Chapter Twenty One

"Sophia. if you knew who I really am, it would only make things more dangerous." Lucas says in a low tone.

"Dangerous or not, I deserve the truth. I deserve to know what's going on between us." Sophia mumbling stepping closer determine to know the truth.

Lucas opens his mouth to respond, but before he can, the sound of footsteps approaching pulls them both back to reality. They step apart quickly as Jeff emerges onto the rooftop, his eyes narrowing at the sight of them together. 

"Well, isn't this cozy? I didn't realize you two were so friendly." Jeff smirk, mockingly.

Sophia stiffens, stepping away from Lucas entirely. The tension in the air shifts, becoming something darker as Jeff walks over, his usual arrogance in full display. Lucas's hands instinctively ball into fists, but he keeps his expression neutral.

"Jeff, we were just talking." Sophia coldly said, masking her emotions.

"Talking, huh? I hope you weren't boring her with security details, Shadow." Jeff laughing coldly, intoned.

Lucas doesn't respond, his face a mask of indifference. Inside, however his blood is boiling. He knows Jeff suspects nothing of his true identity, but the way he treats Sophia, like she's nothing more than a trophy to be won, only makes Lucas want to protect her even more.

" I just hope you are keeping to mind our dinner date tonight. It's time you get used to being by my side, darling. After all, we will be married soon enough." Jeff grinning, ignoring the tension.

Sophia's heart beats at his words, but she forces a polite smile, her eyes briefly flicking back to Lucas. The unspoken words between them hang heavily in the air, as if both of them are painfully aware of how their paths are set to diverge. 

"Of course. I will be ready."  Sophia forcing a calm tone.

Jeff smirks one last time before turning to leave, casting a suspicious glance at Lucas before disappearing down the stairs. As soon as he's gone, Sophia exhales, the weight of the encounter pressing down on her. She turns to Lucas, her eyes filled with emotion.

"I can't do this. I can't marry him." Sophia quietly says, feeling the weight on her. 

"You won't have to. I'll make sure of it." Lucas mumbled below his breath feeling tortured.

The evening comes faster than expected, for Lucas we feels his loosing in the race of love. at an opulent, dimly lit restaurant.

Jeff and Sophia sit at a private table, surrounded by wealth and luxury, but Sophia's thoughts are miles away. Her mind keeps drifting back to Lucas, to the moment on the rooftop when she felt so close to breaking through his cold exterior. Across the table, Jeff continues with his sarcastic behavior, which doesn't bother Sophia or her feelings for Lucas.  to her inner turmoil, all she contemplate on, is just Lucas.

"See? This is what your life will be, Sophia. Power, wealth, everything at your fingertips. I don't understand why you're so against it." Jeff smirking looking at the lavish settings.

Sophia quietly, her voice almost inaudible lost in thought. "Maybe because I don't want a life dictated by power and money."

Jeff chuckles, leaning back in his chair with a smug expression.

"You will get used to it. Trust me, all women do." Jeff mockingly says, not minding her complain.

Sophia clenches her fists under the table, her patience running dangerously thin. Her mind racing, searching for a way out, for something that will give her the freedom she wants. She looks around the room, scanning for Lucas, knowing he's nearby, watching over them like always.

And then, her eyes find him. Lucas stands near the entrance, his eyes scanning the restaurant, but for a brief moment, their gazes lock. The connection between them is felt and almost visible, making her feel waves of love running through her spine. 

She knows she must control her emotions, even though she can't help it. She feels safe when she is around him than she is with Jeff.

"What if I want something different?" Sophia murmuring almost to herself.

Jeff frowns, not catching the full meaning of her words.

Jeff curious "What was that?"

"Nothing. Just thinking." Sophia shaking her head, trying to keep her emotions in control.

As the dinner drags on, Sophia's thoughts remain with Lucas, her desire for independence growing stronger with each passing second. She glances at him again, hoping for a sign, a way out. But Lucas remains unshaken, his eyes distant as he focuses on his job, guarding them from dangers.

He knows in his heart, the truth can't be hidden. He's falling for her, and it's only a matter of time before everything comes to light.

"I have to stay away. I can't let her get hurt because of me."