The sun rose over the city, casting golden light through the windows of Aiden's house. Sophie stretched lazily, her mind still lingering on the peaceful rooftop moments she shared with Aiden the previous night. But reality soon intruded—work called, and they had to maintain their secret.
As they prepared to leave, Aiden turned to Sophie. "Are you sure you're ready for today? The camp could be exhausting."
Sophie smiled faintly. "I'll manage. Besides, it's part of the job."
Aiden nodded. "Remember, to take care of yourself."
"Got it," Sophie replied, grabbing her bag.
They exited the house , heading to the same destination while keeping their relationship hidden.
Back in the village, Ella stood outside her grandmother's house, chatting with a young man who had recently moved in next door. He laughed at something she said, and they seemed to be enjoying each other's company.
Zane, walking by, froze when he saw them. His chest tightened as an unfamiliar emotion bubbled to the surface—jealousy.
"Why does it bother me so much?" he muttered under his breath.
For the rest of the day, Zane couldn't get the image of Ella with the other man out of his head. That evening, he made a decision.
"I can't keep avoiding this," he thought. "I need to tell her how I feel. I'll propose to her—soon."
The camp organized by the Company was set up in a picturesque location surrounded by trees and a serene lake. The band members and Sophie were busy setting up their tents and participating in team-building activities.
As night fell, the group gathered around a campfire, sharing stories and laughter. But as the evening wound down, one by one, the others retired to their tents, leaving Sophie and Aiden alone.
Sitting by the dying embers of the fire, Aiden looked at Sophie. "It's rare to have a moment like this—just the two of us."
Sophie smiled, her gaze soft. "It feels like we're in our own little world, away from everything."
The silence between them was charged, their unspoken connection pulling them closer. Unable to resist any longer, Aiden leaned in, capturing Sophie's lips in a passionate kiss.
"Let's go," he whispered, taking her hand.
They slipped into one of the unoccupied tents, their hunger for each other igniting into a night of fiery passion.
The camp concluded, and everyone returned to the Company, tired but in high spirits. Sophie was sorting through some paperwork when her phone buzzed.
A chilling message flashed on the screen:
"If you want to see your brother alive, come alone."
Sophie's heart dropped. "Lucas?" she whispered, panic setting in.
Without wasting a moment, she rushed to Aiden's office. "Lucas has been kidnapped," she said, her voice trembling.
Aiden stood up immediately. "Who sent the message?"
"I don't know, but I'm going to find out," Sophie replied, determination hardening her voice.
"Not alone," Aiden said firmly. "We'll go together."
The address led them to an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. Sophie entered cautiously, her heart pounding. Aiden followed close behind, his instincts on high alert.
Inside, they found Indira standing smugly beside a restrained Lucas.
"Indira," Sophie gasped. "What are you doing? He's your brother!"
Indira smirked. "Half-brother, actually. And this is none of your concern, Sophie. You've always had everything—now it's my turn."
Sophie stepped forward. "Let him go. Whatever you're planning, it won't work."
Indira sneered. "Oh, but it already has. I wanted to see you suffer, and judging by your face, I've succeeded."
Aiden moved swiftly, disarming Indira's accomplices and freeing Lucas while Sophie confronted her sister.
"You don't have to do this," Sophie said, her voice breaking. "We're family."
Indira hesitated for a moment before her expression hardened. "You're no family of mine."
Before Indira could act, Aiden intervened, restraining her. "It's over, Indira," he said coldly.
.....