All Chapters of The Contract Wife, Strikes Back : Chapter 1 - Chapter 6

“You are here because you serve a purpose. Do not mistake convenience for care.”Sofia steps across the threshold of the penthouse. The front door closes behind her with a soft click that sounds like a lock engaging. She stands in the entryway holding her suitcase, taking in the space without moving her head.Daniel walks past her without slowing down. He places his briefcase on a console table and turns to face her. He gestures toward the hallway to his right. “West suite is yours,” he says. “East suite is mine. The living room, dining area, and kitchen are shared spaces. You may use the gym and the terrace whenever you wish, but if I am there, you should ask before joining me.” Sofia almost roll her eyes.Sofia sets her suitcase down beside her feet. She looks at the large windows that span the entire wall. She knows that expensive things do not equal safety.“What are the rules for visitors?” she asks. “Can my father come here? Can I have friends over?”Daniel shakes his head imme

“Whoever told you that you are safe here lied to you. The walls have ears, and even the truth wears a mask.”Sofia stands frozen in the hallway, the door cracked open just enough to let the sound reach her. The woman’s voice is soft, but it carries clearly through the wood. She steps back slowly, her bare feet making no sound on the floor. She does not want to be caught listening. She does not want to give him a reason to be angry or defensive, that's why she walks back inside her own suite and closes the door without a sound.She sits on the edge of the bed. She does not try to convince herself it was nothing. She does not tell herself it was a business call or a family member. She knows what she heard. She knows that voice was not there for the first time.The next morning, she walks into the kitchen at seven o’clock. Daniel is already there drinking coffee. He looks up when she enters, his expression exactly as it always is. He does not look guilty. He does not look like a man who

“Do not mistake my silence for weakness. I am not keeping this secret for you. I am keeping it for the life growing inside me.”Sofia stands at the kitchen counter early the next morning. She prepares toast and fruit. She does not make coffee anymore. She read somewhere that caffeine is something to limit now. She places her hand on her stomach lightly, almost unconsciously, before she sits down.Daniel walks in a few minutes later. He is dressed in a sharp business suit. There is no sign that anything changed between them the night before.“I have a breakfast meeting across town,” he says. He pours himself coffee without asking if she wants any. “I will not be back until late afternoon. Do not wait dinner for me.”“Did you sleep at all?” Sofia asks. She notices the slight shadow under his eyes. She notices how he avoids looking directly at her.“Enough,” he says. He takes a sip of coffee and checks his watch. “I have already told the staff you are not to be disturbed today. If you ne