Chapter 10

Alexander noticed the blood drain from Sophia's face immediately as the camera flashes started. Her complexion turned ashen, and her eyes seemed distant. He was alarmed at her sudden change in demeanor.

“Are you alright?” he asked, concern evident in his voice. Sophia didn't respond. She used her right palm to shield her face from the blinding lights, her legs beginning to wobble.

Quickly, Alexander pulled off his blazer and draped it over Sophia's head. Wrapping his arm firmly around her shoulders, he guided her swiftly through the crowd. “It's okay. You’ll be fine,” he reassured her, his voice steady despite his internal panic. A group of bouncers arrived and helped control the throng of reporters.

Alexander led Sophia to her side of the car and then entered through his own door. He lowered the partition shield between the front seats and the back seats, providing them some much-needed privacy. Sophia was now at the brink of tears.

“I need you to take a deep breath, Sophia,” Alexan