Contract Marriage: Bound To Him

Sofia stepped out into the crisp evening air, her feet carrying her away from the memories that haunted her. The city lights blurred together as she walked, her eyes fixed on the pavement. She felt lost, alone, and shattered.

As she turned a corner, the neon sign of "Rogue's Bar" beckoned her like a siren's call. The bold, red letters seemed to pulse with a rhythm that matched her racing heart. Sofia pushed open the door and slipped inside.

The dimly lit bar enveloped her in its warm, smoky embrace. The air reeked of whiskey, stale beer, and broken dreams. Sofia's eyes adjusted slowly, taking in the eclectic décor:

Faded rock band posters on the walls

A polished mahogany bar, scarred from years of use

Stools with torn vinyl seats, occupied by patrons with stories to tell

A lone pool table, its green felt worn and faded

A jukebox playing melancholy tunes in the corner

Sofia slid onto a stool, her eyes locking onto the bartender, a gruff but kind-eyed man with a thick beard.

Ordering a Drink:

"What'll it be, sweetheart?" he asked, his voice a gentle rumble.

Sofia's voice barely above a whisper, "Whiskey. Neat. Make it a double."

The bartender raised an eyebrow but poured the drink without a word. Sofia tossed it back, the burn igniting a fire within her chest.

"Another," she said, her voice firmer now.

As the bartender poured the second drink, Sofia's gaze fell on a small, scratched notebook beside her. She opened it, finding a page filled with scribbled quotes and lyrics.

Broken Heart's Companion:

With a shaky hand, Sofia wrote:

"Love is a lie,

A contract broken,

A heart shattered."

The words blurred as tears welled up in her eyes. She crumpled the paper, letting it fall to the floor.

The bartender slid a napkin across the bar, his expression sympathetic.

"You okay, kid?"

Sofia nodded, though her heart screamed otherwise

_Sofia's Descent_

The bartender returned to polishing glasses, his eyes periodically flicking towards Sofia with concern. She didn't notice, lost in her turmoil.

With a shaky hand, Sofia poured herself another drink, the whiskey splashing against the rim. She bit her lip, trying to stem the tears, but they flowed unchecked.

Tears streamed down her face, mingling with the whiskey as she lifted the glass to her lips. Her hands trembled, and the liquid sloshed against the sides.

_Inner Turmoil:_

Regret, deceit, and pain swirled within her like a maelstrom. Memories of Julian's betrayal flooded her mind:

His lies, whispered sweetly in her ear

His eyes, cold and distant when he spoke of their contract

His touch, now tainted by the truth

Sofia's heart felt like shattered glass, each shard piercing her very soul.

_Whispers of Self-Blame:_

"Why did I trust him?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"How could I have been so blind?"

The self-recriminations swirled, fueling her anguish.

_Sofia's Emotional Downward Spiral:_

As the night wore on, Sofia's tears slowed, replaced by a numbness that seeped into her bones. Her eyes, red-rimmed and puffy, stared into the abyss.

The whiskey bottle, now nearly empty, stood as a testament to her despair.

Sofia's anger and sorrow simmered, threatening to boil over. She slammed her fist on the bar, making the bartender jump.

"Another whiskey," Sofia demanded, her voice low and husky.

The bartender hesitated, then poured her another shot.

As Sofia downed the liquor, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She ignored it, knowing it was probably Julian or Rachel.

She couldn't shake the image of Julian and Rachel, entwined on the bed, their lips locked in a passionate kiss, there body entwined together, his hand roaming around her body.

she always listen to her step sister advice, solphia Julian loves you don't listen to that Liam. Julian loves you and will never betraye you and you love him too, right, you guys are perfect match. she keep on telling her you love Julian and he loves you.

"How could you?" Sofia whispered, her voice cracking.

She thought back to all the times Rachel had whispered poisonous advice in her ear:

"Liam's not good enough for you."

"liam's got issues."

"liam doesn't truly love you."

Sofia had trusted Rachel, believing her step-sister's words were born of concern.

she listens and Treated Liam so badly that one could never imagine, the one person that loves her that she tortured and push away following this barsterd Julian and her step sister.

Now, she realized Rachel's true nature: a manipulative, scheming devil.

"Why did I listen to her?" Sofia sobbed, her body shaking.

Julian's lies echoed in her mind:

"I love you, Sofia."

"You're the only one for me."

But it was all a ruse.

He had been cheating on her with her own step-sister.

Sofia's heart shattered into a million pieces.

She downed the remaining whiskey, feeling the burn course through her veins.

Tears streamed down her face as she mourned the loss of her relationship, her trust, and her family.

"Bitch," Sofia spat, her voice venomous, thinking of Rachel.

"Liars," she whispered, Julian's face etched in her mind.

The bartender watched her with concern, but Sofia waved him off.

"Just leave me alone," she whispered, her world crumbling around her.

She continues drinking and faints on the bar chair, her head resting on the bar table.

In the private room, a man stood staring at the girl with an emotionless face. His handsome face cold, his eyes fixed intently on Sofia.

"Looks like she's had too much," the bartender said, noticing the man's gaze.

The man didn't respond, his eyes never leaving Sofia's fragile form.

Sofia's phone buzzed again on the counter, displaying Julian's name. The man's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Should I turn it off?" the bartender asked.

The man nodded curtly.

As the bartender silenced the phone, the man's gaze lingered on Sofia. For a moment, his expression cold.

"Get her home safely," he instructed his assistant James.

With that, he turned and left the private room.

his assistant, carefully lifting Sofia into his arms.

"Let's get you home, miss Sophia," he whispered.

leave her I will do it, the man returned and carry Sophia from his assistant.

As they exited the bar, Sofia stirred, her eyes fluttering open.

"Li...Liam?" she whispered, confusion etched on her face.

the man gaize stared at her beautiful, cut innocent face, but his face remained icy.

It is just me, I'm taking you home." the man said with a cold turne.

Sofia's eyes drooped shut once more.