The Almighty Dominance

"Mother," Sophia pleaded desperately. "Please don't make me do this."

But Florence stayed on her knees, gripping Sophia's hands tightly.

"Sophia, for God's sake, I'm your mother! I know what's best for you, whether you see it now or not. One day, you'll thank me for this."

Sophia's eyes filled with tears, blurring the world around her.

The happiness she'd longed for was finally within reach-so close she could almost touch it—yet fate snatched it away like a cruel joke.

Why did it have to be this hard? Why did love with Alex feel like a battle she was always destined to lose?

Hadn't she already paid the price in tears and silence? How much more did she have to bleed just to be happy?

"Sophia, I will stay here on my knees until you agree," Florence declared stubbornly.

Jack also followed his mother and start kneeling.

"Sister, are you really going to abandon your own family? Do you have no heart left to save us?"

"We're not asking you to die-we're asking you to marry Gilbert Guise. He's going to be the future governor of the Paris State. Can't you see what that means? This is your chance to secure everything-for you, for us. Or would you rather watch us all fall?"

Florence added, "Sophia, if your heart is cold enough to watch us rot in prison, then maybe I should just end my life right here with Jack. At least that would be less painful than watching my own daughter turn her back on us."

Sophia took a shaky breath, heart breaking as the tears spilled freely down her face. "Fine. I'll do it..." she whispered, defeated.

She had given up for her own happiness.

Inside an exclusive bar, Gilbert Guise smirked triumphantly as Sophia's voice came through his phone.

"Perfect. I'll see you tonight. You better not disappoint me again," he warned smoothly before hanging up.

His entourage, a group of stylishly dressed men and women, erupted into applause and cheers.

"Congratulations, Mr. Guise! You're finally marrying your dream girl!" one woman praised enthusiastically.

Another chimed in with admiration. "It took a while, but nothing's impossible for you, Mr. Guise."

Gilbert's smile twisted darkly as he addressed his loyal followers. "I'll throw in an extra ten thousand each for your flawless execution."

"Thank you, Mr. Guise!" they chorused eagerly.

One man sneered, "That idiot Jack was so wasted, he never even realized what hit him."

"And that Jacqueline," the woman scoffed contemptuously.

"How dare she hide the fact she was carrying your child? She's better off dead. Let that fool Jack take the blame."

cruelly,

is done. I'm grateful you made this possible. Sophia

let such a rare beauty slip away, could

man eyed

Mr. Guise, why marry her? With your reputation, you could easily have your fun without tying the knot. You're already legendary with

took a slow drag from his

what I want. And I made a promise to the media years ago—I'd marry her. So I will. At least until I

to toss her aside once she turned out to be a total bitch. Hell, maybe I'll even let you have a turn with

among his followers, eagerly

Guise!" one of them shouted with a

us share

Guise, we'll follow

his ego swelling with every word. He stood there like a king among fools, loving every second of

of the men. "What about the task I gave you

with the people

Montclaire family is barely hanging on in Chicago. With Laura behind

desperate—and now she sees Sophia as her last hope to restore the family's name. Especially now that Sophia's best friend, Lyra,

have the influence," another chimed in. "Better lock her down now, Mr. Guise, before she realizes

didn't you previously consider marrying Jasmine Kingston? Whatever happened

still underway. Charles Kingston

over?" asked

a million dollars,

her to my room. Perfect for

situation. Imagine having that

Gilbert said, eyes cold

ruthless ambition.

Charles Kingston?" another follower asked

but he's desperate. That spoiled brat has run out of money, willing to do anything

nove

understood?"

assured confidently. "You've always treated us like family; we'll do whatever it takes

"Then let's toast to Mr. Guise's upcoming marriage and to

clinked loudly, and the room filled with sinister laughter and

of the hotel's most exclusive bars came

a private room, her mother

have to follow us everywhere?" Sophia's voice trembled

her voice sharp as

humiliating accusation. I'm here

fixing this mess.

had made a silent vow-Sophia would marry Gilbert,

swagger, flashing a smile as he called

like a politician at his