Sophia’s POV

He’s got nipple piercings, a back half-full of tattoos, smokes cigars, swore never to get married, but says he’s marrying me in October.

I’m the first woman he’s invited into his penthouse and bedroom; he kisses like a sinner and promises to show me things I can’t handle yet. He lies effortlessly, too.

Just the perfect red flag.

From the corners of my eyes, I watch him type on his iPad, all covered up in a navy blue suit. You can’t tell what’s underneath or in his head.

He’s returning me home, back to my gilded cage.

My dad and the security at home went in search of me and found Layla’s friend still lurking on the street outside our home. According to Layla’s friend, ‘my boyfriend’ helped me down the wall, and I ran off with him.

I’m grateful he went with ‘boyfriend’ instead of describing the man seated beside me.

I turned my phone on while waiting for him in that dark room, forgetting how capable and resourceful my parents are. Alexander said he informed my father this morning that he’d found me at some apartment.

I don’t know if I’m dying today or if I’m lucky that my night with Alexander gets to remain a secret. And why do I prefer it that way?

My mom will pass out if she finds out I was in the arms and bed of a man throughout the night—the very man she’s giving me away to.

When my house is in sight, I clench my fists, silently hoping that things go well. I stare at the high walls, replaying how I desperately climbed the beech tree and jumped over last night.

I must have lost my mind. It’s hard to believe I did that. I guess I really don’t want to be tied down to a ‘faceless stranger’ before I even get to live.

But look who the faceless stranger is! Not faceless, and definitely not a stranger.

Alexander sets his device aside and meets my gaze. My chest flutters with warmth. Everything that happened between us replays in my mind. My emotions keep colliding—fear, attraction, shame, longing. It overwhelms me.

Do I want to be sold off and tied down to this man? A man I barely know, yet I’m insanely attracted to? A man who screams danger, yet I want to know how dangerous it can get?

I really don’t know.

He slowly reaches for my left hand and pulls me close. I stare as he laces our fingers. His hand swallows mine.

“Everything will be fine,” he mutters and kisses the back of my hand. “I’m going to tell Dimitri about us.”

About us?!

I’ve not even agreed to anything, and there’s already an ‘us’?

But he keeps kissing my hand, and my mind naturally travels back to the breathtaking sensations of his lips pressing against the soft swell of my chest through that Polo shirt he gave me last night.

He makes me feel too much. And deep down, I know what I’ve felt is nothing compared to all he can do to me.

The gates open, and Garvey drives in.

My stomach tightens.

Alexander leans close and cups my face. “You won’t get even a scolding. I promise you.”

I nod, hopeful in whatever magic he plans on using.

“They don’t look so mad.”

I lift my eyes and slowly turn my head to see my parents. They’re waiting outside. Smiling.

Smiling?

My mom wastes no second in coming for me as soon as I’m out of the car.

“Mom?” I mutter when her arms wrap tight around me.

“Do you know how worried we were?” Her voice breaks.

Tears sting my eyes. Every rage, betrayal, and determination I felt last night has drained out of me.

“I’m sorry.” I choke, putting my arm around her as I inhale her warm, sweet smell.

My eyes meet my dad’s. Only love fills his gaze. No anger. It makes the betrayal hurt even more.

I watch Alexander go to stand with him, ever calm and in charge, both of them shaking hands like two powerful titans. I can’t help but wonder what else he must have told my dad.

“Let’s have breakfast first,” my mom says, brushing my hair. “Your fiancé has to be at his company soon.”

My fiancé… There it is again. I sigh and withdraw from her, masking how uncomfortable I feel with a tight smile.

The dining table is set with an elaborate feast.

My dad takes his place at the head of the table. To his left is my mom. Alexander sits to his right, while my breakfast is served beside him.

We eat in silence at first. No mention of my crazy stunt last night or the supposed boyfriend I have—the reason my parents believe I don’t want to get married.

“When will the wedding be formally announced to the press?” My father breaks the silence.

And Alexander answers in a breath, “After Dimitri’s wedding, next week.”

The food turns to cardboard in my mouth. I go still, cutlery in my fist.

“Ah, yes! Dimitri Belcroft. It’s been the talk of the city. I should visit his father soon.”

