The sun filtered through Aiden's office window as he leaned back in his chair, staring at the empty seat where Sophie usually sat. She hadn't shown up for work, and her absence was gnawing at him. He turned to Riley Woods, his ever-efficient secretary.
"Where's Sophie?" Aiden's tone was sharp, laced with impatience.
Riley looked up from his tablet, slightly startled. "I'm not sure, sir. She hasn't checked in today, and her phone is unreachable."
Aiden's jaw clenched. Something wasn't right. Sophie wasn't the type to disappear without a word. His mind raced with possibilities, most of them unsettling. Jealousy crept in as he imagined her with someone else, avoiding him on purpose.
"Track her phone again," Aiden ordered, his voice cold and commanding.
Riley nodded and quickly began typing. A few moments later, he looked up. "She's at a hotel downtown."
Aiden's heart sank. A hotel? Why would she be there? Without another word, he grabbed his coat and stormed out of the office.
Sophie struggled against the grip of the man who had cornered her in the hotel room. The rich man her father had sold her to was towering over her, his intentions clear and vile. Her heart pounded as she fought to free herself, tears streaming down her face.
"Let me go!" she screamed, but her voice only seemed to fuel his aggression.
Just as he was about to overpower her, the door burst open. Aiden stood in the doorway, his eyes blazing with fury.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Aiden's voice was a low growl, each word dripping with menace.
The rich man froze, his face turning pale. He stammered, trying to explain himself, but Aiden wasn't listening. He crossed the room in two swift strides and yanked the man away from Sophie, slamming him against the wall.
"You dare touch what's mine?" Aiden's voice was icy, and the room seemed to vibrate with his rage.
Riley Woods appeared behind Aiden, his expression grim. Aiden turned to him. "Take him away. Make sure he regrets ever laying a hand on her."
"Yes, sir," Riley said, dragging the trembling man out of the room.
Aiden turned back to Sophie, who was sitting on the edge of the bed, her body trembling. He knelt before her, his anger melting into concern.
"Sophie," he said softly, reaching out to touch her hand. "Are you okay?"
She looked at him, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and gratitude. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice shaking. "Thank you for saving me again."
Aiden's heart ached at her vulnerability. "I'm sorry I was late," he said, his voice heavy with guilt. "I should have been there sooner."
Sophie shook her head. "It's not your fault. I should've known better than to trust my father."
Aiden's fists clenched at the mention of her father. "He's the one who sold you to that scum, isn't he?"
Sophie nodded, her expression hardening. "I'm done with him. I'm cutting all ties. He's no longer my father."
Aiden admired her strength but saw the pain in her eyes. "What about your brother?" he asked gently.
Sophie sighed. "I'll send him to a rehab center. He deserves a chance to start over, away from all of this."
Aiden nodded. "I'll make the arrangements. You don't have to do this alone."
Meanwhile, Riley Woods ensured that the rich man who had tried to harm Sophie faced Aiden's wrath. The man was taken to a secluded location, where Aiden's men awaited him. They didn't show mercy, delivering a brutal lesson that left him begging for forgiveness.
Aiden made it clear through Riley that anyone who dared to harm Sophie would face the same fate—or worse.
Back at home, Sophie felt a mix of relief and exhaustion. She had taken a monumental step by severing ties with her father, and though it hurt, she knew it was the right decision. She couldn't allow his mistakes to continue ruining her life.
Aiden stayed by her side, his presence a comforting anchor. He didn't say much, but his actions spoke volumes. For the first time, Sophie saw a glimpse of the man behind the façade—a man who cared for her, even if he couldn't admit it.
As she drifted off to sleep that night, Sophie realized that her life was changing. The chains that had bound her to her past were breaking, and though the future was uncertain, she felt a flicker of hope.
And for Aiden, watching her sleep peacefully, one thought consumed him: No one will ever hurt her again.
.....