Chapter7: Vulnerability

Sofia summons her last shred of strength, kicking and scratching. But the group overpowers her.

As they pin her to the ground, Sofia's thoughts flash to her loved ones. Her family. Her friends.

Not like this, she thinks. I won't give up.

Suddenly, Sofia hears her own voice, firm and resolute.

"NO

Pinned to the ground, Sofia feels the sound of fabric tearing as they rip her clothes.

"No, don't!" Sofia screams for help, her voice hoarse. "Somebody, help! Anybody, please!"

She struggles against the group, but they're too strong.

In desperation, Sofia makes a silent plea in her heart: "If anyone can save me, I promise to love, cherish, and do anything. I will bond with him forever. I won't break my promise."

Just as the leader unleashes his evil intentions, he feels himself flying across the room, his body hitting the wall hard.

Before he can comprehend what's happening, a thunderous punch blinds him, breaking his teeth.

A figure emerges from the shadows, fists flying, taking down the attackers one by one.

Sofia's eyes widen in shock and gratitude.

The rescuer's movements are swift and deadly, taking down the attackers with precision. Sofia watches in awe.

One attacker tries to flee, but the rescuer catches him, slamming him into the wall. The sound of crunching bone echoes through the passage.

The leader, still dazed, stumbles to his feet. The rescuer delivers a crushing kick, sending him crashing to the ground.

The fight ends quickly. The attackers lie motionless.

Sofia's rescuer turns to her. His chest heaves with exertion, his eyes burn with fury.

It turns out to be Liam who saved her. He stared at the group lying motionless, his eyes cold and unforgiving. Then, his gaze shifted to Sofia.

Sofia hugged her knees, trying to cover her body with tears streaming down her face. She stared at Liam, her eyes filled with gratitude, seeing him as her lifesaver and hero.

Liam's face remained cold, his teeth gritted in anger. "This troublesome devil always causing trouble for me," he thought. "Which girl in her right senses walks alone at night?"

He walked towards Sofia, covering her with his coat. "I hope you've learned your lesson," he said coldly.

Sofia bit her lip, her body trembling. Liam turned to walk away.

Sofia didn't say a word, her mind racing with thoughts of Liam being with his new lover all day, making her blood boil. She tried to stand up and follow him but couldn't. Her body ached all over, and she cried out silently.

Liam noticed her discomfort and turned. He carried her with an expressionless face.

Liam's expression remains cold as he carries Sofia, his eyes fixed ahead. Sofia buries her face in his chest, hiding her tears.

As they walk, Liam's grip tightens, his anger simmering beneath the surface. "What were you thinking, walking alone at night?" he mutters.

Sofia doesn't respond, her body wracked with pain and emotions.

Liam's Thoughts*

As Liam carries Sofia, he struggles to reconcile his anger and concern. He's furious she put herself in danger, but the sight of her battered body and tears unsettles him.

"Why does she always need saving?" he thinks. "Can't she take care of herself?"

Despite his frustration, Liam's grip tightens, ensuring Sofia's safety.

They reach the estate, and Liam carries her to her room. He lays her down gently, his face still expressionless.

A maid rushes in, concern etched on her face. "Sir, shall I fetch a doctor?"

Liam nods curtly. "Yes. And ensure she's taken care of."

As the maid exits, Sofia turns away, hiding her tears.

Liam's gaze lingers on her, his expression softening slightly. He recalls the torn clothes, the bruises.

His jaw clenches. He can't show weakness.

"Rest," he says gruffly. "We'll talk later."

Sofia nods silently, her heart heavy.

As Liam exits, Sofia's thoughts swirl:

Why did he save me?

Why does he care?

And why does his coldness hurt so much?

*Sofia's Recovery*

Back in her room, Liam lays Sofia down gently. The maid arrives with a doctor, who tends to Sofia's wounds.

Sofia's mind wanders, recalling Liam's cold words and expression. She feels grateful yet hurt.

As the doctor finishes, Sofia turns away, hiding her tears.

Liam reenters the room, his face still expressionless. "Rest," he says. "We'll talk later."

Sofia nods silently, her heart heavy.

As the doctor left, Liam decided to help Sofia change her clothes, his movements gentle despite his earlier coldness.

Sofia's eyes widened, uncomfortable with his assistance. "I can manage," she whispered.

Sofia tried to escape, squirming away from Liam's grasp. "I can manage," she said, her voice trembling.

Liam's grip tightened, holding her in place. "Don't struggle," he said firmly.

Feeling fire rise to her cheek, Sofia's face burned with embarrassment.

"I don't need your help," she insisted, desperate to break free.

Liam ignored her protests, his hands moving deftly to undo the torn fabric.

"I have already seen your body before," he said, his voice low and even. "What are you hiding?"

Sofia's blush deepened, shame washing over her. She felt exposed, vulnerable.

"Please, Liam," she whispered, her voice cracking.

Liam ignored her protest, carefully undoing the torn fabric. His fingers brushed against her skin, sending shivers down her spine.

Sofia's face flushed, and she looked away, hiding her emotions.

Liam's expression remained stoic, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of concern.

As he helped Sofia into a soft robe, his gaze lingered on the bruises and scrapes. His jaw clenched.

After changing Sofia's clothes, she covered her face in shame, her face burning down with shame, her cheeks flushed bright red.

Liam stood up, his expression dark and unreadable. Without a word, he walked out of the room, leaving Sofia feeling vulnerable and exposed.

The door closed behind him with a soft click, enveloping Sofia in silence.

Sofia's shoulders shook as she sobbed, her emotions raw and overwhelming.

Why did Liam have to see her like this?

Why did he have to help her? after what she had done to him.

And why did she feel so torn between gratitude and humiliation?

As Sofia's tears slowly subsided, she heard the sound of the front door closing. Liam had left the estate.

Sofia's thoughts swirled, her mind reeling with questions.

Why didn't Liam show any emotion?

Wasn't he affected by her vulnerability?

Didn't he feel even a spark of desire?

As she replayed the moments they shared, Sofia's cheeks flushed anew. Liam's calm expression, his unreadable eyes, and gentle yet detached touch haunted her.

"He didn't even flinch," Sofia thought, her pride stinging. "I was naked, broken, and helpless, yet he remained unmoved."

A pang of disappointment mixed with embarrassment settled within her.

"Maybe I'm not attractive to him," Sofia wondered, her self-doubt creeping in. "Or perhaps he's just too numb to care."

Sofia's gaze fell, her eyes tracing the intricate patterns on the bedspread.

"Liam's secrets are locked tighter than Fort Knox," she mused. "I'll never unravel the mystery that is Liam."

Sofia's thoughts drifted back to Liam, her mind painting a vivid picture of him.

He's breathtakingly handsome, with raven-black hair that frames his chiseled face. His eyes, dark pools of mystery, seem to see right through her. Porcelain-smooth skin accentuates his sharp jawline and perfect facial bones.

His physique is sculpted to perfection—broad shoulders, toned muscles, and a tall, commanding presence.

Sofia's gaze lingered on her mental image of Liam's lips—full, inviting, and seductive. She imagined tracing their curve, feeling their softness.

A sudden flutter in her chest surprised her. Sofia's thoughts took a daring turn:

"What would it be like to kiss him? To taste the warmth of those lips?"

Her imagination ran wild, envisioning the gentle pressure, the tender exploration.

Sofia's fingers instinctively rose to her lips, as if trying to conjure the sensation.

"Take a bite," her thoughts whispered, teasing.

A blush spread across her cheeks as Sofia realized her desires.