Sophia hurried through the gallery, her breath uneven as she weaved through the crowd. She needed air, space—anything to stop the memories from crashing down on her.
She pushed open the doors leading to the balcony, the crisp night air hitting her face like a cold slap. Gripping the railing, she closed her eyes, willing her emotions into submission.
"You left in a hurry."
Her eyes snapped open at the sound of his voice. Alexander.
She turned slowly, finding him standing just inside the doorway, his sharp gaze locked onto her. The city lights cast a golden glow over his chiseled features, making him look even more untouchable than before.
"I didn't realize I needed permission to leave," she said, masking her nerves with sarcasm.
Alexander stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. "That's not what I meant." His voice softened, but his expression remained unreadable. "You just disappeared. Again."
Sophia forced a short laugh. "It's what I do, remember?"
His jaw tightened. "Why?"
She hesitated, her fingers curling around the railing. "Because some things are better left in the past."
He studied her, his gaze penetrating. "I don't believe that. I think there's something you're not telling me."
Panic fluttered in her chest. He was too close, too perceptive. If she wasn't careful, he would see right through her.
Before she could respond, the sound of laughter and clinking glasses drifted from inside, reminding her of the world waiting beyond this moment.
She exhaled slowly. "Enjoy your evening, Mr. Blackwood."
Turning on her heel, she walked away, her heart hammering in her chest.
But she knew one thing for certain—Alexander Blackwood wasn't going to let her disappear this time.
Sophia couldn't breathe.
She was sitting in her small apartment, surrounded by piles of unfinished canvases and empty coffee cups, trying to focus on her art, but every time she closed her eyes, all she could see was Alexander's piercing gaze. His presence had haunted her for days.
A soft knock on her door broke her concentration. She froze, then slowly rose to her feet, wiping her hands on her jeans as she approached the door.
She opened it, only to find a man in a suit standing on her doorstep, holding a letter in one hand.
"Ms. Carter?" the man asked, his voice crisp and professional.
"Yes?"
He handed her the envelope. "This is for you. It's from Mr. Blackwood."
Sophia took the letter, her fingers trembling slightly as she tore open the envelope. She pulled out a single sheet of paper and began to read. Her stomach sank as she read the contents.
*Ms. Carter,
I am requesting a private meeting with you. I believe we have unfinished business to discuss. The details are enclosed.*
Sophia's heart pounded in her chest as she read the final line:
*I expect to see you at my office tomorrow at noon.
Sincerely,
Alexander Blackwood*
Her head spun as she reread the letter. She couldn't go. She couldn't face him—not like this.
But deep down, she knew she had no choice.
She had to go. She had to face him.
And she had to keep her secret safe.
Sophia arrived at Blackwood Enterprises, her mind a swirl of conflicting emotions. The sleek glass building loomed before her, an imposing structure that represented everything she had worked hard to avoid for years. And yet, here she was, about to step into Alexander's world once again.
She walked through the lobby, her heels clicking on the polished marble floor, her heart hammering in her chest. The receptionist, a friendly-looking woman, greeted her with a smile.
"Ms. Carter, Mr. Blackwood is expecting you," she said, gesturing toward the elevator. "The private meeting is on the top floor. Just take the elevator up and his assistant will escort you to his office."
Sophia nodded, her throat dry. She stepped into the elevator, her reflection staring back at her in the polished metal doors. She looked like she was ready for this—like she belonged in this world of wealth and power. But inside, she was anything but prepared.
The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open. A young man in a tailored suit waited for her.
"Ms. Carter?" he asked, his voice smooth and professional.
"Yes," she replied, forcing a smile.
He led her down a hallway that felt too quiet, too sterile, until they reached the double doors of Alexander's office. He knocked once before opening them, and Sophia was hit with a wave of cold air that seemed to seep into her bones.
Alexander stood by the window, his back to her. He was staring out at the skyline, but when he heard her enter, he turned. His eyes, as sharp and intense as ever, locked onto hers.
"Sophia," he said, his voice low and commanding. "Come in."
She walked toward him, every step feeling like it was taking her further away from her carefully constructed life. The room was immaculate, modern—just like Alexander himself. But it wasn't the décor that held her attention. It was him.
He gestured to the chair across from his desk. "Please, sit."
Sophia hesitated for a moment before taking the seat, her hands folded tightly in her lap. She wasn't sure what to expect from this meeting—what exactly Alexander wanted from her—but she had a sinking feeling that this was just the beginning.
"Do you have any idea why I asked you here?" he asked, his voice cutting through the silence.
Sophia swallowed. "To talk about the past?"
"Not exactly," he replied, his gaze never leaving hers. "We're here to talk about the future."
She frowned. "The future?"
"Yes," he said, stepping closer. "You've been hiding something from me, Sophia. I'm not sure what it is, but I'm determined to find out."
Sophia's breath caught in her throat. She could feel the weight of his words pressing down on her. This was it—the moment when her secret would either be exposed, or she'd find a way to keep it buried.