Title: Littered HeartPart 1: The UnexpectedSophie Bennett had never considered herself impulsive—or at least, she told herself that constantly. She valued her independence, her carefully structured life in London, and the freedom to make her own choices. But one Friday night, at a corporate gala she barely wanted to attend, everything changed.It began innocently. Sophie was there with her best friend, Claire. The room sparkled with chandeliers, designer suits, and the faint aroma of expensive perfume. And then he appeared—Alexander Knight, CEO of Knight Enterprises, a man whose reputation alone could shake boardrooms and media outlets alike.She had seen him in magazines, on TV panels, and in business journals. Cold, calculated, notoriously ruthless in business—yet near him, Sophie felt an undeniable pull. He was tall, sharply dressed, with piercing grey eyes that seemed to see straight through her.Fate—or perhaps misfortune—seated them together at dinner. Small talk turned into subtle flirtation, flirtation into laughter, and by the end of the evening, under the city lights, a single kiss spiraled into a night neither expected.It was meant to be just a fleeting mistake—a one-night encounter with no consequences. But fate had other plans.Two weeks later, Sophie’s life was irrevocably altered.The test was positive.Her hands shook as she stared at the tiny strip of paper. How could this happen? She had been careful—or thought she had been. Now, she carried Alexander’s child. And she had to tell him.The call to Alexander was nerve-wracking. Surprisingly, he answered immediately, his voice calm.“Sophie,” he said, almost casually, “I was expecting this call.”“Expecting?” she whispered.“I know you,” he replied, “and I know when something like this happens, you’ll eventually tell me. So… is it true?”“Yes. I’m pregnant,” she admitted, voice shaking.A long silence followed. Then Alexander’s tone was unreadable: “We need to meet. My office. Today.”Part 2: The Families InterveneNeither Sophie nor Alexander anticipated their families’ reactions. Alexander’s mother, Victoria Knight, a formidable woman known for running her family like a corporation, insisted on a private meeting with both sets of parents. Sophie’s parents, the Bennetts, were equally strict.“This scandal must be handled,” Victoria stated sharply. “This child will be recognized, and you two will marry.”Alexander, furious, protested. “Mother, this is absurd! We barely know each other!”“Enough, Alexander! You are a man of responsibility. She carries your child. You will do what is expected,” she commanded.Sophie wanted to protest too, but her father’s hand on her shoulder silenced her. “This child is your responsibility,” he said quietly.And so, marriage was arranged. Neither wanted it, yet neither could avoid it.Part 3: The Hate-Love DynamicLiving together tested every limit. Alexander was infuriatingly precise, meticulous, and controlling in every aspect of life—from finances to décor. Sophie, equally strong-willed, resisted at every turn.“Why is the nursery blue?” Sophie demanded, crossing her arms.“Neutral. Recommended by the designer,” Alexander replied calmly, absorbed in his work.“You decided without asking me!” she shot back.“I consulted the designer. You didn’t answer your phone,” he countered.Days turned into weeks, arguments unrelenting, yet beneath the tension, something began to shift. In moments Alexander didn’t intend, he checked on her when she felt unwell, prepared her favorite tea, and quietly ensured she ate properly. Sophie noticed. She hated noticing.And she hated herself for it.Part 4: Close QuartersSophie and Alexander moved into a spacious penthouse in central London, a sleek apartment overlooking the Thames. On paper, it was perfect: luxury, privacy, and enough space that living together shouldn’t feel suffocating. In reality, it was a battleground.Alexander was early to rise, perfectly dressed by 6 a.m., checking emails, preparing for board meetings. Sophie, on the other hand, lingered in bed, craving peace, silence, and a moment to breathe. Their routines clashed from the first day.“You left the window open again,” Alexander said one morning, his voice clipped.“I like fresh air,” Sophie replied, rolling her eyes.“It’s cold, and the draft affects the baby,” he said, his tone sharp.Sophie froze. The baby. That tiny life inside her—the one that made all these battles necessary. “I’m fine,” she said softly, though a pang of guilt tugged at her chest.Alexander sighed, softening only slightly. “I know. I’m… just concerned. That’s all.”She noticed the faint tension in his eyes—the mixture of annoyance and care he tried desperately to hide. She hated that he cared.Part 5: Family MeddlingJust when Sophie thought she could handle life with Alexander, the families intervened again. Victoria Knight visited, bringing her usual cold precision and a suitcase of “essentials” for the baby. to