Chapter 18: You are still mine

"Marcus, what do you want?" Her tone was guarded, clipped.

"Sophia, please stop ignoring me," Marcus's voice was pleading, and his desperation was evident. "I… I need to talk to you. I can't stop thinking about what we had. Can't we… can't we try again?"

Sophia's fingers tightened around the phone. "We're already done, Marcus. You know that."

He tried again, his voice growing even more insistent. "Sophia, I'm willing to give you anything you want. I'll change, I swear. Grandpa even agreed to give you shares in the company if you'll just…"

"I'm not interested," she interrupted with disdain in her voice. "You could offer me your entire company, and it wouldn't make a difference."

There was a pause, and then Marcus's voice softened. "Please, Sophia. Just… can we at least meet and talk? I'll do anything."

She was about to reject the suggestion when Alexander gave a curt nod, indicating that she should agree.

Sophia was shocked but complied, "Fine," she replied, resigned. "Where?"

Marcus's relief was obvious. "Great. I'll come pick you up. Where are you?"

Alexander held up his phone, showing her the name of a high-end restaurant without a word.

"Let's meet at Sapphire Restaurant. You don't have to pick me up." She relayed the address Alexander showed her.

"Got it. I'll meet you there."

When they arrived at the restaurant, Sophia saw it was the same hotel she had given to Marcus. Alexander led her inside, his hand hovering near her back as they moved through the elegant, dimly lit interior. They approached a well-dressed man sitting at a table, who rose to greet them with a broad smile.

"Here you are Mr Evans," the man said, extending his hand. "Good to see you again. And who is this lovely lady?"

"This is my wife, Sophia." His tone was impersonal as if delivering a line for a business script, but hearing those words filled Sophia with unexpected warmth.

She was surprised; he introduced me as his wife. Although his tone was cold, something about it made her feel a surprising warmth.

"Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Evans," the man said, nodding with a kind smile. "I'm Greg Matthews."

"Pleasure to meet you too, Mr Matthews," Sophia replied, returning his smile.

As they sat down, the men began discussing the terms of a business deal, with Alexander laying out details about projected profits and Greg nodding in agreement. Sophia listened quietly, impressed by Alexander's composed professionalism and sharp articulation. She found herself admiring him in a way she hadn't before.

After about forty minutes, her phone buzzed again. Marcus had arrived.

Alexander gave her a short nod as if signaling she could go. "Call me if there's anything," he reminded her, his tone almost protective, though his expression remained impassive.

Sophia made her way outside and found Marcus waiting. He greeted her with a smile, even pulling out her chair with an exaggerated flourish, but Sophia simply sat down stiffly.

"It's been a while," Marcus said, his voice soft and regretful. "I… I miss you, Sophia."

She scoffed, her tone filled with disdain. "Why did you want to meet?"

Before responding, Marcus motioned for a waiter. "Let's order first. We can talk over the meal."

"No need," Sophia replied coolly. "I already ate."

Marcus looked surprised but recovered quickly, suggesting they have drinks instead. When he ordered wine, she declined, opting for juice.

When the drinks arrived, Sophia started taking small sips as she waited for him to talk. Marcus was watching her carefully and after a while, he launched into his rehearsed apology, layering each word with an almost desperate intensity.

"Sophia," he began, leaning closer. "I know I've made mistakes. But I miss you. I can change. I'll do whatever it takes to make you happy."

Sophia's voice was laced with sarcasm as she replied, "You had your chance, Marcus. I've already moved on."

But as she spoke, she suddenly felt a strange warmth spreading through her. Her vision seemed to blur slightly, her body heavy. Confused, she looked at her drink, then back at Marcus, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.

"Did you… did you put something in my drink?" Her voice was shaky as she tried to keep control.

Marcus's friendly facade dropped, replaced by a cold, steely gaze. "I didn't have a choice, Sophia," he muttered, almost apologetic but not quite. "You left me no choice."

"Bastard," she spat, trying to reach for her purse to call Alexander. But Marcus was quicker, snatching it away with a smug look. "There's no one to help you here, Sophia. Just be a good girl."

"What do you want from me, Marcus?" Her voice was weaker now, and her limbs felt like they were weighed down.

"We can't talk here," he said, pulling her to her feet and guiding her toward the stairs. Sophia struggled, but her body wouldn't obey, and Marcus led her to a room upstairs, shutting the door behind them.

"Sophia, I'm doing this for us," he murmured, his hands brushing over her arms. "Maybe if we sleep together, you'll remember how much you love me. Then you will come back to me obediently."

She tried to fight, but her body felt numb, and his touch sent waves of revulsion through her. She forced out words through gritted teeth. "Don't you dare, Marcus."

He only laughed bitterly. "Why didn't you fight back when that guy had his hands all over you? Who is he, anyway?" His voice dripped with jealousy. "Is he the one who paid for your mother's surgery?"

"None of your business," she snapped, her voice weak but defiant. "We're divorced, Marcus. I can see whoever I want."

Marcus's expression darkened. "You are still mine, Sophia; I just agreed to the divorce because you threatened me," he muttered, stepping closer. "Didn't you always look forward to consummating our marriage? Tonight, I'll fulfill the one thing you always wanted. I'll make you mine."

Sophia's heart raced as panic overtook her. She watched, horrified, as he began unbuttoning his shirt and removing his belt. She wanted to scream, but her voice failed her, her limbs numb as he approached.

"Please… Marcus… don't do this…" Her voice was a mere whisper, her body too weak to fight him off as he stepped closer, his hands reaching for her dress.

He leaned closer pulling the straps of her dress open. He froze for a moment when he saw her exposed shoulders. He always knew she was beautiful, but seeing her soft neck and shoulders made him swallow hard. He regretted his past decision. He shouldn't have kept her waiting. Why didn't I make her mine from the beginning? I missed a lot. He thought. But I'll erase that regret tonight.

He kissed his neck hungrily moving towards her lips. Her mind was racing in desperation, trying to think of any way to escape. But her thoughts were foggy, slipping away from her as Marcus leaned in, his face mere inches from hers. She felt a surge of revulsion, and for a moment, tears pricked her eyes.

She tried to move her face away, covering her mouth; she couldn't let him kiss her. But she didn't have much strength. He inched closer pulling her face towards him.

Just as Marcus' lips almost touched hers, the door flew open with a thunderous bang, crashing against the wall. A tall figure stormed into the room, eyes blazing with fury.

"How dare you…" Marcus began, but his words were cut off as a fist met his jaw, sending him sprawling to the floor.

It was Alexander.

Rage simmered in his eyes as he glanced down at Marcus, then back to Sophia, taking in her torn dress and the horror in her eyes. He moved to her side, his voice low but gentle. "Are you okay?"

"Thank you." Sophia was elated to see him, he came just in time when she was desperate as she thought Marcus would succeed.

"Come on, let's leave this place." He said taking off his suit jacket to cover her torn dress. But when he approached, he realized something was wrong with her.

"I… I feel… so hot, Alexander…" She could barely form words, her face flushed.

Alexander's expression hardened, fury mixing with concern. Without a second thought, he lifted her into his arms, her body limp but safe against him.

On the floor, Marcus stirred, barely opening his eyes before Alexander's foot struck him again, knocking him unconscious. Holding Sophia close, Alexander carried her out, his expression deadly as he made his way toward his car.