The Almighty Dominance

Sophia couldn't grasp why Alex was treating her so harshly.

Didn't he realize she'd given up everything just to ensure his safety?

She took a deep breath, forcing herself to think positively. Perhaps the military ordeal had left him shaken and unsettled.

Maybe he was just hurt, emotionally raw.

She stepped forward cautiously, eyes full of concern.

"Alex, what's wrong? Are you injured? Do we need to get you to a hospital?" Her voice trembled slightly with genuine worry.

Alex stared back incredulously, unable to fathom her thinking.

How could she be standing next to another man yet still pretend to care about him?

Was there something seriously wrong with her head?

He glared, bitterness coloring every word, "I'm perfectly fine, Ms. Lancaster.

Thank you very much for your concern. But maybe you should worry more about your date. Your boyfriend deserves your full attention."

"Boyfriend?" Sophia glanced nervously at Gilbert, instantly realizing the misunderstanding.

She turned desperately back to Alex. "No, Alex, you've got this all wrong. We're just friends."

Gilbert's expression darkened, eyes narrowing sharply.

"Friends? Sophia, we're discussing marriage seriously. At the very least, I'm your fiancé."

"Gilbert, please-" Sophia pleaded.

"No, Sophia, you listen to me," Gilbert cut her off coldly.noveldrama

"You made a promise. Laura has already fulfilled her end of the deal. Are you really going back on your word after everything she's done?"

Sophia's heart sank painfully. She stared pleadingly at Alex, her mind reeling.

The deal she'd struck with Gilbert and Laura was the only reason Alex was safe

now.

And if they had fulfilled their obligations, she had to honor her side of the bargain. With a forced smile masking deep anguish, Sophia gestured toward Gilbert.

"Alex, let me introduce Mr. Gilbert from Paris. He has a close relationship with Laura. You got out so quickly thanks to..."

Sophia hesitated, almost confessing her sacrifice, but stopped short, unwilling to burden Alex with guilt. "Thanks to him."

Alex's eyes narrowed sharply, his tone icy and dismissive.

"Sophia, I have no idea what you're trying to imply here, but neither he nor Laura had anything to do with my release."

Lyra stepped forward fiercely, her voice filled with disdain.

"Exactly. Who do you think you are, Gilbert? Claiming credit for what I did. Sophia, are you sure he's not scamming you?"

"Whoa, slow down, lady," Gilbert snapped back, eyes flashing with irritation.

"There's no need to get so defensive about your boyfriend. The proof is standing right here—Alex is free because of me and Laura. Deny it all you want, but facts remain facts."

Alex shook his head slowly, his voice dripping with contempt.

"I have no clue what fantasy you've invented in your head, Gilbert, but you're seriously overestimating yourself. I never needed your help."

Sophia hesitated, confusion clouding her judgment.

She trusted Lyra deeply, yet logically, Lyra, a fallen noble like herself, had no power to free Alex.

Gilbert, however, was the son of the Governor of Paris—a powerful figure who could genuinely pull strings.

"Alex, Lyra," Sophia spoke firmly, frustration evident.

"Why are you treating him this way? Gilbert deserves your gratitude."

Alex's jaw clenched as anger surged through him.

"Listen carefully, Sophia-I never asked for anyone's help. You can't force gratitude from me for something that never happened."

"Stop trying to guilt me into believing I owe you or Gilbert anything. You did nothing, Laura did nothing. Lyra helped me, Jasmine helped me. But you two? You're nothing but frauds."

"You-" Sophia slammed her foot on the before forcing herself to breathe deeply.

her eyes blazing with anger

"Stop making such a scene, Alex."

"What scene?" Alex retorted sharply.

His voice dripped with bitter sarcasm as he rose from his seat. "Am I interrupting your precious date? Fine. I'll get out of your way."

"Wait!" Sophia's hand shot out, gripping his arm tightly. Her voice trembled with confusion and frustration.

"What's gotten into you? I already told you, Gilbert and Laura helped you. Why won't you trust me?"

"Trust you?" Alex spat the words like venom, wrenching his arm free.

"When have you ever trusted me? They didn't help me. They lied to you, and you were all too willing to believe them!"

"They did help you, Alex!" Sophia protested fiercely, desperation in her voice.

"No, Sophia,” Alex snapped back, fury burning in his eyes.

"They never did. You chose to believe their lies over me. Don't drag me back into your twisted little game."

Sophia's heart sank, guilt flooding her chest.

Memories surged painfully, reminding her how often she'd doubted him before.

She had promised herself she would learn to trust Alex. Yet, now she was torn, bewildered.

Had all her sacrifices truly meant nothing?

"Alex, I do believe you, but-"

"No more buts, Sophia!" Alex's voice was raw with emotion, filled with bitter hurt.

"If you really trust me, you'll come

with me right now. Forget Gilbert forget Laura, forget whatever crap they've sold you. Just come with me and Lyra."

Sophia hesitated, her eyes flickering uncertainly between Alex and Gilbert.

Though her heart felt nothing for Gilbert, gratitude tugged at her conscience.

He and Lura had released Alex when no one else had.

Could she really abandon Gilbert now?

"Sophia," Gilbert's voice was icy and threatening.

"You can't do this. You won't humiliate me after everything I've done for you. If you

do, your entire family will pay dearly. You'll regret this."

Alex scoffed bitterly. "Listen to him. Threats and fear-that's all he's got. Sophia, if you truly trust me, let him go."

Gilbert leaned closer, menace

glittering in his eyes. "Walk awaket

and the consequences will be dire. I'm not someone you can toss aside without paying a heavy price."

Sophia faltered, her face pale with indecision.

Gilbert's chilling promise made her hesitate. His threats were real, dangerous.

Could she afford to provoke him?

Alex's jaw tightened, disgust washing over his face.

"Still can't choose, can you? Figures. I thought you'd changed, Sophia. I guess I was wrong. You never believed in me. It was always someone else first." Panic etched Sophia's features as she struggled, visibly torn apart by the choice.

Alex felt a sharp stab of betrayal-how could she put Gilbert and him on equal footing? The pain was unbearable.

"Forget it, Ms. Lancaster," Alex muttered coldly, bitterness saturating each word. "Don't bother choosing. We're done. Enjoy your dinner."

He turned abruptly, striding toward the door.

"Wait for me!" Lyra quickly followed, leaving Sophia staring helplessly after them. Outside, Alex paused, the chilly night wind biting into his skin.

Frustration and heartache churned inside him, leaving him uncertain of how to cope with the storm of emotions.

He had acted indifferent, but seeing Sophia with another man had torn him apart inside.

Lyra gently touched his arm, her voice soft and comforting.

"It's late. Maybe we can continue our drinks at a quieter place? I know a beautiful

penthouse."

Alex turned to Lyra in silence and she met his gaze directly, compassion filling her expression.

"I can see the pain in your eyes, Alex. And it hurts me too."

She leaned in, pressing a gentle yet passionate kiss against his lips.

Sophia burst out of the restaurant doors, breathless and frantic. Her heart shattered instantly as she witnessed Lyra kissing Alex deeply-and him responding to it.

Ο'

She stood frozen, despair gripping her chest. It felt like the ground beneath her

had vanished, leaving her utterly broken.