sophia. But she’s opened it, definitely watched it, too. And must have felt something—that’s what I want to know.I count to three in my head before closing her chat to open my circle’s group chat. Four messages, but only one ha







