Sofia's stepmother's expression softened slightly, but her voice remained firm. "Get up, Recheal. Explain yourself."
Recheal struggled to her feet, sniffling. "I swear, Sofia, I didn't know. Julian was already... lost when I walked in. He grabbed me, and... and I couldn't escape."
Mr. Jacob's anger boiled over. "This is unacceptable. Recheal, you've brought shame to our family."
Sofia's stepmother intervened, her voice calculating. "Let's not jump to conclusions. Recheal, did Julian harm you?"
Recheal nodded, tears streaming down her face. "Y-yes. He didn't know what he was doing. I swear, Sofia, I didn't encourage him."
Mr. Jacob's expression softened, his voice gentle. "Sofia, dear, we know Recheal didn't mean to hurt you. And Julian... he's a good man. He'll make a great husband and business partner."
Sofia's stepmother added, her voice sweetened, "Think of our family's future, Sofia. Marrying Julian will secure our company's success."
Sofia's gaze remained icy, her voice firm. "You want me to forgive and forget? After what happened?"
Mr. Jacob's face fell, but Sofia's stepmother persisted.
"Julian was drugged, Sofia. He didn't know what he was doing. And Recheal was innocent."
Sofia's silence hung in the air.
Sofia's voice remained firm. "No, I won't forgive and forget. My happiness matters too."
Mr. Jacob's face fell, disappointment etched on his features. "Sofia, our family's legacy—"
Sofia interrupted, her tone resolute. "I understand, Father, but I deserve better. Julian's actions, drugged or not, are unforgivable."
Her stepmother's expression turned cold. "You're being foolish, Sofia. This marriage will secure our family's future."
Sofia stood tall, unwavering. "I'd rather forge my own path than sacrifice my happiness for the family's sake."
Mr. Jacob sighed, resignation in his voice. "Very well, Sofia. think about our family future and how much we spent on you.
Recheal, still sniffling, looked up, gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you, Sofia."
Sofia's gaze didn't soften toward Recheal. "because she knows recheal is just making up stories",
Sofia's family accepted her decision, but tension filled the air.
Mr. Jacob's expression turned stern. "We'll face consequences, Sofia. The business partnership will collapse."
Sofia's stepmother added, her voice icy, "You're putting our family's reputation at risk."
Sofia stood firm, her voice calm. "I'll find a way to make it right, Father."
Mr. Jacob's face reddened with anger. "How dare you defy us, Sofia! You'll ruin our family's legacy!"
Sofia's stepmother spat, "You ungrateful child! You'll pay for your disobedience!"
Guards rushed in, grasping Sofia's arms.
"Lock her up in her room!" Mr. Jacob bellowed. "She'll learn to obey!"
Sofia struggled, but the guards dragged her away.
as was heading towards sofia's room, Sofia's determination burned. She wouldn't be trapped like this.
With a fierce cry, Sofia fought free, overpowering the guard.
She sprinted through the residents dodging guards.
Outside, Sofia ran, her heart pounding, freedom within reach.
As Sofia ran out of the gate, she saw a luxurious car coming towards her. The car stopped in front of her, and the driver said, "Come in, miss."
Lisa looked at the car and recognized it was Liam's. She opened the back door and entered the back seat. A chill ran down her spine as she met Liam's cold gaze.
Liam remained cold, his expression unyielding, but didn't say anything to her.
The bodyguards and her parents ran out of the gate, chasing after her.
"Stop! Sofia, come back!" her father shouted.
Her stepmother's voice was shrill. "You'll regret this, Sofia!"
The driver stepped on the gas, and the car glided smoothly away from the chaos.
Sofia's parents and bodyguards grew smaller in the distance, their angry shouts fading into the night.
Liam's gaze never wavered from the road ahead.
Sofia's heart still raced from her escape.
She darted a glance at Liam.His profile was chiseled, unyielding. No emotion showed on his face.
Sofia wondered what he was thinking.Why had he helped her?
she tried to make conversation, breaking the oppressive silence.
