Chapter 4

David didn't come back. There was no news from him. The next morning also. But Sophia didn't chase, she never chases but she didn't forget either.

"Any updates?" she asked Mr Thomas.

Her voice cut through the silence of the penthouse office as she signed the last document in front of her.

Mr Thomas stood across the table tablet in hand.

"David reported to work as usual," he said. "No indication showing he intends to respond."

Sophia's pen paused for a fraction of a second then continued.

"Of course, he doesn't."

Men like David didn't fold easily, that was exactly why she chose him.

"How about his mother?" she asked.

"She was hospitalized again this morning."

Sophia's eyes lifted slowly. "How is her condition?"

"Chronic complications, currently ongoing treatment. Quite expensive."

"And the sister?"

"Final year in college. Scholarship application pending."

That was the pressure and responsibilities, that was his weakness.

Sophia leaned back slightly in her chair, her expression unreadable.

"Set up a meeting with the hospital."

Mr Thomas didn't hesitate. "Yes, Miss Ashford."

~~~

Hours later, Sophia stepped into the private wing of the most expensive hospital in the city. Everything here was quiet and discreet.

The doctor sat across from her visibly tensed despite the polished professionalism.

"We've been treating Mrs Kane for years now," he explained carefully. "Her condition requires consistent care. Without it..."

"She won't survive," Sophia finished calmly.

The doctor swallowed. "Yes."

Sophia folded her hands neatly on the table.

"What would it cost to ensure she receives the best treatment available?"

The doctor blinked and called a figure that was not high enough as she expected.

"Done," she said simply.

The doctor stared at her. "Excuse me?"

"I'll cover all expenses moving forward," she clarified. "Discreetly."

Understanding dawned on him slowly.

"And Mr Kane?" he asked cautiously.

"Doesn't need to know," Sophia said. Her tone made it clear that it wasn't a suggestion.

~~~

When she left the hospital, the rain had started softly. She didn't react but her fingers tightened slightly as a drop slid down the glass of her car.

Inside, Mr Thomas watched her carefully.

"You're investing a lot in someone who hasn't agreed yet."

Sophia's gaze remained fixed ahead. "He will."

"You're certain?"

Sophia smirked playfully.

"No one refuses survival," she said.

Across the city, David stood outside his apartment building, staring at his phone. He had three missed calls and a text message from the hospital.

'Payment received.' His jaw tightened dangerously.

He pushed the door open and stepped inside, his boots echoing faintly against the worn floor.

"David?"

Emma's voice came from the small kitchen bright and hopeful. He didn't answer immediately or move further into the room.

"Mom's treatment..." Emma continued, stepping into the view, her eyes wide."They said it's been covered. Completely covered. Do you know anything about that?"

The silence felt heavy, David exhaled slowly, and he closed his eyes for a brief second.

"David?" Emma pressed.

He opened his eyes. "Yeah," he said quietly. "I know."

Her face lit up instantly with joy and relief.

"Oh my God," she breathed. "You did something, didn't you? You fixed it?"

He didn't answer because he knew exactly what it was, it wasn't help it was leverage.

~~~

Back at the penthouse, Sophia stood by the window, watching the city move into the night. Lights flickering on across streets and homes.

Cars moved like streams of gold, the rain blurring everything into something softer.

Her reflection stared back at her from the glass.

"Miss Ashford." Mr Thomas stepped in quietly.

"He's here."

Sophia didn't turn immediately or smile.

"Send him in."

The door opens seconds later. David walked in with steady strides but something had changed.

Her eyes. They were darker now and cold and to her it felt good.

Sophia turned slowly, meeting his gaze.

"You move fast," he said. There was no greeting or pretense.

Sophia tilted her head slightly. "I don't like wasting time."

A tensed silence stretched between them.

"You had no right," David said. His voice wasn't loud but it carried weight, anger evident in his voice. His control is barely holding.

Sophia didn't react. "Your mother is receiving the best care available," she said calmly. "You're welcome."

His jaw clenched. "I didn't ask for your help."

"No," she agreed. "You didn't." She stepped closer. "But you needed it."

The words hit harder than they should have. David's hands curled into fists at his sides.

"You think this changes anything?" he asked.

Sophia held his gaze unmoved.

"I think," she said slowly, "it makes your decision easier."

"This isn't a decision," he said. "It's manipulation."

Sophia smiled. "Call it whatever helps you sleep at night."

That did it. He stepped closer, the tension increasing between them.

"You don't get to control people like this," he said, his voice lower sounding dangerous. Sophia didn't step back or break contact.

"I already am," she replied.

Neither of them moved. Then David let out a slow breath and stepped back. The fight didn't leave his eyes but something else crept in - resignation and hate and something against his will - acceptance.

"What are the terms?" he asked.

Sophia smiled victoriously. She walked back to her desk, picked up the contract, and slid it towards him.

"Three years," she said. "You play my husband publicly and convincingly."

David picked up the contract and read it carefully and slowly. "And when it's over?"

"You walk away," she said. "With everything you need."

There was a long pause then David picked up the pen and signed the contract. The sound of pen against paper echoed louder than it should have. David dropped the pen on the desk.

"This is a mistake," he said.

Sophia met his gaze. " No," she replied softly hee eyes darkening a little. "This is just the beginning."

The atmosphere seemed charged, suddenly David turned and walked towards the door but just before he reached he stopped but didn't look back.

"If you think this means I belong to you," he said quietly. "Then you're wrong."

The door opened and closed behind him, the silence returned. Sophia stood still for a moment then slowly her lips curved because she knew something he didn't.

'This wasn't about ownership, this was about control and his control was already slipping.'

The contract has been signed but neither of them understood just how dangerous the arrangements were about to become.