All Chapters of BOUND BY DECEPTION : Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

“Is this what my life has been reduced to?” Sophia asked, pensively.Sophia’s eyes moved slowly to the cracked ceiling, where cobwebs leaned in the faint draft. Her hands trembled as they rested against her sides, fingers curling into her worn dress. Across the room, Alexander Blackwood relaxed in the only undamaged chair in the house, the pale upholstery looking amusingly out of place below him.He sat like a king, staring at the shattered kingdom, his long legs drawn out, hands resting informally on the armrests. His tailored suit was clean, a stunning view against the dilapidated living room around him. His expression was one of disappointing expectations, though a feeling of disdain as he glanced at the stripping wallpaper.“Attractive place you have here,” he muttered, breaking the silence. His sharp blue eyes tossed to hers, sparkling with mockery. “I see why you’re so attached to it.”Sophia enraged, crossing her arms tightly over her chest. “If you’re just here to insult my hom

A Mother’s PleaSophia sat on a small wooden stool beside her mother’s bed, her hands clasped tightly together. The once-vibrant Mrs. Carter, now pale and fragile, lay motionless under a thin blanket. Her poor breathing occupied the silence, an visible reminder of how illness had stripped her of strength and nourishment.Sophia's gaze hanging on her mother’s sunken cheeks and the dark circles below her closed eyes. Her heart ached with the burden of helplessness, a choking burden she could no longer bear alone.How did it come to this? Sophia thought bitterly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. A contract marriage. Selling my future to a man like Alexander Blackwood just to keep this house standing and pay for the medicine she needs to avert untimely death like her father.Her fingers hold strong around the edge of the stool, her knuckles turning white. She abhorred how desperate she felt, how restricted she was by circumstances beyond her control. The thought of Alexander’s supe

Julian stood near the edge of the low lit terrace of a luxurious bar, his gaze fixed on the skyline. The city energized with life below, its lights flickering like stars in an endless ocean of ambition and chaos. He sipped his drink thoughtfully, waiting for his guest. His plan was unfolding perfectly—or so he believed. The sound of approaching heels made him glance over his shoulder. Victoria Sinclair, the picture of elegance with her raven-black hair and piercing green eyes, walked toward him. Her presence commanded attention, but tonight there was a touch of desperation in her manner.“You’re late,” Julian said calmly, shaking his drink.Victoria smiled scornfully, as she leaned against the railing. “Some things are worth waiting for, Julian.”“Are they?” he replied, raising an eyebrow. His tone was friendly, but his sharp gaze was examining her. “Let’s not waste time. You wanted to meet me. Here I am. Talk.”Victoria’s confidence quivered for a moment before she braced herself. “I

THE WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT SCANDAL.He stood with his back to the room, one hand on the pocket, the other touching the frame of the window. He was staring at the busy road and its sprawling city skyline. His jaw tightens as he re-echoes the rejection message in his mind he has received earlier.“The offer was not accepted, it was a mistake.”The words echoed like a taunt, each one a disrespect to his power. Alexander didn’t do rejection—not in business, not in life, and certainly not in matters of control of everything.“She thinks she can refuse me?” He muttered to himself, his voice low but very sharp and dominating.His bold and brutal eyes, showing in the reflection of the glass, clouded with determination.Moments later, the office door to his office creaked open, interrupting his thoughts. Alexander barked, without turning to the person, “What is it?” “It's done,” a voice replied, clipped and professional but sound with tension.Alexander turned, his quick and smart gaze landing on

The Accepted Offer Alexander was walking slowly to his office as the snail. He was so relaxed and calm this particular morning. He didn't quite notice a particular figure sitting in the visitor chair as he drifted his gaze to his shelves.But as he turned toward his desk, he froze mid-step.Sophia sat stiffly in one of the plush armchairs opposite his desk, her expression carefully composed but betraying hints of discomfort. Her fingers were interlocked in her lap, and her gaze darted briefly toward him before settling somewhere over his shoulder.Alexander shut the door behind him, the click echoing in the room. “Sophia?” His brows furrowed in real surprise. “To what do I owe this……unexpected visit?”He walked toward his desk, setting his briefcase down first before sinking into his chair.Sophia breathed down, her expression was unreadable. She held her posture still, lips pressed into thin lines.He leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing. “Let me guess. You've come to repeat