The Almighty Dominance

Sophia stared across the road at Alex and Lyra, her heart sinking.

One was her closest friend, and the other was the man who once gave her everything.

But back then, none of that mattered.

Now, when she was finally ready to give him her heart, all that awaited her was pain.

"Well," Gilbert whispered suddenly from behind her, his voice dripping with mockery, "don't you think they make a lovely couple, Sophia?"

She sighed, exhaustion filling her voice. "Gilbert, do you really think we'd make a good couple?"

"What?" Gilbert sneered. "Are you having second thoughts after everything Laura did for you?"

Sophia bit her lip, anger and regret twisting inside her. "Maybe Alex was right. Maybe neither you nor Laura ever truly helped him. Which means I don't owe either of you anything."

"You owe me, Sophia," Gilbert growled, his voice dropping dangerously low

"Laura helped free him. Now it's your turn to repay me or trust me, you'll regret crossing me!"

Sophia steadied her breath, meeting his cold gaze head-on.

"Give me time, Gilbert. I refuse to rush into another disaster. I've learned enough from my mistakes."

"Believe me," Gilbert replied sharply, eyes narrowing, "so have I."

"Fine," Sophia said firmly.

"Give me 24 hours. If either you or Laura genuinely helped Alex, I'll marry you. But if you lied, our deal is off."

As she turned away, Gilbert snatched at her wrist, gripping it tightly.

Sophia wrenched her hand free, glaring defiantly. "Let go!" she snapped.

With tears burning in her eyes, Sophia stormed off, haunted by the thought that every choice she'd ever made in love or haste had led only to disaster.

She no longer knew what to believe or do.

Meanwhile, Alex stared at Lyra, stunned. "What was that kiss for?"

Lyra flashed him a mischievous grin, her eyes sparkling. "Well, I just saved your life. Don't you think that earns me a little reward?"

Alex chuckled softly, eyes lingering on her face. "Fair enough."

She was beautiful, no less captivating than Sophia, and he felt his pulse quicken

in her presence—perhaps from attraction, perhaps from something deeper.

Lyra purred, stepping closer, "have you thought about

Alex could respond, Lyra's phone buzzed insistently. She glanced at it, clearly annoyed, and

you should get that,"

insisted, gaze locked onto his. "I

Alex pointed again

irritation, Lyra grabbed

expression darkened as she listened,

father needs me. Looks like our plans

teasing, "That's a shame. I was just about to

laughed, her eyes playful yet

face says otherwise. But trust me, Alex-you'll fall for me, just like you fell for Sophia. I guarantee

"You better go see what your father wants.

winked confidently. "Don't mention

bitterly as Sophia disappeared

called Laura repeatedly but received no answer. Frowning, he checked his

of corruption and causing misery to the city's citizens, a crackdown endorsed by the ministers and the King

save Alex," Gilbert muttered darkly, then suddenly a sinister smile

you just showed me your weakness-your willingness to sacrifice yourself for those you care about.

his smartwatch, scrolling through countless pictures of Sophia

His obsession flared dangerously.

Sophia," he whispered to himself fiercely. "You'll never escape from me. Tomorrow, you'll

found Sophia tangled in sheets, exhausted

and the

had been right all along-how could she have

and relentless.

to Alex and make things right. Next time, she'd think twice before

her bedroom door, panic etched deeply

terrible!" Florence gasped, her eyes wide

her feet. "What happened?

Florence struggled for breath. "He got drunk last night and—and killed someone. The

He can't even slaughter a chicken!

the details," Florence urged, her voice trembling. "We need to go,

shaking on the steering wheel

relentlessly as she and Florence entered the

James cried out, his face

hesitation, she stormed forward and hit him

get drunk, mess around with

her voice trembling with anxiety. "Enough, Sophia. Let him explain

don't know exactly what happened," James sobbed, desperate

We fooled around, and then everything went dark When I woke up, there was

voice dripped with disgust. "Do you