Promise
1006 Words
Sofia's POV
Alex's grip loosened instantly, and I stumbled back, coughing as I rubbed my neck. My body trembled from the sheer force of his anger, but I kept my head high, refusing to let him see any sign of weakness. His father’s words hung in the air like a heavy threat, cutting through Alex’s rage and forcing him to back down.
Zack stepped forward, his eyes darting between Alex and me, a flicker of concern flashing in his hazel gaze. "This is not how you handle a wife, Alex," Zack said, his tone calm but firm. "She’s not a piece of property you can manhandle whenever you please."
Alex turned sharply to face Zack, his jaw tightening. "Stay out of this, Zack. You’ve no right to interfere in my marriage."
Zack smirked, his expression cool and calculating. "I’m just reminding you that you’re already on thin ice with Father. Do you really want to test him further?"
Alex’s nostrils flared, but he said nothing, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. His silence felt like a small victory, but I knew better than to let my guard down. This man was dangerous, and his temper was unpredictable.
Michael stepped closer, his commanding presence filling the room. "Alex, you’ll do well to remember your priorities. This marriage is a business arrangement, not a playground for your temper tantrums. Handle it with the dignity befitting our name."
Alex's lips curled in frustration, but he nodded stiffly. "Understood, Father," he muttered, his tone begrudging.
Michael turned to me, his sharp gaze assessing. "Sofia, you’re part of this family now. I suggest you learn quickly how to navigate its dynamics. But,"—he glanced pointedly at Alex—"you’re also not to be mistreated. We expect compliance, not submission."
I held his gaze, my throat burning from Alex’s earlier grip, but my voice was steady when I replied. "Understood, Mr. Holmes."
Michael gave a curt nod before turning and walking away, his authoritative presence lingering even after he was gone. Zack followed him, but not before giving me a brief, almost imperceptible look of reassurance.
As soon as they were out of sight, Alex stepped closer to me, his eyes blazing with barely contained-fury. "You think you’ve won something today, don’t you?" he hissed, his voice low and venomous. "But this is far from over, Sofia. You’ll learn your place soon enough."
I lifted my chin, meeting his gaze with defiance. "We’ll see about that, Alex."
His jaw tightened, but he said nothing more, turning abruptly and storming out of the room. I stood there for a moment, my chest heaving as I tried to steady my breathing.
The maid from earlier appeared at the door, her eyes wide with fear. "Miss Sofia," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Are you alright?"
I forced a small smile, even though my throat ached and my hands were shaking. "I’m fine," I said, my voice firmer than I felt. "Thank you for your concern."
She hesitated as if wanting to say more, but then she nodded and left quietly.
I sank into a nearby chair, the weight of everything crashing down on me. This marriage, this family, this entire situation—it felt like a nightmare I couldn’t wake up from. But one thing was certain: I wasn’t going to let Alex or anyone else break me. If they wanted a fight, they were going to get one.
"Sofia," I heard a voice call from behind and I turned back to see Zack stepping closer.
I blinked, finally letting my guard down. "Why did it have to be you?" He said, walking closer with the towel in his hands.
I looked down, blinking away the tears that brimmed in my eyes. "It's okay, it'll be fine," Zack said, reassuringly, as he placed the towel in his hands over the red marks of his brother's grip.
"I had it heated for you, it'll reduce the strain on your neck," he said, and the feeling of his tough on my neck had Mr breaking down.
"It... It hurts," I sobbed, breaking down in his arms. "It's okay, I got you," he comforted, running his hands down my back.
"Quick one Sofia, I'm going to leave you to this, I'm not going to always be there, steer clear of Alex, he's evil Sofia, he kills and does whatever he wants without anyone to stop him," He said, holding my gaze.
"I'll find a way to get out of this—"
"There's no getting out Sofia," he said, his voice laced with an overwhelmed emotion.
"You, look at me Sofia, I don't know you from this moment on, I need you to make sure you're safe, and getting too close to you? It's dangerous," he said, his breath pulsing.
"And what we had between us Sofia —" He said with a pause. "It stays between us," Holding my face in his hands, Zack's hazel eyes searched mine with an intensity that made my breath hitch. "Promise me," he continued, his voice low and insistent. "Promise me you won't do anything reckless.
Tears blurred my vision as I nodded, unable to form words. His touch was both a comfort and a painful reminder of everything I had lost. Whatever bond we once shared now felt like a lifeline slipping through my fingers, frayed and fragile.
"I promise," I whispered, my voice barely audible.
Zack’s jaw tightened, and he stepped back abruptly, as if distancing himself from me was the only way to keep us both safe. The warmth of his hands left a cold ache in their absence. "Good," he said, his tone clipped. "Take care of yourself, Sofia."
Before I could respond, he turned and strode out of the room, leaving me alone with the weight of his words and the searing pain in my chest. My fingers trembled as I pressed the warm towel against my neck,
the heat soothing the physical ache but doing little to ease the turmoil in my heart.
- Writer
