BE MY GUEST

As Sophia stood in her room, trying to gather her thoughts, she heard the sound of the door opening. Marcus walked in, a sly smile spreading across his face.

"Good news, Sophia," he said, holding up a box of designer clothes. "I've got a special event to attend tonight, and I want you to be my guest."

Sophia's eyes widened as she took in the sight of the expensive clothes and jewelry. But she knew she couldn't let Marcus win.

"I can’t and I won’t ," Sophia said, trying to sound firm.

Marcus chuckled. "Oh, I think you'll want to reconsider," he said, his eyes glinting with menace. "You see, I have a little insurance policy to make sure you cooperate."

Sophia's heart sank as Marcus pulled out a photo of her father. "If you don't do exactly as I say, I'll make sure your father is arrested and charged with fraud."

Sophia felt a wave of fear wash over her. She knew she couldn't let Marcus hurt her father.

"Okay," Sophia said, trying to keep her voice steady. "I'll go."

Marcus smiled, seeming to enjoy her defeat. "Excellent choice," he said, handing her the box of clothes. "Get dressed. We have an event to attend."

Sophia took the box, feeling a sense of despair wash over her. She knew she was trapped, and she had no idea how to escape.

As she began to get dressed,Sophia caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. She looked like a completely different person, dressed in the expensive clothes and jewelry.

The designer gown hugged her curves in all the right places, showcasing her toned physique and emphasizing on her delicate features. The jewelry sparkled on her neck and wrists, casting a mesmerizing glow on her flawless skin.

But as she looked deeper into her own eyes, Sophia saw a glint of hopelessness

Sophia finished getting dressed and stood up, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

As she stepped out of the door,Marcus's eyes roamed over her body, a look of approval on his face. "You look stunning, Sophia," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I knew you had potential."

Sophia felt a shiver run down her spine as Marcus's eyes lingered on her. She knew she had to keep her distance, to not let him get too close.

"Shall we go?" Marcus asked, offering Sophia his arm.

Sophia hesitated for a moment, but then took his arm, trying to play along. As they walked out of the room, Sophia caught a glimpse of Emma, the timid cook, watching her from the shadows. Sophia tried to send her a message, to let her know that she was okay, but Emma just nodded slightly and disappeared.

As they made their way to the event, Sophia's mind was racing. She knew she had to find a way to escape, to get away from Marcus and his clutches. But for now, she had to play along, to pretend to be the obedient captive.

The event was a lavish party, filled with wealthy and influential people. Sophia was introduced as Marcus's new "mentee", and she played along, smiling and laughing as if she were having the time of her life.

But inside, Sophia was seething. She knew she was trapped, and she was determined to find a way out.

Sophia's beauty turned heads. People couldn't help but stare as she glided effortlessly across the room, her confidence and poise radiating like a beacon.

The men were captivated by her charms, their eyes lingering on her curves and their faces filled with admiration.

The women, on the other hand, looked on with a mix of envy and awe, their eyes scanning Sophia's outfit and their minds racing with thoughts of how they could replicate her style.

As they entered the grand ballroom, Sophia's entrance was met with a collective gasp. The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on the stunning beauty who had just walked in. The music seemed to fade into the background, and the only sound was the soft rustling of clothes as people turned to get a better look at Sophia.

Marcus smiled, his eyes gleaming with pride. "You're a true showstopper, Sophia," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the din of the crowd.

Sophia's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but she couldn't help feeling a sense of satisfaction. She knew she looked good, and it was gratifying to see that others thought so too.

As Sophia stood beside Marcus, pretending to be enjoying the party, she couldn't help but notice a man watching them from across the room. He was tall, with piercing blue eyes that seemed to bore into her soul. Sophia felt a shiver run down her spine as their eyes met, and she quickly looked away, trying to compose herself.

But the man didn't seem to care that she was trying to ignore him. He kept glancing over at them, his eyes narrowing as he took in Marcus's possessive grip on Sophia's arm.

Suddenly, the man strode over to them, his eyes locked on Marcus. "Mind if I cut in?" he asked, his voice low and smooth.

Marcus's eyes flashed with anger, but he smiled politely. "Not at all," he said, releasing Sophia's arm.

The man turned to Sophia and smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "May I have the pleasure of dancing with you?" he asked, holding out his hand.

Sophia's heart skipped a beat as she hesitated, unsure of what to do. But before she could respond, Marcus's face darkened, and he stepped forward, his eyes blazing with anger.

"I don't think so," Marcus growled, his voice low and menacing.

The man's eyes locked onto Marcus's, and for a moment, Sophia thought she saw a flash of defeat. But then, the man's face smoothed out, and he smiled again.

"Oh, I think the lady can make her own decisions," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Marcus's face turned red with rage, and he took a step forward, his fists clenched. Sophia's heart was racing as she realized that things were about to escalate.

But before Marcus could do anything, the man reached out and pulled Sophia into his arms, spinning her away from Marcus and onto the dance floor.

As they twirled across the floor, Sophia's heart was pounding in her chest. She didn't know what was happening, but she knew she had to get away from Marcus.

And for the first time in what felt like an eternity, Sophia felt a glimmer of hope.

Marcus charged at the stranger as he landed a blow on him,the mysterious man reciprocated and in a fast pace they were all on the ground.As the people around made effort to stop them.

As the altercation between Marcus and the mysterious man came to an end, Sophia found herself being pulled away from the dance floor, her arm throbbing in pain. She had sustained a bruise from the rough handling, and Marcus's eyes widened in concern as he took in the sight of her injury.

"Are you okay?" Marcus asked, his voice soft and gentle, a stark opposite to the anger that had flashed in his eyes just moments before.

Sophia nodded, still trying to process what had just happened. Marcus instantly pulled her into his arms, cradling her as if she were a fragile doll.

"Let's get you out of here," he whispered, leading her away from the crowded ballroom and out into the cool night air.

The ride home was quiet, with Marcus's eyes fixed intently on the road ahead. Sophia couldn't help but steal glances at him, wondering what was going through his mind.

When they arrived at the mansion, Marcus helped Sophia out of the car and led her straight to her room. He disappeared for a moment, returning with a first aid box in hand.

Without saying a word, Marcus gently tended to Sophia's bruise, his fingers brushing against her skin with a softness that belied his usual rough demeanor.

As he worked, Sophia couldn't help but wonder what was going through Marcus's mind. He was always the one doing the talking, always the one in control. But now, he was silent, his eyes fixed intently on her injury.

When he finished, Marcus closed the first aid box and stood up, his eyes locking onto Sophia's for a brief moment before he turned and left the room.

Sophia was left staring after him, her mind racing with questions. Why had Marcus been so quiet? What was going through his mind? And why did she feel a strange sense of comfort in his silence?