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Chapter 8
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CONTRACTED HEARTS Chapter 9
Sophia was relieved to hear that Mr. Blackwell had checked out early in the morning when she resumed work the next day. “Thank goodness,” she thought to herself, setting to work with a high spirit. Sophia enjoyed her job, loving every bit of the hospitality industry.Her mother had been the Director of Guest Services at a luxury cruise line before she passed away. Sophia remembered being inspired at a young age by her mother’s dedication to creating memorable experiences for guests, which had fueled her determination to pursue a career in hospitality.“You have a delivery,” one of Sophia’s junior staff said, bringing her attention back to the present.“I don’t remember ordering anything,” Sophia replied softly. “Please send it to the locker room for me. Thank you,” she added, focusing back on the guests she still needed to attend to.Sophia finished her day early, glad she could catch a ride home with Emma and still have time to meet Alexander at the location he had sent her via text
CONTRACTED HEARTS 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
CONTRACTED HEARTS Chapter 11
Sophia finished her work early that day. Emma had a date with Jake, so Sophia had to find her way home alone. She stepped out of the hotel building and waited for the cab she had ordered. As she stood there, her mind wandered to the text she had sent to Alexander the night before. While she was satisfied she had spoken her mind, she couldn't shake the feeling of guilt, wondering if she had been too harsh.A black, latest-model Jeep pulled up in front of her, snapping her out of her thoughts. “Am I about to be abducted?” Sophia thought, trying to peer through the tinted glass. Just then, Dominic emerged from the car, and Sophia felt a wave of relief.“Good evening, Miss Bennett,” Dominic greeted with a smile. “Sorry about my driver’s poor parking skills. We were in a rush to catch you before you left.”“Good evening to you as well, Mr.?” Sophia replied, realizing she didn’t know Dominic’s last name.“Dominic is fine,” he said, waving off the formality.“What can I help you with, Domini
CONTRACTED HEARTS Chapter 12
Alexander dropped Sophia off, and she still felt elated by their conversation during the ride back. They had talked about her high school days, especially the whole Madison Pierce saga. Alex had offered plenty of witty remarks and playful suggestions that made her laugh.“You should have secretly cut her jersey into pieces with a pair of scissors,” Alexander had said when she recounted how Madison always aimed the volleyball at her head during practice.Sophia chuckled at the memory as she stood on the doorstep. She knocked and waited for Emma to answer.“What? I must say this billionaire’s girlfriend role suits you,” Emma teased as she opened the door and let Sophia in.“You don’t even want to know all the activities I had today,” Sophia replied, sinking into one of the sofas.“Honey, you now leave home in a concierge uniform and come back in a dinner dress all glammed up. That’s an activity I’d like to engage in,” Emma said with enthusiasm.Sophia leaned back, a smile playing on her
CONTRACTED HEARTS Chapter 13
Sophia watched Dominic's car until it disappeared around the corner, then turned her attention back to Camelia, who was now looking directly at her. She squared her shoulders and walked toward the porch, her steps measured and deliberate. As she approached, Camelia’s expression shifted from curiosity to a sly smile. “Sophia, there you are. I’ve been waiting for you.”“What are you doing here, Camelia?” Sophia asked, keeping her voice steady.Camelia’s smile widened. “I just wanted to talk. There’s so much going on, and I thought we should clear the air.”Sophia raised an eyebrow. “Clear the air? About what?”“Oh, you know, all the recent excitement. Your sudden rise to fame, your new... relationship,” Camelia said, her tone dripping with insincerity.Sophia clenched her fists, her patience wearing thin. “If you have something to say, Camelia, just say it.”“Oh, so now you have the boldness to talk back to me?” Camelia said, moving closer to Sophia, her eyes glinting with malice.“Wha
CONTRACTED HEARTS Chapter 14
Sophia woke up to a barrage of emails from unknown addresses. It was an unusual sight; the only emails she typically received were work-related. She sat up in bed, her curiosity piqued, and opened the first one. It was from a well-known cosmetics company, offering to send her free products in exchange for a review. She quickly skimmed through the next few emails, which turned out to be similar offers from other beauty brands.“I don’t even have a functional social media account,” Sophia muttered to herself, bewildered by the sudden influx of attention. As she pondered the emails, she went about her morning routine, her mind buzzing with questions.Descending the stairs, she was still deep in thought, wondering why these companies would reach out to her. Emma, who was already dressed for work, noticed the perplexed expression on Sophia’s face.“Is everything alright?” Emma asked, concern lacing her voice as she sipped her morning coffee.Sophia sighed, running a hand through her hair.
CONTRACTED HEARTS Chapter 15
“Stop it!” Sophia shouted, her voice muffled by the flour coating her face. She tried to shield herself with her hands, but the assault continued, relentless and humiliating.The leader stepped forward, his sneer turning into a menacing grin. “You think you can just walk into the limelight and not face any consequences? Think again.”Sophia’s mind raced. She had to get out of there. She turned to run, but the group blocked her path, closing in like a pack of wolves.“I told you we have a message to deliver to you, don't just scurry off without hearing it” The leader said.Sophia squared her shoulders, trying to muster any semblance of courage she had left. “What message? Why are you doing this?”The leader smirked, taking another step closer. “We want to remind you of your place. You might think you’ve hit the jackpot with Alexander, but people like you don’t belong in our world. Stay out of the spotlight, or things will get worse.” Sophia’s heart pounded in her chest. She realized t
CONTRACTED HEARTS Chapter 16
Alexander’s eyes narrowed. “Madison Pierce? Are you certain?”“Yes,” Ethan replied. “I traced the payment to a shell company connected to her. The gang members also admitted, under pressure, that they were paid to send a message to Sophia.”Alexander slammed the folder shut, his anger boiling over. “Why would Madison do this?”Ethan sighed. “It appears she’s jealous and feels threatened by Sophia. Madison has been trying to force her way into your life, and when she saw Sophia as a potential obstacle, she decided to act.”Alexander clenched his fists. “This is unacceptable. She put Sophia in danger.”Ethan nodded. “I suggest you take action quickly, Alex. Madison won’t stop unless she’s confronted and dealt with.”Alexander stood up, his mind racing. “I’ll handle it. Thank you, Ethan.”Ethan gave a curt nod. “I’ll keep monitoring the situation. If anything changes, I’ll let you know immediately.” ***************Sophia called in sick at work, grateful
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