The interior of the car was smooth and speaking volume. Sophia looked around trying to access the situation.

The man remained silent while the car glided through the dimly lit streets; the only noise was the engine's hum and the persistent tapping of rain on the windows.

Sophia attempted to remain composed, as her thoughts swirled with various feelings. All of it occurred in such a hurry. In an instant, her existence felt aimless, and suddenly, she found herself in a stranger's vehicle with a proposition she couldn’t refuse.

The man glanced her way, his keen blue eyes observing her while he moved through the crowded street. His look caused her heart to race.

Who was the odd man, and what motivated his kindness towards her?

"You probably have many questions," he remarked, his tone soft and calming.

Sophia wiggled restlessly in her chair, attempting to gather her thoughts. “Who are you?” "What do you desire from me?"

The man grinned, yet it lacked any sincerity. “I am Alexander Reid,” he answered. "I've been observing you, Sophia." "I understand your losses, and I recognize your requirements."

Sophia looked over her shoulder at him.

“ What do I want? How is he supposed to know that?” the words echoed in her head

She gasped, her breath trapped in her throat. She wasn’t sure if she should feel scared or captivated.

Her instincts urged her to be cautious, to inquire more, but the longing in her heart overpowered her, causing her to remain silent.

She had nothing left.

No family, no home, and her future was clearly undecided.

“And what exactly do you think I need?” she asked, her gaze locked with Alex. She noticed his gaze was never leaving her, making her wonder what was going on in his head.

Alexander reached into his jacket pocket, pulling out a small, black envelope. He handed it to her without a word.

Sophia hesitated before taking it. The envelope was cold and smooth to the touch, sealed with a wax stamp.

She ran her fingers over the logo, but she didn’t open it immediately. Her thoughts filled with what she could possibly find inside it.

“You need revenge,” he looked at her.

“Against Ethan. Against Victoria. They’ve taken everything from you, and you want it back. I can help you with that.”

Sophia's pulse quickened upon hearing Ethan's name. The pain she had tried to conceal for hours was suddenly clear on her face.

She remembered his cold comments, how he had dismissed her without any hesitation, as if she were a burden he had become weary of carrying.

Her mind went back to the laughter he shared with Victoria, the way they demonstrated their treachery to her as if it was inconsequential

"I'm all ears," Sophia replied, finally raising her eyes from the envelope. "What do you seek in return?”

Alexander leaned back in his seat, his fingers tapping the wheel as he bent a corner. “Nothing, yet. But when the time comes, you’ll owe me a favor.” he replied

Sophia furrowed her gaze. “A favor?”

“Yes. But don’t worry. I’m not asking for anything now.” His lips curved into a small, gentle smile. “You’ll know when the time is right.”

She thought about his words carefully. There was something unsettling about the way he spoke, something that made her feel uneasy.

But the offer was tempting and whatever it was Alex was going to collect from her, she was ready.

Revenge. A chance to reclaim everything she had lost.

“You know,” she said slowly, “I could call the police. I could expose everything about Ethan and Victoria. The world deserves to know what they’ve done to me.”

Alexander’s lips parted with amusement, a little taken back by the suggestion. “And do you think that will get you anything, Sophia? Do you think the world cares about the pain of a woman scorned?” He paused, looking at her closely.

“No. Revenge isn’t something you get from the law. It’s something you take. And I can teach you how to take it.”

Sophia’s hands clenched the envelope on her lap. Alex's offer was tempting and hard to resist. To make Ethan regret every second he had wasted with her. To make Victoria suffer for taking what was hers.

She gulped nervously, her throat parched. “What is inside the envelope?”

Alexander's grin diminished as he gestured to the envelope in her grasp. "Just open it," he said plainly.

Sophia's hands shook slightly as she removed the wax seal, being careful not to damage the fragile paper. Inside lay a solitary sheet of fresh, white paper. She opened it, her heart racing rapidly in her chest.

The paper contained a single sentence: The first step towards your revenge begins with a choice.

There was no signature, no explanation. Just the words.

Sophia looked up at Alexander, with a bit of confusion in her eyes.

“What does this mean?”

“It means you have a choice to make,” he replied. “You can choose to stay in the world that Ethan and Victoria created for you, or you can step into a new one. A world where you have the power to control and reshape your own destiny and fate.”

Sophia’s breath caught in her throat. What was he offering her? A new life? A new identity? Revenge?

“And if I choose… this?” She gestured to the envelope, her voice cracking.

"What occurs afterward?"

"You need to trust me, Sophia," Alexander stated, his voice as smooth as silk. “However, should you choose to do so, I assure you that you will not regret it.” “You will never need to feel weak again.”

Sophia gazed at the sheet of paper she held, her thoughts swirling. She had devoted countless years battling for a life that was no longer hers.

Ethan had taken everything. And Victoria? Victoria was a reminder of how easily her world had been shattered.

But now, this man—this stranger—was offering her something she had never thought possible: a chance to take it all back.

“What do I need to do?” she asked, staring at him

Alexander’s eyes met with her.. “All you have to do is make a choice.”

She stared at him for a long moment, trying to weigh the consequences of her decision.

Was she ready to give up everything she had ever known for the chance at revenge?

Was she ready to become someone else?

Someone powerful? Someone who could tear Ethan and Victoria down with her bare hands?

But before she could answer, the car came to a stop.

Sophia looked up in alarm, but Alexander was already moving, opening the door and stepping out of the car.

“Get down,” he orders gently

Sophia paused, her gaze flitting between the man and the strange environment.

Upon exiting the car, the rain intensified, with the darkness enveloping her. She was just about to inquire about their location when Alexander's voice sounded once more.

"Greetings on your fresh start, Sophia," he remarked. "Keep in mind—the decision you make this evening will alter everything.”