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."

chuckled cruelly, savoring

this possible. Sophia would've never caved

a rare beauty slip away,

blond man eyed Gilbert

fun without

slow drag from his vape, his

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

turned out to be a total bitch. Hell, maybe I'll

his followers,

kind, Mr. Guise!" one of them shouted with a drunken

like you would let us share

generosity-Mr. Guise, we'll

every word. He stood there like a king among fools, loving

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

"I've confirmed everything with the people we planted inside the

hanging on in Chicago. With

family's name. Especially now that Sophia's

looks, and soon she'll have the influence," another chimed in. "Better lock her down now, Mr. Guise, before she realizes the power

asked, "Mr. Guise, didn't you previously consider marrying

"Oh, don't worry, that plan is still underway. Charles Kingston has already agreed to hand over his dear little

over?" asked

a million dollars, he promised

my room.

situation. Imagine having that

said, eyes

ruthless ambition.

trust Charles Kingston?" another

run out of money, willing to do

nove

understood?"

the men assured confidently. "You've always treated

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

laughter

hotel's most exclusive

uncomfortably in a private room, her mother Florence at her side like an

do you really have to follow us everywhere?" Sophia's voice

her voice

here

fixing this mess. Consider

had made a silent vow-Sophia would marry Gilbert, no matter

with his usual swagger, flashing a

drink, charming the room like a politician at his own