Chapter 3.

 Sophia stood outside La Belle Époque her breath catching in her throat as she looked at the café's fancy entrance. It was a secluded café on the outskirts of town. A place where no one from her world would think to look. The cozy lights shining from inside stood out against the chilly evening air in Los Angeles. The café's big windows showed a friendly sight - people laughing, glasses clinking, and chatting quietly. Sophia felt unsure, tapping her fingers anxiously on her purse. She worried about what might happen if her family saw her out without permission, and a voice in her head told her she was entering a risky situation.

 Sophia thought about going back home for a moment, where things were safe and familiar. However, she felt a strong urge to go to the café, driven by curiosity and excitement of doing something just for herself. She took a deep breath and prepared herself. It wasn't just about seeing Alexander Sinclair - it was about breaking free from the limits that had kept her stuck for a long time. Sophia looked back at the dimly lit street one last time before she opened the door and went inside.

 The cozy café welcomed Sophia with its warmth, and she could smell the delicious coffee and sweet pastries as soon as she stepped in. She looked around the room and saw Alexander sitting in the back corner. Even in the dim light, he stood out and caught everyone's eye. When she walked towards him, he glanced up and his handsome face looked warm in the soft light. His suit fit him perfectly, showing off his strong and confident aura. She felt her heart beat faster as she tried to make sense of his strong presence.

Ah, Sophia," Alexander's voice was smooth, his lips curving into a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I was beginning to think you'd left me here to enjoy this fine coffee all by myself." He gestured to the seat across from him, a playful glint in his eye.

Sophia's cheeks flushed as she sat down, smoothing her skirt nervously. "I almost did," she admitted, twiddling her fingers, her voice barely above a whisper. "I wasn't sure if—" She faltered, unsure how to articulate the storm of thoughts swirling in her mind.

"Did you doubt if this was the right choice?" Alexander asked, leaning closer to Sophia and looking directly into her eyes. "You're unique, Sophia. That's what makes you interesting." You don't just follow the script life has handed you." His words were flattering, calculated, and Sophia felt the tension in her shoulders ease slightly.

 As the waiter came to their table, Alexander quickly ordered a strong espresso for himself and a cappuccino for her. She wanted to disagree but decided not to when she heard how confident he sounded. Sophia noticed how he was trying to take charge, but she didn't say anything and convinced herself it wasn't important. However, a small feeling of uncertainty stayed in her thoughts.

When the waiter walked away, Alexander refocused on her, his eyes narrowing as he moved closer. "You're too accustomed to following everyone else's expectations," he whispered softly. "But what about your own desires, Sophia? Have you ever thought about how it might feel to just... let go?" He spoke, his words filled with temptation. Sophia paused, running her fingers along the table's edge anxiously. She had always focused on obeying the rules, living up to expectations, and keeping up appearances, but now, with Alexander nearby, talking about freedom, the thought of breaking the rules felt exciting.

"I... I don't know," she said softly, her voice shaking. Alexander gently lifted her chin across the table, making their eyes meet. "I think you do," he said his tone firm but gentle. "I would love to show you the road to freedom." This can be our little secret, Sophia, Just between us. No one else has to know." His touch was light, almost reverent, as if he was holding something fragile. Yet, beneath his words, there was an edge—something darker, more insistent.

Sophia's heart pounded in her chest as she searched his eyes, trying to find something—anything—that would give her clarity. However, all she saw was the strong attraction that she had for him. She hesitated, feeling herself getting closer to a decision she wasn't ready to make.

The server brought their coffee and put them on the table with a friendly nod before leaving. Alexander took a sip of his drink while looking directly at Sophia to see how she would react. With her hands shaking a bit, she lowered her eyes as Alexander looked at her. The hot drink didn't help soothe her inner turmoil.

 Alexander changed the subject to more lighter topics like books, travel, and art. Sophia started to feel more at ease as she listened to his interesting stories and charming personality. She was captivated by how smart, well-spoken, and experienced he was. However, when he talked, she couldn't help but feel like each word and smile was planned out, like it was all part of a bigger plan she didn't completely get.

While they chatted, Alexander reached out and touched her hand lightly. Sophia was shocked, feeling a sudden surge of energy from the simple touch. She glanced upward, locking eyes with him, and everything around the café seemed to disappear. It was only them, in a private bubble filled with hidden feelings. "You sense it too, right?" Alexander quietly said, his voice soft and close. "Our bond... it's really unique." Sophia felt a sudden pause in her breathing, and she moved her hand back, feeling the impact of his words.

 "I'm not sure," she said, her voice trembling. "I feel like I shouldn't be here," Alexander's eyes darkened for a moment, a flicker of something dangerous passing over his features. But then it disappeared, and he gave his usual friendly smile instead. Wrong? Or just different?" he countered, his tone playful but insistent. "Sometimes, the best things in life are the ones that scare us the most."

Before Sophia could answer, Alexander's phone vibrated on the table, interrupting them. He quickly checked the message on the screen, and Sophia noticed his face change from relaxed to serious. He seemed to be thinking hard as he read the message, and when he looked back up, there was a hint of stress in his eyes. "Are you alright?" Sophia inquired carefully, attempting to understand the sudden shift in his behavior. "Yes, just business," Alexander responded calmly, his voice sounding smooth yet short. "Don't worry about it," he said. Sophia didn't believe him.

There was something strange about how he ignored her concerns, something that made her feel uneasy. The rest of the night went by quickly. Sophia sensed the gap widening between them, despite Alexander still entertaining her with his stories and humor. When he offered to walk her home, she said no, feeling the urge for some alone time. She wanted to clear her mind and figure out the mix of feelings she was experiencing.

 As they left the café, Alexander whispered to her life style, reminding her to keep their conversation a secret. "Nobody else has to find out," he said as he stepped back, looking into her eyes intensely. His words hung in the air, making her heart race. It wasn't just a request for her to keep quiet—it was a command. Sophia nodded silently, unable to speak, and saw Alexander vanish into the darkness as he left. The evening felt really heavy on her shoulders as she turned the other way, thinking about all that had happened. She had entered a new territory and now wasn't sure if she could return.

Just as Sophia was about to cross the street, Sophia felt someone grab her wrist and she jumped sharply, her heart almost jumping out of her chest. It was Tiana Sinclair, Alexander's younger sister, her former school mate. The younger woman's presence was unexpected, her expression unreadable and as she looked at her, Sophia's stomach twisted in knots, an ominous feeling settling over her.

"Sophia," Tiana's voice was smooth, almost too casual, as she stepped closer. "Fancy seeing you here. Out for a late-night coffee date?" There was a dangerous glint in Tiana's eyes that made Sophia's blood run cold.

Sophia forced a smile, trying to keep her composure. "Em Just catching up with a friend," she replied, her voice strained.

Tiana's smile widened, but there was no warmth in it. "Oh, I know. I saw you two inside. Looked pretty cozy if you ask me." She paused, her gaze drifting down the street where Alexander had disappeared. "I wonder what your family would think if they knew where you were tonight… and who you were with."

Sophia's breath caught in her throat and her face reddened instantly. The implications of Tiana's words were clear, and fear gripped her. She had been careful—at least, she thought she had. But Tiana had seen everything, and now she held the power to unravel the fragile web of secrecy Sophia had tried to maintain.

Tiana leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper. "You should be more careful, Sophia. Secrets have a way of coming back to haunt you." With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Sophia standing frozen on the sidewalk, her heart pounding in her chest.