The Night Before Enrollment
In the dim glow of a grand study, a tall, imposing figure stood by the window, exuding an air of quiet authority. Behind him, an elderly man waited patiently, his posture respectful.
“Is everything in place?” The man by the window spoke, his icy tone as sharp as the chill of a mountaintop wind.
“Yes, sir. Everything has been arranged,” replied the elderly man without hesitation.
“Good. Assign four skilled female operatives from Shadowmoon to protect her from the shadows,” the cold voice commanded.
“Understood, sir. I’ll see to it immediately.” The older man gave a slight bow and turned to leave.
A knock echoed at the door.
“Dismissed. Tell everyone not to disturb me before dinner,” Dominic Steele ordered.
“Yes, sir.” The butler bowed once more before stepping out.
“Uncle Charles, is Dominic in the study?” A melodic voice called out from the hallway.
“Yes, Miss Sophia,” the butler replied warmly, turning to face her.
Sophia Rivers stood gracefully in the doorway, her presence radiating charm. She wore a creamy white, vintage-inspired nightgown layered with a lace-trimmed silk robe that brushed the floor. Her still-damp hair glistened as a few playful droplets fell onto her elegant attire, vanishing without a trace.
“Thank you, Uncle Charles.” She flashed him a bright, disarming smile before stepping inside the study.
The once dim room seemed to brighten instantly.
“Didn’t I say no one was to disturb me before dinner?” Dominic’s voice cut through the air, the displeasure evident in his tone.
“Are you still upset about me going to school?” Sophia asked softly, her tone soothing yet tinged with concern.
Dominic turned to face her. His dark, unruly hair framed a chiseled face, and the unbuttoned collar of his Armani shirt hinted at the strength beneath. Despite the commanding presence he exuded, his sharp gaze softened the moment it landed on her.
Spotting her damp hair, he crossed the room in a few quick strides and scooped her into his arms with ease. Gently, he set her down in a nearby chair, then retrieved a hairdryer from the cabinet.
“You shouldn’t walk around with wet hair. Do you want to catch a cold?” he chided gently as he began drying her hair.
“Well, maybe if I got sick, you’d stop being mad at me,” Sophia teased, a playful glint in her eyes.
“Nonsense. I’d never let you fall ill. You’re my treasure. I’m not angry at you—I’m just terrified someone else will notice how amazing you are and try to take you away. I can’t imagine my life without you. Sophia, you’re mine, and no one will ever change that. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you by my side,” Dominic declared, his tone both fierce and heartfelt.
Sophia, touched by his words, wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her forehead against his. Meeting his deep, soulful eyes, she whispered, “I’ll stay with you forever, through every lifetime. Unless... unless you stop loving me. If that ever happens, I’ll disappear from your world forever.”
She leaned in and brushed her lips against his in a soft, lingering kiss. “That’s my seal of ownership. From now on, this belongs to me,” she added with a mischievous smile, her fingers tracing his lips.
Dominic’s expression darkened with desire. Wrapping one arm around her waist and cradling her head with the other, he pulled her closer, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that was both passionate and unrelenting.
“I love you, Sophia. My Sophia,” he murmured between kisses, his voice filled with longing.
A sudden grumble broke the moment.
Dominic pulled back, laughing softly at the sight of Sophia’s flushed cheeks.
“My treasure is hungry. Let’s eat,” he said with a grin, effortlessly lifting her into his arms as he carried her out of the study.
“Stop laughing! You’re teasing me!” Sophia protested, lightly tapping his chest in mock frustration.
“I’m not teasing you. Just hold on tight, or you might fall,” Dominic replied, his amusement evident in his voice.
Sophia tightened her arms around his neck, her cheeks still glowing with embarrassment.
Downstairs, the household staff exchanged knowing glances. They were well-accustomed to seeing their cold, aloof master transformed into a tender, doting partner whenever Sophia was near. Few would believe that Dominic Steele—CEO of Steele Enterprises, one of the world’s top ten conglomerates, and a rumored ruthless underworld leader—could display such warmth and affection. Yet, in Sophia’s presence, he was a man deeply in love, his every action radiating devotion.