“Since it’s a strictly intimate wedding, we didn’t receive an official invite for the family,” my mom chirps. “But Dimitri personally invited Sophia. You both can arrive together.”

I stare at my food, unable to chew or swallow anymore.

“Would you want that?”

Ever since Dimitri sent my private invitation, I’ve been looking forward to the wedding, hoping to see Alexander again. But now I just—

“Sophia?” My mom calls.

I look up to see my parents staring at me. Then I turn to Alexander. He’s staring, too, as if waiting for an answer.

“Do you want to go to Dimitri’s wedding with me?”

“I can just go on my own,” I answer, looking away.

The table is quiet again.

Strength seeps out of me.

That suffocating feeling creeps back in, stealing my breath—the feeling of zero control over my life, my choices, my happiness. Once again, I’m powerless. Nothing new.

My appetite evaporates quickly.

I drop my fork and exhale.

My hands tremble. I fight back tears with every fiber of my waning strength. I don’t want to embarrass myself beside Alexander. I don’t want to seem weak and stupid, even though that’s how I feel on most days.

“I’m going to my room,” I announce, rising without lifting my head.

“Sophia?” My mom hisses sternly.

My lips quiver, threatening to break my will.

Apparently, my attraction to him is not even enough.

Turning, I push my chair back, ready to leave.

And my dad’s fork clatters on his plate.

“Sophia Rosetta.” He says with a firmness that sends a tremor to my bones. “Sit, and let’s have breakfast.”

The tears slip out now, dropping on the table.

As sweet as my dad is, his wrath is something I avoid like the plague. Humiliated, I sink back into my seat, eyes on my food.

From the corner of my eye, I see Alexander’s jaw clench—barely, but enough for me to notice.

Under the table, his hand slides onto my left knee. I draw in a breath, but he taps softly, as if to reassure me. It’s calming. I catch my tears and take my fork.

“The wedding isn’t until October. That’s enough time to get to know ourselves,” he says, still tapping my knee.

My dad nods, glancing briefly at me.

Alexander soon announces that he has to leave. My father walks him out, taking their discussion about a merger and acquisition out of the house. And I’m left with my mom.

I pick at my food to distract myself from her piercing gaze.

“End things with him.” She says suddenly.

I lift my eyes to her, confused for a second. Then it comes to me—the boyfriend I don’t have.

“I can’t believe you ran away with a good-for-nothing.” She lets out a long breath, distress and disappointment etched on her face. “We didn’t raise you that way.”

I remain quiet.

“Do you know how embarrassing it was for your father to hear from him that you were at a guy’s apartment? Do you know how embarrassing it was to apologize on your behalf? Sophia, why would you do something so disgraceful?!”

“Because my words mean nothing to you and Dad!” I shoot back as the pent-up frustration explodes in my chest. “I said I didn’t want to get married! I begged you both, but you went ahead and set up one for me. Running away seemed like my only option since I couldn’t kill myself.”

“Kill yourself?!” She gasps, eyes widening in horror. “The pills in your closet…”

Her eyes spread even more, face paling. “Why would you—”

My dad returns.

I shift in my seat, but I’m not done yet.

“For the last four years, all you’ve been doing is sending me on those stupid set-up dates with men I don’t want.” My voice cracks, my vision blurring with tears. “Thank God they weren’t interested. I’ll be twenty-four in two months, but I’ve never made one decision myself. Do you hate my guts that much, or is having money more important than what your daughter wants?!”

My mom’s mouth falls open, her eyes growing misty, but she says, “We let you go to London to study. That was your decision.”

My nails dig into my palm as I scoff. “The only reason you and Dad let me go is just so you could brag to everyone that your only daughter was awarded a prestigious scholarship! That’s all that matters! Our reputation. Our status. My perfection! You cried so hard when I had to leave, making me feel terribly guilty. Yet you willingly want to give me away to–to—”

My throat tightens.

“Is that why you jumped over the wall? Risked your life to prove a point?” My dad speaks, finally.

I palm my face, sobbing in defeat.

“Ran off with a nobody… who could have–could have harmed you.” My mom murmurs.

A humorless chuckle slips out of me. I drag my fingers through my hair and lift my eyes to her. “And you think Alexander is the safe choice?”