"Sophia, Sophia, wake up!" Lily shook Sophia, who was sleeping soundly on the couch. When she'd come here last night, she'd been exhausted and just wanted to sleep.
"Hmm, five more minutes," Sophia muttered, rolling onto her side and pulling the pillow over her head.
Lily rolled her eyes with an exasperated sigh. "I'm afraid by the time you wake up, Aunty will be in jail."
Sophia shot up from the couch. "What? Why?" She began yelling, "Mom! Mom! Lily, where's Mom?" She knew her mother was still upset about the whole Alexander Maddox situation, and part of her feared her mother was blaming herself for not finding a solution to save their business. That had left Sophia trapped in a marriage with that ruthless billionaire. Just the thought of Alexander Maddox made Sophia shiver; he could be terrifying.
Lily sighed again, rolling her eyes. "Okay, fine. Aunty is okay. There are men outside—bouncers, if you get me. Apparently, they were sent here to fetch you. We tried telling them you're not here, but they're sure you are and won't leave without you."
Sophia took a deep breath, her pulse quickening at the mention of her mother. "Why didn't you say so? You scared me." She shrugged. "Let them wait forever since they won't leave."
"Oh, I wasn't joking. Aunty will burn them alive if you don't go outside."
Sophia rushed out of the room; she knew her mother well, especially how fierce she could be when people defied her. Sophia ran down the stairs, nearly tripping several times. She pushed open the front door, her heart pounding wildly as she took in the scene: her mother stood there, holding a kettle of boiling water, threatening the three men who were desperately trying to reason with her.
"I dare you, come closer, and this hot water lands on your necks! He didn't care to come ask for her hand in marriage, yet he dares to send you here to fetch her? Go back and tell him he won't see her again. I'll make sure of that!"
Sophia stared at her mother, watching the fury in her eyes as she spoke those words. She'd always been protective of her children, despite the tension between them. Sophia swallowed dryly. "Momma… please don't…" Tears welled in her eyes as she pleaded, desperate for this not to escalate into a fight. She didn't want to submit to Alexander's demands, but she also didn't want her mother getting into trouble.
Turning to the three men, she narrowed her gaze, and they took a cautious step back.
Sophia glanced around nervously, noticing curious neighbors gathering outside, drawn by the commotion. Her mother noticed them too and immediately snapped, "What are you looking at, you witches? Is there something interesting here, or do you also want to die?" She pointed the steaming kettle in their direction.
Sophia quickly cleared her throat. "Enough, Mother!" She looked at the three bouncers Alexander had sent. "You can go back and tell him I'll return tonight."
The men exchanged glances, and one finally spoke. "Please don't make this difficult for us, Miss Hart."
Sophia swallowed hard, shaking her head. She looked at Lily, who stepped forward, her expression firm. "You know you don't have to go. I can take care of them," her mother said, gesturing to the three men.
Sophia gently took the kettle from her mother's hands, setting it down before holding her mother's hands in her own. "I know, Mother, but your baby has grown up. There are situations I need to handle myself. I'll visit soon—I promise." She spoke quietly.
Her mother nodded reluctantly, wrapping her arms around her daughter. "Be careful, okay?"
Sophia hugged her tightly and kissed her forehead. "I will. Thank you," she whispered, pulling away from the embrace. She waved goodbye to Lily and followed the guards to their car.
---
Maddox Enterprises
Alexander paced up and down, furious, in his office. The press conference was about to start, and Sophia still wasn't here. What would he tell people if his fiancée didn't show up? His anger grew at the thought of her going home without informing him. If she thought she could escape him, she'd better think again. This time, she had clearly disrespected him and kept him waiting—something he never tolerated. She would pay for this.
The door slid open, and the clicking of heels echoed across the room. Without looking, he knew it was a woman—and it could only be her. "You're late! And what do you think you're doing?" he barked, expecting her to respond, but silence followed.
"Is it about the kiss? I…" he started, turning around, only to come face to face with his assistant. He swallowed hard and adjusted his tie. "Susan! Where…where is she?"
"I'm sorry, but Miss Hart…she called and… and told me she wouldn't be coming today," the assistant stammered.
"What?!" he snapped, his voice cracking. Sophia was becoming too comfortable defying him. Enraged, he swept the coffee cup off his desk, sending it flying across the room. She was supposed to be his wife, for heaven's sake. What was she trying to pull?
His phone vibrated—a message from an unsaved number.
(We need to talk)
He clicked his tongue and threw his phone onto the nearby couch.