Chapter 3
1106 Words
The bond between Sophia and Lucas grew stronger, yet remnants of the initial agreement remained.
"Lucas, I sense I'm still holding up my end of the bargain," Sophia stated, frustration evident in her tone.
Lucas lifted one eyebrow. "What are you trying to say?"
At times, it can seem as if you are just going through a checklist - romantic dinners, weekend trips... Everything seems flawless, but is it authentic?" Sophia asked.
Lucas's demeanor became more gentle. "Sophia, my love for you is strong. This is the truth."
"What about the other aspects? The picture, the anticipation?" Sophia pressed.
Lucas let out a sigh. "Sophia, those are only decorations. I desire you above all others."
Sophia's uncertainties remained, but Lucas's words reassured her.
As time went by, Sophia observed Lucas trying to escape the limitations of the agreement.
He would unexpectedly plan picnics or tell silly jokes to make her happy.
Their bond developed, becoming increasingly genuine.
Nevertheless, Sophia couldn't rid herself of the sensation that Lucas was still holding something back.
Sophia opted to step away from Lucas's luxurious lifestyle and head out to the rural countryside nearby. Being alone in the fresh air would help her think clearly.
While driving along the curvy roads, her car abruptly jolted, and the lights on the dashboard started flickering. Sophia stopped the car and stepped out to examine the damage.
Deflated tires.
Sighing in frustration, Sophia opened the trunk and searched for the spare tire. However, it was also level.
Simply fantastic.
Feeling both frustrated and stuck, she stood still as a car came up behind her. A good-looking young man walked out, showing a friendly smile.
"Require assistance?" he inquired, examining the punctured tires.
Sophia paused, feeling uncertain. "I attempted to alter it, however..."
The man nodded with understanding. "Do not be concerned, I will contact a towing service." By the way, I'm Alex.
Sophia felt relieved as she introduced herself.
While awaiting assistance, Alex stayed with Sophia, discussing various topics including music and movies. However, Sophia couldn't stop thinking about Lucas.
She became more and more anxious, constantly looking at her phone for any messages.
Alex became aware. "Hey, are you doing alright? You appear... unfocused."
Sophia managed to put on a forced smile. "I'm doing well, thank you."
Alex's eyes squinted, detecting that she was not okay.
The tow truck came, and Alex stayed with Sophia while the mechanic fixed her car, attempting to talk to her.
However, Sophia's apprehension continued to increase. Lucas was constantly calling and texting without pause.
Alex's worry grew more severe. "Sophia, is there someone causing you trouble?"
Sophia quickly looked around, avoiding making eye contact with Alex. "I'm okay, no need to worry."
Alex refrained from saying anything, but his facial expression suggested he was skeptical.
After repairing the car, Alex escorted Sophia to the driver's seat.
Sophia expressed her gratitude to Alex for his assistance.
Alex had a smile on his face. "At any time. Be cautious, Sophia. And... make sure to watch out, alright?"
Sophia gave a nod, feeling Alex's silent worry.
While driving away, Sophia couldn't rid herself of the sense that Alex could see past her facade.
Enchanting!
While driving back to Lucas's penthouse, Sophia's feeling of discomfort increased. Her anxiety was caused by Lucas's constant phone calls and text messages.
Upon reaching the penthouse, Sophia discovered Lucas walking back and forth in the living room.
"Where did you go?" Lucas inquired with an undertone of anxiety.
Sophia paused momentarily. "I just needed to get some fresh air."
Lucas squinted his eyes. "Why not pick up calls or return my text?"
Sophia calmly stated that she did not want to be bothered.
Lucas's eyes lingered, looking for additional things.
Sophia breathed in deeply, attempting to articulate her thoughts. "My tires went flat, and—"
Lucas interrupted her, his face becoming more serious. "Are you saying that you coincidentally ended up with flat tires? Alone? In the middle of nowhere?"
Sophia experienced a sudden rush of annoyance. "That is precisely what occurred." While I was behind the wheel—"
Lucas grabbed the keys to the car out of her hand. "I will handle it. You lack the ability."
Sophia's eyes grew wider, pained by his tone. "Hey, that's unjust." "I can manage—"
Lucas's voice increased in volume. "Can I assist you with something? Is dealing with flat tires while stranded is something you consider handling well?"
Sophia's face felt a stinging sensation from his words. "You aren't paying attention. I was attempting to—"
Lucas looked away, ignoring her. "Simply leave, Sophia." "I'll take care of the vehicle."
Sophia felt tears welling up in the corners of her eyes. She experienced feelings of being diminished and manipulated.
The morning after, Lucas casually walked into the kitchen as Sophia enjoyed her coffee.
"Good morning," Sophia greeted, making an effort to sound cheerful.
"Please make breakfast," Lucas told her without acknowledging her greeting. "Classic dish featuring poached eggs on English muffins with hollandaise sauce." "Ensure that it is flawless."
Sophia acknowledged it, still nursing the pain from the argument they had last night.
While cooking, Sophia's hands shook a little bit. Placing the dish carefully, she exclaimed, "Breakfast is served!"
Lucas tells Sophia once she is done serving breakfast. A technician will inspect the vehicles later today.
Lucas seated himself, ate a bite, and frowned. "This has been cooked for too long." The hollandaise sauce is too watery.
Sophia experienced a sharp pain from his criticism. "I'll give it another shot—"
Lucas moved his chair back, getting up. "Don't waste your time." I have more important things to attend to."
At that moment, the doorbell sounded.
"It has to be the mechanic," murmured Lucas as he made his way towards the door.
Alex's eyes opened wide with astonishment when he noticed Lucas's serious face. "Good morning, Sir!"
Lucas motioned towards the garage. "The cars are in the rear." Inspect both the Ferrari and the Bentley.
After Lucas turned around to go back inside, Alex's eyes wandered past him and focused on Sophia in the entrance hall.
Sophia's astonishment reflected Alex's when their gazes locked. She was surprised to find out that the mechanic she encountered was the person she had met the day before.
Alex's smile wavered briefly before he composed himself again. Hello once more.
Sophia's face turned red as she responded with a quiet hello.
Lucas, unaware of the stress, ad
ded, "I will be leaving now. Inform her once you have finished.
As Lucas vanished, Alex gazed at Sophia before he made his way to the garage.
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