"Liam, thank you for... helping me," she said, her voice soft.
Liam's gaze remained fixed on the road.hHis expression didn't change.
Sofia's eyes dropped, her hands fidgeting.
She tried again. "Where are we going?"
Liam's voice was low, measured. "to the estate."
Sofia nodded, though he wasn't looking at her.
The silence returned, heavier than before.
Sofia glanced around the luxurious interior.
Liam's car was a haven, but she felt trapped.
His presence was suffocating.
She dared another look at Liam.
His jaw was clenched, eyes narrowed.What was he thinking?Why was he helping her Sofia's thoughts swirled.
The city lights blurred outside.
They arrived at Liam's estate, its grandeur imposing in the night.
Liam stepped out of the car without looking back.
He walked straight into the estate, leaving Sofia behind.
Sofia stepped out of the car, biting her lips and looking at Liam's figure walking away.
her eyes lingered on Liam's retreating figure, her lips still bitten together.
The driver, sensing her unease, cleared his throat.
"Miss, shall I escort you inside?"
Sofia smile, then shook her head. "No, thank you. I'm familiar with the estate."
The driver nodded and returned to the car.
Sofia watched as he drove away, leaving her alone.
She took a deep breath and followed Liam into the estate.
The grand entrance hall was dimly lit.
Liam was nowhere to be seen.
Sofia's heels clicked on the marble floor.
She reached the staircase and paused.
Should she follow Liam or wait?
A figure emerged from the corner. cornerJenkins, Liam's butler.
"Welcome, Miss Sofia," he said with a slight bow.
Sofia smiled warmly at Jenkins, who bowed slightly.
"Good evening, Miss Sofia. Your room is prepared."
She nodded and entered her room, closing the door behind her.
The familiar space enveloped her.
Sofia took a deep breath, letting go of some tension.
She walked to the bathroom and turned on the faucet.
Cool water refreshed her face.
She gazed into the mirror.Her reflection showed tired eyes, Haunted eyes.
Sofia's thoughts drifted to After much thought, Sofia began to freshen up.
Sofia stepped out of the shower, feeling revitalized.
She wrapped herself in a plush towel and began to dress.
Choosing a simple yet elegant gown, she styled her hair.
A hint of makeup, and she was ready.
Determined to meet Liam, Sofia left her room.
Jenkins stood outside, expectant.
"Looking for Mr. Liam, Miss Sofia?"
Sofia nodded.
"Where is he?"
"in his study, Miss.
Sofia walked toward the study.
Sofia's footsteps echoed through the hallway as she made her way to Liam's study. The door was slightly ajar, and she pushed it open, her heart racing with anticipation.
Liam sat behind his desk, his eyes fixed on the papers in front of him. He looked up as she entered, their gazes meeting for a fleeting moment. But instead of warmth, Sofia saw only ice. His eyes seemed frozen, his face a mask that concealed all emotions.
Regret washed over her like a tidal wave. She felt responsible for the change in him. The Liam she once knew, with his bright smile and infectious laughter, was gone. In his place was a stranger, cold and expressionless.
Sofia's eyes stung as she walked toward him. "Liam," she whispered, her voice trembling.
He didn't respond, didn't look up. His silence was a palpable force, pushing her away.
She reached his desk and placed her hands on the edge, her eyes locked onto his. "Liam,
"What do you want, Sofia?" he asked, his voice cold and detached.
Sofia's soul cringed at the emptiness in his tone. She felt a pang of sorrow, knowing she had contributed to his pain.
Sofia looked at him calmly.
"You didn't ask me what happened at my father's place and why they were chasing after me," she said.
Liam dropped the file he was going through and stared at her.
"I don't ask unnecessary questions," he said indifferently. "If you'd like to say it, I'm listening. If not, you can keep it to yourself."
He picked up the file again, his eyes scanning the pages.
Sofia's gaze lingered on him.
His nonchalance stung.
She had expected concern, or at least curiosity.
But Liam's indifference cut deeper than any knife.