Ties of a Contract のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 11 - チャプター 20

AlexanderAttending social events should be as simple as it’s always been. I’m used to playing the role of the ruthless man, the flawless businessman, in these environments. It’s my comfort zone. But since I married Sophia, nothing feels simple anymore.We’re at a refined restaurant, where a select group of investors discusses deals over crystal glasses and linen napkins. A night to close partnerships, maintain appearances, and reinforce my image. Sophia is by my side, wearing an elegant burgundy dress. The fabric molds to her curves subtly, without exaggeration, but enough to draw attention. And those glances bother me more than I’d anticipated.She’s more reserved than before, yet her presence doesn’t go unnoticed. Many are curious about our sudden marriage, and though I feign indifference, I can’t ignore how her natural charm sparks curiosity and, to my growing irritation, interest.“I need to speak with Mr. Mendez about the European branch contract. I won’t be long,” I inform her,

SophiaThe morning arrives wrapped in a comfortable silence. I’ve been awake for a while, nestled in an armchair by the window of the penthouse, watching the sun paint the sky with shades of pink and orange. The city slowly awakens below, while up here, everything feels suspended, as if time has slowed down.It’s strange to think about it. A few weeks ago, I would never have imagined a moment of peace like this in my life. My routine used to be rushed, full of immediate worries: bills to pay, my mother’s condition in the hospital, Leo’s unpredictable moods. Now, despite everything, I have a moment just for myself to breathe.I can’t deny that part of this tranquility comes from the fact that I’m no longer alone in the financial struggle. Having Alexander by my side, even though everything began as a contract, has provided relief regarding debts and medical expenses. But there’s another part, more complex, that unsettles me: the unexpected relationship that seems to be forming between

SophiaThe news of Leo’s arrival came through a brief warning. He had called the doorman, announcing he was at the entrance and demanding to come up. My first reaction was relief that he had sought me out, but it was quickly replaced by a growing anxiety. I knew he wasn’t coming for good reasons.It didn’t take long for the doorbell to ring, and when I opened it, Leo stormed in like a hurricane. He didn’t ask for permission, didn’t wait for an invitation. He simply barged into the penthouse, his eyes brimming with fury as they scanned the luxurious surroundings.“So this is where you’re living now?” he began, his tone dripping with contempt. “A palace while I was left in that dump!”“Leo, please, keep your voice down,” I urged, closing the door and glancing quickly down the hall. I knew Alexander was home, and the last thing I wanted was for him to witness this family drama.“Don’t tell me to keep my voice down, Sophia!” he exploded, turning to me with a finger pointed. “You abandoned

SophiaThe day had arrived, and I felt a tightness in my chest as I looked at my reflection in the mirror. I was wearing a light blue dress, elegant but discreet, trying to convey the image of someone who had her life under control. However, my inner self told a different story. My mother, Eleanor, had asked—no, demanded—to meet Alexander, and I knew that the dinner would be anything but pleasant.Since her health had improved, thanks to the top-notch hospital treatment I managed to pay for with Alexander’s generous money, Eleanor had been sharper than ever. She emerged from the hospital with renewed energy and the same inclination for emotional manipulation. Leo, meanwhile, seemed to be simply enjoying what he considered my lucky break. The apartment Alexander had provided for them was spacious, modern, and located in a great part of the city, yet Leo complained incessantly.“You live in a palace while I’m stuck here,” he said the day before, when I went to visit the two of them. I h

SophiaI’m in the mansion’s library, surrounded by a pile of documents I asked Alexander’s assistant to digitize. He assumed it was for some charitable project I was involved in, but my intention is quite different. I can’t ignore the growing discomfort caused by Olivia’s words since our encounter at the dinner. Something doesn’t add up, and even though I want to believe in Alexander, I can’t keep ignoring the gaps in his story. I know my curiosity might lead to discoveries that could disappoint me, but in a strange way, it makes me feel alive, as if I were living inside the suspense novel I abandoned since that fateful encounter with Olivia.The photos I received showed Alexander and Olivia together at a charity event years ago. She used that as ammunition to make me question his character. But what bothers me the most isn’t the images; it’s the tone of her voice, the conviction that she still holds a place in his life. I need to understand who Olivia really is.The first clue appear