Setting: Blackwood Penthouse – Morning Before the Gala
Sophia sat on the edge of the king-sized bed, running her fingers over the diamond necklace.
The previous night's conversation with Nathaniel replayed in her head. His anger. His desperation. His disbelief.
Then, there was Alexander's cold, possessive response.
"She's still mine now. And I'll make sure she forgets you… every single night."
A shiver ran through her.
This contract—this game—was spiraling into something dangerous.
A knock on the bedroom door snapped her out of her thoughts.
"Come in," she called.
Elena, one of Alexander's trusted assistants, entered, her posture professional yet relaxed. She held a garment bag in one hand and a small black box in the other.
"Mr. Blackwood asked me to bring you this," Elena said, placing the items on the bed.
Sophia arched a brow. "More gifts?"
Elena smiled slightly. "More like… a necessity. Tonight's event isn't just a gala. It's an introduction."
Sophia's fingers twitched. "Introduction to what?"
"To his world."
Elena unzipped the garment bag, revealing a stunning black silk gown with a dangerously low back and intricate beading that shimmered in the light.
It was luxurious. Seductive. A statement.
Sophia exhaled. "He expects me to wear this?"
Elena nodded. "And these."
She opened the black box to reveal a diamond-studded dagger.
Sophia's heart skipped.
"A weapon?"
"Not just a weapon," Elena corrected. "A symbol. The Blackwood name carries weight, but tonight, you need to carry more than just a name."
Sophia swallowed.
This wasn't just a gala.
This was a territory claim.
And she was the piece Alexander was placing on the board.
---
Later That Night – The Mafia Gala
The ballroom of the Rosetti Estate was a vision of power.
Deep red chandeliers cast a golden glow over the sea of the elite—business moguls, politicians, and underworld kingpins.
Men in tailored suits and women draped in jewels exchanged calculated smiles, but beneath the surface, every interaction was a negotiation. A deal. A threat.
Sophia walked beside Alexander, her arm hooked through his. The weight of the dagger, strapped discreetly against her thigh, was a constant reminder of where she was.
As they entered, conversations hushed.
All eyes turned to them.
Whispers followed.
"That's Alexander Blackwood's fiancée?"
"She's beautiful… but does she understand the world she's stepping into?"
Alexander leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "Smile, darling. Let them see why you belong here."
Sophia lifted her chin, meeting every gaze with unwavering confidence.
If this was a game, she refused to be a pawn.
A man approached—a tall, broad-shouldered figure with piercing green eyes and a cruel smirk.
"Blackwood," he greeted, his voice laced with amusement. "Didn't think you'd show tonight."
Alexander's grip on her hand tightened slightly.
"Lorenzo Rosetti," he responded, his tone unreadable. "I wouldn't miss a chance to see what you've been scheming."
Lorenzo chuckled, eyes flicking to Sophia. "And you brought… entertainment?"
Alexander's expression remained impassive, but Sophia saw the danger flicker in his gaze.
"Careful, Rosetti," Alexander warned, his voice low. "The last man who underestimated my fiancée… doesn't have the hands to regret it anymore."
Lorenzo's smirk widened.
"Relax, Blackwood," he said, stepping back. "I'm just admiring. After all, it's rare to see you so… invested in someone."
Sophia felt the tension coil between the two men.
This wasn't just a social rivalry.
This was territorial. Personal. Deadly.
Before she could dwell on it, a familiar voice called out.
"Sophia?"
She turned—and froze.
Nathaniel stood near the bar, his jaw tight, his eyes burning with something between rage and disbelief.
She had expected him to come. She just hadn't expected him to look at her like that.
Like she had betrayed him.
Alexander followed her gaze, his expression darkening.
"Well," he murmured, "this just got interesting."
Sophia's pulse pounded.
This night was far from over.
---
End of Chapter 5