Setting: The Blackwood Penthouse – Late Night
Sophia tossed her clutch onto the marble counter, exhaling sharply.
The gala had been a battlefield of whispers, stolen glances, and veiled threats.
Nathaniel's reaction was exactly what she expected—anger, jealousy, and confusion. He had tried to pull her aside, demanding an explanation, but Alexander had been relentless in asserting his claim.
The way Alexander had held her against him, his lips brushing her temple in that possessive display—it had been nothing short of a declaration of war.
And yet, the strangest part?
It had felt real.
She shook her head. No. This was an act. A contract. Nothing more.
The sound of approaching footsteps made her tense.
Alexander entered, undoing the top button of his shirt. The crisp fabric stretched over his broad chest, his sleeves rolled up to reveal his strong forearms. His tie hung loose, and his gray eyes were unreadable as they landed on her.
"You handled yourself well tonight," he said, pouring himself a drink.
Sophia crossed her arms. "So did you. You played the possessive husband role so well, I almost believed it myself."
Alexander smirked. "Good. That means Nathaniel believed it too."
She clenched her jaw, remembering Nathaniel's face when he saw them together. His fury had been barely contained.
"Did you see the way he looked at you?" Alexander continued, taking a slow sip of his whiskey. "He wants you back. Desperately."
Sophia scoffed. "Well, he had his chance."
Alexander tilted his head, watching her closely. "Yet, for a moment, you hesitated when he called your name."
Her spine stiffened. "I did not."
"You did." His voice was smooth, dangerously low. "But I don't blame you. It's hard to erase feelings overnight."
Sophia exhaled, frustrated. "I don't have feelings for him anymore, Alexander."
He set his glass down and stepped closer, the space between them shrinking.
"Good," he murmured, his fingers tilting her chin up. "Then you won't mind proving it."
Her breath caught in her throat. "Prove it how?"
His lips barely brushed her ear.
"By letting him watch as I take what's mine."
Sophia's heart slammed against her ribs.
She should have shoved him away. Should have said something cutting.
Instead, her skin tingled where he touched her, her pulse betraying her.
But before she could respond, the sharp sound of her phone vibrating against the counter cut through the tension.
She pulled back and glanced at the screen.
Nathaniel.
Alexander saw the name immediately. His smirk faded, replaced by something darker.
"Answer it," he ordered.
Sophia hesitated.
"Put it on speaker," he added, stepping back and crossing his arms.
She swallowed and pressed the answer button.
"Nathaniel," she said, keeping her voice neutral.
"Sophia," Nathaniel's voice was tense, low. "We need to talk. Alone."
Alexander's smirk returned, but his eyes were anything but amused.
"Why?" she asked.
"You know why," Nathaniel snapped. "What the hell is going on? You disappear for weeks, and suddenly, you're engaged to him?"
Sophia's fingers tightened around the phone.
"I don't owe you an explanation," she said firmly.
"You do when I know this isn't real!" he shot back. "You can't tell me you suddenly love Alexander Blackwood."
Alexander's jaw ticked.
That was the moment he decided to end this conversation on his terms.
Before she could react, he plucked the phone from her hand and brought it to his ear.
"You're right, Nathaniel," Alexander said smoothly. "She doesn't love me."
Sophia's stomach dropped.
What was he doing?
"But she's still mine now," Alexander continued. "And I'll make sure she forgets you… every single night."
Sophia's eyes widened.
Nathaniel cursed. "You bastard—"
The line went dead.
Alexander casually tossed the phone onto the couch.
Sophia turned on him, furious. "What the hell was that?!"
His smirk was infuriating. "A reminder."
"Of what?"
He leaned in, his lips a breath away from hers.
"That you belong to me now."
Her pulse raced. "This is just a contract, Alexander."
His gray eyes darkened. "Then stop reacting to me like it's something more."
Sophia clenched her jaw.
This was dangerous.
Because deep down, she wasn't sure if it was just an act anymore.
---
The Next Day – A Gift of Power
Sophia expected Alexander to continue testing her limits after last night.
Instead, he surprised her.
A black velvet box sat on the breakfast table when she came downstairs.
She hesitated before picking it up. "What is this?"
Alexander, already dressed in a charcoal suit, sipped his coffee. "Open it."
She did.
Inside, a diamond necklace glistened—elegant, expensive, undeniably powerful.
Sophia frowned. "Why are you giving me this?"
"Because tonight," he said smoothly, "we're attending another event."
She blinked. "What event?"
Alexander smirked.
"A charity gala hosted by the mafia."
Sophia's fingers tightened around the necklace.
The world she was stepping into was more dangerous than she realized.
And yet, when she looked at Alexander…
She wasn't sure if she was afraid. Or if she was excited.
---
End of Chapter 4